1 definition by NoMatterWhat
Narcotics Anonymous is fellowship of men and women for whom drugs (and,yes, alcohol IS a drug) had become a major problem. They meet regularly to help each other stay clean. NA uses the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions as originated by AA, but have abridged them to be all-inclusive. Narcotics Anonymous was formed in 1953 by several addicts, the most well-known perhaps, being Jimmy K. The formation of NA was necessary because addicts were not welcomed into AA, and could not stay clean. Narcotics Anonymous has it's own literature, the most important being the Basic Text, and it's own unique language. NA uses "clean," "clean time," and "recovery," rather than sober and sobriety. Narcotics Anonymous has over 50,000 meetings per week worldwide. As stated in the 5th Tradition, every group has but one primary purpose; to carry the message to the addict who still suffers. That message is that an addict, any addict, can stop using drugs, lose the desire to use, and find a new way to live.
Any addict can join Narcotics Anonymous regardless of age, race, creed, sexual orientation, religion, or lack of religion. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using.
by NoMatterWhat August 27, 2014