Your first NA meeting
What happens in your first NA meeting? Perhaps you are thinking about attending a Narcotics Anonymous meeting but are unsure of what to expect. This is how most of us felt at our first NA meeting! Here we want to describe to you a little what happens at a meeting.
Who can come to NA?
NA is for anyone who believes they have a problem with drugs of any kind. If you have an addiction problem yourself, you can attend all meetings. If you're not sure if you're addicted or not, don't worry about it for now. For many, this only became a little clearer after the first meetings. There are certain meetings (so-called “open” meetings) in which relatives, friends or other interested people can participate in addition to addicts. They are specially marked in the meeting list.
Do I already have to be clean?
Even if you have used drugs, you are welcome in our meetings. Many NA members came to their first meeting while still using and are now drug free and recovered from their drug addiction. Some meetings ask that if you took something today, not say anything during the meeting, but instead speak to a clean member of NA before or after the meeting.
So welcome!
Come to your first meeting
First select a meeting from the meetings list that you would like to attend.
It is definitely a good idea to come at the given time or maybe even a little earlier. Meetings usually start on time and it is more pleasant if you have enough time to find a seat in peace. Many meetings also offer free coffee and tea, which you are welcome to take with you.
Someone may approach you or ask if you have been to NA before. You can answer whatever you want—that you're new to NA, that you'd like to see a meeting, or that you want to see if NA is for you—you're always welcome. You will probably also be asked for your first name. The important thing is that you don't have to say anything at an NA meeting if you don't want to.
Members often greet and say goodbye to a meeting with a warm hug. If someone offers you a hug, decide for yourself whether you want it or not. This can be very unusual and strange, especially if you don't know anyone yet, and nobody will be angry with you if you say no!
The meeting itself
Typically, an NA meeting begins with the chairperson (the leader of the meeting) introducing themselves by their first name and offering a warm welcome to all participants. Then most of the participants speak it together serenity prayer. Nobody will expect you to know the text or to be able or willing to speak along.
A number of texts are then read, which are either passed around or lying on the tables. If you prefer not to read the texts, you are welcome to leave the texts or give them to someone else.
In some meetings there is a short round of introductions or it is asked whether there are guests or newcomers. You decide what you want to say here - you can use your first name and say that you are a visitor or introduce yourself as an addict. Even if you introduce yourself as an addict, you are of course not entering into any obligations. Membership in NA is entirely voluntary and based on your personal choice.
The meeting usually begins with a brief explanation of the meeting procedure and some general information about NA, about the group, and for the newer members.
Some meetings have speakers, others introduce a topic, or read a text from NA literature. Then the participants begin to contribute to the meeting with their own speeches, this is also called "sharing" in NA. This is regulated differently in the meetings, by means of hand signals, word lists, as a round table discussion, etc. There is often a speaking time recommendation so that many members have the opportunity to say something. You decide for yourself whether you want to tell something about yourself. Usually only addicts are allowed to share; if you are a guest, feel free to ask questions after the meeting. It is important that everyone speaks only of themselves and their own experiences and does not give any comments or advice. Many find this very comforting.
At the end of the meeting
Toward the end of the meeting, there are often announcements related to NA. Sometimes a short text is also read. A so-called "clean time countdown" is made with pleasure, in which those present can name their clean time or celebrate clean birthdays if they wish. This is not for control, but to appreciate and celebrate that it is possible to stay clean for longer periods of time. As a new member, you may be presented with a welcome chip here.
Also, towards the end of the meeting, a donation box is usually passed around, into which the members voluntarily put a few coins as a donation at their own discretion. As a new member or as a guest, you will be asked to pass on the donation box. If you would like to come regularly, then you are welcome to contribute something in the future. Donations will be used to fund meeting expenses such as rent, literature, drinks, meeting lists, and other services.
Finally, the anonymity is pointed out and asked not to tell anyone what was said in the meeting and who was present. This way, you can attend the meeting with peace of mind knowing that confidentiality is maintained.
At the end, most of the participants stand in a circle and end the meeting with a shared prayer.
After the meeting
Someone may approach you after the meeting. If you have any questions or are unsure, you can also contact people (e.g. the chairperson) yourself. NA literature, pamphlets, and books that explain the NA program in more detail are also often available. The leaflets are usually free, the books are for sale.
Most NA members are friendly and outgoing, as many can remember their own first meeting and will want to help make you feel comfortable. However, it's entirely possible that you may feel uncomfortable or alien at your first NA meeting. Experience has shown that it takes a few meeting visits before you get to know some participants personally and start looking forward to the support and sharing in the meeting. Therefore, we encourage you to attend a few different meetings before deciding whether to continue attending NA.
You need a certificate?
If you are attending the meeting with a condition of probation or therapy and need a stamp or certificate for your attendance, it is best to ask before the meeting how it is handled here. Each group decides for themselves whether they want to give this confirmation.
Some NA Terms
During the meeting, some terms will be used that you may not be familiar with. Here we explain some of them:
addicts—we refer to ourselves as addicts because we see addiction as such, not a specific drug, as the problem
Basic text—this book is titled our foundational text on recovery in NA Narcotics Anonymous
Trusted Servants—Members who undertake service within NA
Leaflets—Information brochures about NA, which you usually get free of charge in the meeting
closed meetings—Meetings only for addicts or people who think they may have a drug problem
Group—Members who regularly hold one or more meetings form an NA group (see flyer #2, The group)
Higher force—a loving force that helps our members stay clean and seek recovery. Everyone can imagine what he or she wants
New / New Arrivals—new NA members
Open meetings—Meetings where interested non-addicts are also welcome as guests
Ruckfall—a brief or prolonged return to drug use
sponsor—experienced NA member who offers help and support through the Twelve Steps (see handout #11, sponsorship)
Share—share personal experience with addiction and recovery
