We believe that our approach to the disease of addiction is completely realistic, because the therapeutic value of an addict helping another addict is unparalleled.
Core Text, Chapter 4, “How It Works”
By the time we get to Narcotics Anonymous, many of us have a long list of what didn't heal us: family, relationships, doctors, treatment programs, religious institutions. We begged God or Something-Out-There for relief. Some of us, because of our involvement in the justice system, have been ordered to help. All of these people or organizations may indeed have been useful in our survival, if only to bring us into contact with NA. Some may continue to support us to this day. But we found that they weren't enough to help us build the long-term changes we needed in our lives. So what was missing?
One member shared, “This concept of a junkie helping another junkie hit me over the head like a ton of bricks. I thought, now I get it! These were useful, practical bricks, of course. Bricks that we can use to rebuild our lives." Surviving drug addicts like us are arguably the best source of practical information on recovery. This idea not only makes sense to us, but also brings us some relief.
In NA, we create a unique healing atmosphere for each other – that's what we mean by "healing." We help each other heal through empathy and solidarity. The "we" of NA is a powerful and practical resource we use to get through life's difficulties and support each other as we heal. Honest sharing helps identify others who have survived infidelity, infertility, illness, and a myriad of other hardships. We connect with members who have had to go through similar things and learn from their experience. Our personal tragedies can become a shared source of strength. What could be more practical?
While our illness would make us focus on what makes us different, we know that the bonds that unite us are much stronger than those that divide us. These bonds are strong, real and practical. They are the bricks that support us and prevent us from falling. NA is a practical program run by drug addicts to other drug addicts, with other drug addicts, for other drug addicts. That's how it works.
How do I create a healing environment for drug addicts in my fraternity? What can I do today that is practical to help another addict?
