NA vs AA: Can Someone Go to Both AA and NA
The group is welcome to anyone who has an active drug addiction or had one. The best way to determine what kind of therapy is best for you is to look into the ones that promise a trajectory that meets your goals. Therapy should address your primary concerns and lead you to a life of freedom and wellness. When it comes to Alcoholics Anonymous versus Narcotics Anonymous, what you choose comes down to the kind of recovery you need. At 4-, 6-, and 8-year follow-up, girls (40% of the sample) had more abstinent days than boys.
This reliance on a higher power is woven into the steps, fostering spiritual growth that many members find transformative. The notion of surrendering control to something beyond oneself serves as a cornerstone for those who struggle with feeling powerless over alcohol. Meetings often include discussions that explore how members’ spiritual journeys support their sobriety. While maintaining a similar 12-step framework, NA adapted its approach to be more inclusive of all forms of addiction, not just those related to alcohol. The organization’s emphasis shifted towards personal responsibility and empowerment, allowing members to take charge of their recovery journey.
Legal vs Illegal Substances: Examining the Types of Substances Addressed by Each Program
In AA, members identify themselves as “alcoholics,” and discussions revolve primarily around experiences with alcohol. In NA, members identify themselves as “addicts” and share experiences related to various drugs. The identity that resonates more with an individual can influence their program choice. Located in Boise, Idaho, Northpoint Recovery is proud to offer quality drug and alcohol detox as well as alcohol and drug rehab and mental health treatment programs in the Treasure Valley.
As you journey through recovery, you’ll find that giving back to the community that has supported you is both rewarding and reinforcing your sobriety. Volunteering, mentoring newcomers, and participating in community events are ways to stay engaged and help others on their path to recovery. Understanding the summary of differences between Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is vital for those embarking on a recovery journey. Both programs offer structured frameworks for sobriety, though they cater to distinct needs and philosophies.
The 12 Steps
These programs offer structured treatment options that can be tailored to meet individual needs, providing additional resources and support for those in recovery. If you are struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, it is common Can I drink alcohol if I’m taking painkillers to struggle with feelings of loneliness and isolation. Groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) can provide a community of support as you work through recovery. These organizations have been pivotal in helping millions of people attain and sustain abstinence. Whether AA or NA feels like the best fit for you, the critical step is to seek support and take action.
This sense of belonging can be incredibly empowering and often helps individuals rebuild broken relationships. NA allows men and women to share their experiences, strengths and weaknesses, struggles, and victories as they navigate the challenges of addiction in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. In the study sample, 12-Step participation was common and intensive after inpatient treatment but fell off over time.
As your journey progresses, you’ll find that the principles learned in meetings become foundational to your everyday life, helping you make healthier choices and build stronger relationships. While both AA and NA provide a sanctuary for individuals grappling with dependency, the crux of their focus marks a notable divergence in their paths to recovery. Alcoholics Anonymous maintains a laser focus on alcoholism, tailoring discussions and recovery efforts specifically toward overcoming alcohol addiction. This singular concentration on alcohol allows AA meetings to delve deep into the nuances of alcohol dependency, offering insights and support tailored to alcoholics. Engaging with both AA and NA can be a beneficial strategy for some, providing a layered approach to recovery that addresses both specific and generalized aspects of addiction. The 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous provides a structured framework that guides individuals through the recovery process from alcoholism.
Originally designed for people with alcohol and then later other drug problems, they have now expanded to dozens of other compulsive behaviours, including overeating, gambling, sex and hoarding. Even if you don’t want to participate in a recovery program, these meetings won’t require you to sign up for a membership. Besides open meetings, you can also join online meetings (virtual meetings). Anyone who wants to learn more about the program is welcome to open meetings. Open meetings provide an opportunity to learn more about NA and the 12 Steps. You might master a later step even before you finish an earlier one, or you may even struggle with some of them.
- In addition, he also becomes passionate about and learns the skills to help others as they begin and complete their own journey toward sobriety.
- While that certainly works for some people, it’s important to remember that you’re not “weaker” or “less” of a person for needing (or simply wanting) some additional help.
- Research tells us that about 40% of AA members who reach one year of sobriety will remain sober.
- For more official information regarding the fellowship of Narcotics Anonymous please go to or follow the links below.
- Like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), members use a 12-step program to guide them through recovery.
Steps, Drugs, and Urban Populations
It suggests that in AA, the lack of control is due to the alcohol, while in NA, the lack of control is due to the actual addiction itself. This difference has led to many people concluding that NA is more focused on the individual, rather than focusing on the assistance of a Higher Power, which is a major part of The Twelve Steps in AA. For many, this approach is appealing because they may not feel comfortable discussing a Higher Power and its influence in their lives. Instead, they may feel that the responsibility lies completely with them and that they need to, in a sense, get out of their own way if they’re ever going to be free from their addictions. For the NA member, once you’re able to accomplish that goal, there is room for the Higher Power (as you see it) to work in your life and help you work toward being clean. Another difference between AA and NA is the fact that one focuses on a legal substance (alcohol) and the other focuses on all substances, many of which are illegal.
Understanding California Sober The term California sober refers to a lifestyle choice where… Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous follow the same format, have similar guidelines, and believe in the same tools to help those struggling with addiction. It’s important to consider and try other options, particularly if AA and NA aren’t working. As the COVID-19 pandemic pushes things to go virtual, you can now find a calendar of virtual meetings if you want to give SMART Recovery a try.
Narcotics Anonymous vs. Alcoholics Anonymous (NA vs AA)
After discovering the support group that aligns with your needs, whether it’s AA for alcohol addiction or NA for narcotics, life begins to evolve. The right support group provides more than just a platform for sharing; it offers a sense of belonging, understanding, and empathy from those on a similar path. You learn to navigate daily challenges without resorting to substance use, and you gain insights into the underlying issues fueling your addiction.