[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Newcomers To Narcotics Anonymous” subhead=”You are not alone!” text_orientation=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”Montserrat|800|||||||” title_font_size=”46px” title_line_height=”1.1em” content_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” content_font_size=”30px” content_letter_spacing=”1px” content_line_height=”2em” subhead_font=”Montserrat|–et_global_body_font_weight|||||||” subhead_font_size=”25px” subhead_letter_spacing=”1px” subhead_line_height=”1.6em” background_enable_color=”off” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_type=”circular” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(0,0,0,0.74) 0%|rgba(255,255,255,0) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_image=”https:\/\/na.org.za\/wc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/11\/2151930384.jpg” custom_button_one=”on” button_one_text_size=”25px” button_one_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_one_border_width=”2px” button_one_border_radius=”2px” button_one_font=”Montserrat|900|||||||” button_one_icon=”5||divi||400″ button_one_icon_color=”#FFFFFF” button_one_custom_margin=”40px||||false|false” custom_padding=”100px||100px||true|false” title_font_size_tablet=”46px” title_font_size_phone=”35px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_content=”margin-top: 30px;” custom_css_subtitle=”margin-top: 30px;” title_text_shadow_style=”preset1″ content_text_shadow_style=”preset1″ subhead_text_shadow_style=”preset1″ button_one_text_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_style_button_one=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#224091″ custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”25px” text_line_height=”1.6em” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
The newcomer is the most important person because we can only keep what we have by giving it away.<\/p>\n
Welcome to the fellowship on NA!<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ box_shadow_blur=”15px” box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.11)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ text_font=”Montserrat|–et_global_body_font_weight|||||||” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”2em” link_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” link_text_color=”#224091″ link_line_height=”2.3em” header_2_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_2_line_height=”1.7em” header_3_line_height=”1.3em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re new to Narcotics Anonymous (NA), welcome. It\u2019s completely normal to feel nervous, unsure, or even scared before your first meeting. Many of us felt exactly the same way. You don\u2019t need to know what to say or how things work, just showing up is enough.<\/p>\n
NA is a fellowship of addicts who meet regularly to help one another stay clean.<\/p>\n
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An NA meeting is a safe, confidential space where addicts come together to support each other in recovery. Meetings are:<\/p>\n
Free Anonymous Confidential Open to anyone who thinks they may have a problem with drugs<\/p>\n
Everything shared in a meeting stays in the meeting.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9saW5rX3VybF9wYWdlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsicG9zdF9pZCI6Ijg3NyJ9fQ==@” button_text=”Find a meeting” button_alignment=”left” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _dynamic_attributes=”button_url” _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#244091″ button_border_radius=”2px” button_letter_spacing=”1px” button_font=”Montserrat|700||on|||||” button_icon=”||fa||900″ button_on_hover=”off” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.1)” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ text_font=”Montserrat|–et_global_body_font_weight|||||||” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”2em” link_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” link_text_color=”#224091″ link_line_height=”2.3em” header_2_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_2_line_height=”1.7em” header_3_line_height=”1.3em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
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).<\/p>\n
You are welcome to listen quietly. You are never required to speak.<\/p>\n
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If you are invited to introduce yourself, we keep it simple.<\/p>\n
You introduce yourself by first name only, for example: We do not use surnames, labels, or mention specific drugs.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sharing in a meeting is for members who are clean.<\/p>\n If you are not clean, we ask that you do not share during the meeting. This helps keep meetings safe and focused on recovery.<\/p>\n If you are new or struggling, you are encouraged to:<\/p>\n Listen during the meeting<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Speak to someone before or after the meeting<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Ask for help \u2014 you do not have to do this alone<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/p>\n In NA, we focus on recovery rather than specific substances.<\/p>\n We do not name drugs. You may hear the term DOC<\/strong>, which means drug of choice<\/em>. This helps keep meetings safe and inclusive for everyone.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you\u2019re unsure who to approach, it\u2019s best to speak to a service member.<\/p>\n A service member is an NA member trusted by the group to help the meeting run smoothly and to support members, especially newcomers.<\/p>\n Service members may include:<\/p>\n The chairperson<\/p>\n<\/li>\n The secretary<\/p>\n<\/li>\n A greeter<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Other meeting facilitators<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n They are there to help. You can ask them questions, let them know you\u2019re new, or ask for support after the meeting.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You don\u2019t need to bring anything \u2014 just yourself.<\/p>\n You don\u2019t need money, paperwork, or prior knowledge of NA.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Open meetings are for addicts and non-addicts. Friends, family members, or anyone interested in learning about NA may attend.<\/p>\n Closed meetings are for addicts or those who feel they may have a drug problem.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re unsure which meeting to attend, ask a service member \u2014 they\u2019ll be happy to help.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n NA is not:<\/p>\n A religious organisation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n A treatment or rehab program<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Affiliated with law enforcement or courts<\/p>\n<\/li>\n A place where you are judged or forced to speak<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n You don\u2019t need to believe anything specific to attend \u2014 just come with an open mind.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Members do not discuss who attends meetings outside of NA.<\/p>\n This helps create a safe space for recovery.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n No. You do not have to be clean to attend an NA meeting.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you\u2019re unsure, just follow along, no one expects perfection.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A sponsor is an NA member who supports another addict in recovery by sharing their experience with the NA program.<\/p>\n You don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It\u2019s okay to:<\/p>\n Step outside quietly.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Leave early if you need to.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Ask someone for support.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Your well-being comes first.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You may feel nervous\u2014that\u2019s normal. You can sit and listen; you don\u2019t have to share. You may be offered phone numbers. You can leave immediately after the meeting if you need to.<\/p>\n Many newcomers find it helpful to arrive a few minutes early or stay briefly after the meeting to connect with someone.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Many newcomers find it helpful to:<\/p>\n Try a few different meetings.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Exchange phone numbers.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Keep coming back.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Ask questions.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n There is no rush. Recovery happens one day at a time.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Almost everyone in NA remembers feeling scared, awkward, or unsure at their first meetings. Those feelings pass. You don\u2019t need to have it all figured out today.<\/p>\n You belong here if you think you might have a problem with drugs.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You don\u2019t have to understand everything right away. Many of us stayed simply by listening and coming back.<\/p>\n \u201cThe only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n You are welcome here. You are not alone anymore.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n You never have to do this alone.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9saW5rX3VybF9wYWdlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsicG9zdF9pZCI6Ijg2OCJ9fQ==@” button_text=”Contact NA” button_alignment=”left” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _dynamic_attributes=”button_url” _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#244091″ button_border_radius=”2px” button_letter_spacing=”1px” button_font=”Montserrat|700||on|||||” button_icon=”||fa||900″ button_on_hover=”off” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.1)” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ text_font=”Montserrat|–et_global_body_font_weight|||||||” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”2em” link_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” link_text_color=”#224091″ link_line_height=”2.3em” header_2_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_2_line_height=”1.7em” header_3_line_height=”1.3em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Visit our downloads page for more pamphlets and recovery material.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9saW5rX3VybF9wYWdlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsicG9zdF9pZCI6IjQ2NjEifX0=@” button_text=”Downloads” button_alignment=”left” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _dynamic_attributes=”button_url” _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#244091″ button_border_radius=”2px” button_letter_spacing=”1px” button_font=”Montserrat|700||on|||||” button_icon=”||divi||400″ button_on_hover=”off” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.1)” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The newcomer is the most important person because we can only keep what we have by giving it away. 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\u201cHi, I\u2019m Alex, and I\u2019m an addict.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\nSharing at a Meeting<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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<\/ul>\n
About Drugs and Language<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Who Should I Talk To?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
What Is a Service Member?<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
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What Should I Bring?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Open and Closed Meetings<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Open Meetings<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Closed Meetings<\/strong><\/h4>\n
What NA Is Not<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Anonymity and Confidentiality<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Do I Have to Be Clean to Attend?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Simple Meeting Guidelines<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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What Is a Sponsor?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
If You Feel Overwhelmed<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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What to Expect on Your First Visit<\/strong><\/h3>\n
After Your First Meeting<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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It\u2019s Okay to Feel Scared<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Keep Coming Back<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Need More Help?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Recovery Booklets<\/h3>\n
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Recovery Information Pamphlets (IP’s)<\/h3>\n
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