It’s difficult to measure how effective NA and other 12-step programs are for its members. Although studies show its effectiveness on participants under 12-step programs, it’s not a complete guarantee. Meanwhile, speaker meetings involve one or more members speaking for most of the meeting. Many NA members believe regular meeting attendance is a helpful tool for staying drug-free. Because of this, Kinnon recognized how a 12-step program could help people with drug use problems. A new type of therapy, with the goal of getting people engaged in 12 step programs and reduce drop out, was developed in the 1990s as part of a large research project.
What is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA)?
Celebrating each day of sobriety strengthens your resolve and reminds you of how far you’ve come. At 4-, 6-, and 8-year follow-up, girls (40% of the sample) had more abstinent days than boys. If respondents felt they could moderate their use of drugs and alcohol, rather than stop completely, this predicted less abstinence at each follow-up occasion. AA and NA literature, like the Big Books, are full of the reasoning behind the 12 steps and tools to help navigate sobriety. Patterson and Marlon agree that it’s more important to find something that works for the individual than it is to debate the effectiveness of a recovery tool. Marlon checked into a 30-day treatment facility, where he learned more about Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
It was started around the time of prohibition and the temperance movement when alcohol problems were considered a moral failing. The model has remained largely unchanged since then, despite significant advances in our understanding of the brain and of alcohol and other drug problems and their treatment. 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. I learned to love myself for the first time…I’m going to start a new chapter in my life because of Silver Ridge.
Evidence from multiple lines of research supports the effectiveness and practical importance of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. Conference presenters discussed the relationship between 12-Step participation and abstinence among various populations, including adolescents, women, and urban drug users. Insight from the arts and humanities placed empirical findings in a holistic context. SMART Recovery is less rigid, but it’s also less commonly found in communities.
AA vs NA: The Similarities and Differences
- Whether you’re looking for an open discussion, a speaker meeting, or a specific focus group within the AA or NA networks, this directory provides the needed details to connect you with the right meeting.
- NA uses a workbook as well as the Basic Text, and there are questions for each step to be answered by the addict.
- Among these recovery and aftercare programs is joining a support group to share experiences and find strength in other people’s recovery journeys.
- Alcoholics Anonymous has grown exponentially since its humble beginnings, now encompassing a vast network of meetings across the globe.
Eventually, it becomes too late for them to realize that getting out of it is harder than ever. 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.
What to Expect During an NA Meeting
All three major life changes could have triggered him to start drinking again. But a 2020 review of research on recovery options sheds some light on AA’s effectiveness. The truth solution focused therapy worksheets is, it can be hard to measure the effectiveness of a recovery program.
Understanding the distinctions between AA and NA can help individuals choose the program that best suits their needs. Embarking on a path to sobriety is a courageous step towards a healthier and more fulfilling life. Remember, the journey to recovery is ongoing, but with the right tools and support, lasting sobriety is within reach. NA, on the other hand, places a broader emphasis on the overall lifestyle changes necessary for drug addiction recovery. The inclusivity of substance types encourages a diverse membership, leading to a wide range of perspectives and coping strategies being shared within meetings.