Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a program created in 1953 to provide a safe space for anonymous addiction recovery. At the time of the founding, the body aimed at focusing on drug users addicted to narcotics. However, the program expanded, and it now focuses on recovery from forms of drug addiction through the 12 steps of Narcotics Anonymous. Members of the fellowship pay for the facilities and share their addiction journey with others.
12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous
Narcotics Anonymous involves 12 steps that a member should follow to recover from addiction. Ideally, one should explore these steps in their original order. However, you can revisit some of the steps, depending on your addiction’s nature and level. The 12 steps of Narcotics Anonymous entail are:
- Step 1- This step involves admitting a lack of control over substance abuse. Moreover, it requires acknowledging that addiction makes other parts of life unmanageable.
- Step 2- Believing in a higher power to help you fight addiction and restore sanity.
- Step 3- This stage requires addicts to understand the importance of allowing God to control their life.
- Step 4- The phase involves reflecting on life and identifying mistakes made in the past.
- Step 5- After evaluation, it is compulsory to confess the mistakes to God and others.
- Step 6- Members should admit the readiness to let a higher power end their shortcomings.
- Step 7- The process entails allowing God to help eliminate the identified faults, such as drug addiction.
- Step 8- A person should make a list of those they wronged and be willing to ask for forgiveness.
- Step 9- This step inspires one to apologize to people they hurt. Also, it discourages against telling the truth if it will cause further harm.
- Step 10- The stage involves recording the recovery process and dealing with triggers that influence drug usage.
- Step 11- At this stage, the fellowship provides spiritual guidance through prayers and meditation.
- Step 12-After completing the 11 steps, people in recovery share their strategies of fighting addiction.
Spirituality in Narcotics Anonymous
Narcotics Anonymous identifies itself as an organization with spiritual beliefs. So, it encourages members to trust that a higher power can help in fighting addiction. For instance, the third step of the process requires understanding the importance of a higher entity. Still, NA does not relate to any specific religion; hence, you can choose the power to believe.
Narcotics Anonymous also allows a person to grow spiritually while in recovery. This helps members to share their tactics on how to fight drug abuse. Furthermore, the program emphasizes the spiritual and mental importance of helping other people. Most facilities that offer the 12 steps Narcotics Anonymous function in different ways. Hence, some of these institutions may be more or less religious compared to others.
Are the 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous Effective?
It is recommendable that a drug user attends a NA fellowship alongside a drug rehab program. This step can help you stick to the vow of sobriety and take responsibility for all actions—additionally, the aspect of anonymous involvement aids in protecting privacy. Narcotics Anonymous fellowships allow one to interact with others in recovery. Also, it applies supplementary rules to help in the management of relationships. Some of the traditions that members uphold include leadership and unity. These traditions help affiliates to respect and support each other in attaining goals.
Recover from Addiction at Oceanfront Recovery
Supplementing drug rehab with the 12 steps of Narcotics Anonymous can help in attaining life-long sobriety. At Oceanfront Recovery, we offer various programs to help clients recover from drug and alcohol addiction. Besides, we enhance treatment with group therapy, Anonymous Alcohol fellowship, and other creative activities. These procedures will improve physical and mental health during recovery. Contact Oceanfront Recovery at 877.296.7477 to enroll for an effective detox and rehabilitation program.
