Just imagine what would happen if a newcomer walked into an NA gathering and saw a group of frowning and horrified people. He'd probably put it down by muttering, "I thought by cutting the drugs I could be fine."
Fortunately, the opposite is usually the case: newcomers encounter friendly, upbeat people who seem generally satisfied with what they've found in Narcotics Anonymous. That in itself fills them with hope! A light and relaxed atmosphere exerts a strong attraction on the newcomer, whose life has been tragically serious. Coming from a life where everything was serious for us, where we constantly saw impending doom, it's a relief to walk into a room and find people who don't take themselves too seriously and are ready for something beautiful in their lives.
In recovery we learn to see life more lightly. Sometimes we laugh at the absurdity of our addiction. Our gatherings take place in spaces that are full of life – we hear coffee being made, chairs being set up, junkies laughing here and there. This is where we gather and welcome the newcomers and this is how we tell them it's done, that we're starting to have fun.
