Newcomers To Narcotics Anonymous

You are not alone!

The newcomer is the most important person because we can only keep what we have by giving it away.

Welcome to the fellowship on NA!

Newcomers To Narcotics Anonymous

If you’re new to Narcotics Anonymous (NA), welcome. It’s completely normal to feel nervous, unsure, or even scared before your first meeting. Many of us felt exactly the same way. You don’t need to know what to say or how things work, just showing up is enough.

NA is a fellowship of addicts who meet regularly to help one another stay clean.

What is an NA meeting?

An NA meeting is a safe, confidential space where addicts come together to support each other in recovery. Meetings are:

Free Anonymous Confidential Open to anyone who thinks they may have a problem with drugs

Everything shared in a meeting stays in the meeting.

Find a meeting

What Happens at a Meeting?

Most meetings follow a similar format.
The meeting opens with readings that explain what NA is. A chairperson guides the meeting, and members may share about their recovery. The meeting closes with announcements and fellowship (fellowship is the informal time when members stay, talk, and connect after the meeting, and sometimes even go for coffee).

You are welcome to listen quietly. You are never required to speak.

 

Introducing Yourself

If you are invited to introduce yourself, we keep it simple.

You introduce yourself by first name only, for example:
“Hi, I’m Alex, and I’m an addict.”

We do not use surnames, labels, or mention specific drugs.

 

Sharing at a Meeting

Sharing in a meeting is for members who are clean.

If you are not clean, we ask that you do not share during the meeting. This helps keep meetings safe and focused on recovery.

If you are new or struggling, you are encouraged to:

  • Listen during the meeting

  • Speak to someone before or after the meeting

  • Ask for help — you do not have to do this alone

     

    About Drugs and Language

    In NA, we focus on recovery rather than specific substances.

    We do not name drugs. You may hear the term DOC, which means drug of choice. This helps keep meetings safe and inclusive for everyone.

     

    Who Should I Talk To?

    If you’re unsure who to approach, it’s best to speak to a service member.

    What Is a Service Member?

    A service member is an NA member trusted by the group to help the meeting run smoothly and to support members, especially newcomers.

    Service members may include:

    • The chairperson

    • The secretary

    • A greeter

    • Other meeting facilitators

    They are there to help. You can ask them questions, let them know you’re new, or ask for support after the meeting.

     

    What Should I Bring?

    You don’t need to bring anything — just yourself.

    You don’t need money, paperwork, or prior knowledge of NA.

     

    Open and Closed Meetings

    Open Meetings

    Open meetings are for addicts and non-addicts. Friends, family members, or anyone interested in learning about NA may attend.

    Closed Meetings

    Closed meetings are for addicts or those who feel they may have a drug problem.

    If you’re unsure which meeting to attend, ask a service member — they’ll be happy to help.

     

    What NA Is Not

    NA is not:

    • A religious organisation

    • A treatment or rehab program

    • Affiliated with law enforcement or courts

    • A place where you are judged or forced to speak

    You don’t need to believe anything specific to attend — just come with an open mind.

     

    Anonymity and Confidentiality

    Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of NA. You do not have to use your full name. What you hear and share in meetings stays in the meeting.

    Members do not discuss who attends meetings outside of NA.

    This helps create a safe space for recovery.

     

    Do I Have to Be Clean to Attend?

    No. You do not have to be clean to attend an NA meeting.

    If you are not clean, we ask that you listen during the meeting and speak to a service member before or after. Help is available.

     

    Simple Meeting Guidelines

    • Arrive on time if possible
    • Silence your phone
    • Avoid side conversations
    • Listen with respect when others are sharing
    • Refrain from cross-talk, commenting on someone else’s share

    If you’re unsure, just follow along, no one expects perfection.

     

    What Is a Sponsor?

    A sponsor is an NA member who supports another addict in recovery by sharing their experience with the NA program.

    You don’t need a sponsor right away. Many people attend meetings for a while before choosing one. If you have questions, a service member can explain more.

     

    If You Feel Overwhelmed

    It’s okay to:

    • Step outside quietly.

    • Leave early if you need to.

    • Ask someone for support.

    Your well-being comes first.

     

    What to Expect on Your First Visit

    You may feel nervous—that’s normal. You can sit and listen; you don’t have to share. You may be offered phone numbers. You can leave immediately after the meeting if you need to.

    Many newcomers find it helpful to arrive a few minutes early or stay briefly after the meeting to connect with someone.

     

    After Your First Meeting

    Many newcomers find it helpful to:

    • Try a few different meetings.

    • Exchange phone numbers.

    • Keep coming back.

    • Ask questions.

    There is no rush. Recovery happens one day at a time.

     

    It’s Okay to Feel Scared

    Almost everyone in NA remembers feeling scared, awkward, or unsure at their first meetings. Those feelings pass. You don’t need to have it all figured out today.

    You belong here if you think you might have a problem with drugs.

     

    Keep Coming Back

    You don’t have to understand everything right away. Many of us stayed simply by listening and coming back.

    “The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using.”

    You are welcome here. You are not alone anymore.

     

    Need More Help?

    Contact a service member at your local meeting. Call your local helpline or message us on WhatsApp. You can also find a meeting near you through the meetings page on this website.

    You never have to do this alone.

    Contact NA

    Recovery Booklets

    Recovery Information Pamphlets (IP’s)

    Visit our downloads page for more pamphlets and recovery material.

    Downloads