Just for Today – December 13 – Membership

“There is only one requirement for membership, the desire to stop using.”
– Basic Text, page 9

Membership in Narcotics Anonymous is unlike membership in most other organizations. There are no dues, no formal applications, and no mandatory requirements beyond a simple desire to stop using. This unique approach allows NA to remain open to all addicts who seek recovery, providing a welcoming space for those ready to embrace a new way of life.

A Personal Decision

The decision to become a member of NA is deeply personal. It isn’t something that can be imposed or coerced.

Why Membership Is Personal:

1. Powerlessness Must Be Recognized: Membership begins with the individual acknowledging their powerlessness over addiction.
2. Internal Commitment: True membership requires a desire to change, which can only come from within.
3. Freedom to Choose: NA is a program of attraction, not promotion. No one is forced to stay or conform.

This freedom is essential to the effectiveness of the program. Only those who genuinely want to recover can fully benefit from what NA has to offer.

The Role of Attraction

NA grows through attraction rather than promotion. The way we live our lives in recovery serves as a testament to the program’s power.

How Attraction Works:

• Sharing the Message: By sharing our experience, strength, and hope, we show others that recovery is possible.
• Living the Principles: Our actions speak louder than words. Practicing honesty, humility, and service demonstrates the benefits of recovery.
• Welcoming Newcomers: Creating a safe, nonjudgmental space encourages those who are ready to take the first step.

While we can’t force someone to join NA, our example can inspire others to seek the help they need.

Supporting Those Who Struggle

It’s natural to want to help loved ones or friends who are struggling with addiction. However, it’s important to remember that we can’t make the decision for them.

What We Can Do:

1. Offer Support: Let them know that NA is available whenever they’re ready.
2. Bring Them to a Meeting: If they’re willing, introduce them to the fellowship.
3. Share Your Experience: Be honest about how NA has helped you, but avoid pressuring them.

What We Cannot Do:

• Force Recovery: Coercion rarely leads to lasting change.
• Fix Their Problems: Recovery is a personal journey that each addict must undertake for themselves.

Gratitude for Membership

For those of us who have chosen to join NA, membership is a gift. It represents a turning point in our lives—a decision to embrace recovery and leave behind the pain of active addiction.

By remaining active in the program, we continue to honor that choice and build a life of freedom, connection, and purpose.