You or a loved one has many options to choose from that will help with cocaine addiction recovery. There’s an inpatient treatment that involves constant medical and emotional support. Outpatient treatment is also available for those who aren’t at risk of severe withdrawal symptoms. Teletherapy, video or audio counselling, is also becoming more common.
Another option is Narcotics Anonymous (NA). It is one of the most popular peer support groups, specifically for individuals who want to recover from drug addiction. Besides peer support, this organization provides its members structure and helps them lead their new, drug-free lives. NA has helped countless people across the globe since its inception.
However, the journey to addiction recovery is unique to every individual. Like any other program, NA has potential limitations that make it unsuitable for certain groups of people. Learning these limitations will likely help you decide whether or not NA is right for you. In this article, you’ll find out about these limitations, as well as the good things that make NA effective for some people.
What Is Narcotics Anonymous?
Few drug addiction support groups are more well-known than Narcotics Anonymous. Founded in 1953 in Los Angeles, California, this non-profit organization initially had a low membership. It only increased after the publication of the Basic Text. Today, NA holds over 70,000 regular meetings in more than 145 countries, making it the oldest and biggest organization of its kind.
Narcotics Anonymous was founded as an offshoot of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). AA is a popular support group for recovering alcoholics and uses a 12-step model. This model outlines a course of action for overcoming addictions and compulsions. The NA approach to drug addiction recovery mirrors the AA 12-Step in most ways, like depending on a Higher Power.
Benefits and Potential Limitations of Narcotics Anonymous
For decades, Narcotics Anonymous has been a lifeline for countless individuals with drug use problems. However, as with any addiction recovery program, NA does not work for everyone. While it has much strength, like a broad social support network, it also has drawbacks. Understanding its benefits and potential limitations will help you or a loved one make a more informed decision.
The Benefits
Highly Accessible
Ease of accessibility is perhaps one of the strongest points of Narcotics Anonymous. This organization is well-established in Australia, Europe, and hundreds of other countries worldwide. They have websites where you can look up NA meetings near you, making it easy to find one you can attend.
NA meetings in Australia and many other countries take place every day of the year, including holidays. They run for at least an hour at various publicly accessible buildings. If you’re uncomfortable attending in-person meetings, NA also provides online meetings. These virtual meetings are not associated with geographical location, so you can find one at any time.
Established and Popular
Popularity is another strong suit of Narcotics Anonymous. It’s possibly because it is free and easy to access. Many individuals attend the meetings, which means more opportunities to make connections. It’s even possible to build a social support network that may extend beyond the group sessions.
Sponsorship Program
Sponsorship program is one of the unique features of Narcotics Anonymous. It’s a one-on-one tutelage in which a more experienced member provides practical support and spiritual guidance to a less experienced member. This program can be beneficial to the sponsor and new members. They can exchange information, become more confident, and even gain a sense of meaning in life.
Potential Limitations
Anonymity Concerns
Narcotics Anonymous keeps the personal information of its members strictly confidential. However, they cannot guarantee full anonymity or confidentiality in their community. They do not have the legal right to confidentiality as lawyer and doctor has. Also, anyone can drop by their open meeting, including family and friends who are not in addiction recovery.
They do have closed meetings, which are only for individuals who believe they have a drug addiction. NA is quite popular, so many flock to these meetings. Participants aren’t bound by confidentiality. You can only trust the members to keep your identity and shared stories private. With this, NA may not be the best option for individuals who need complete discretion.
Universal Approach to Recovery
Narcotics Anonymous tries to address addiction with a single approach: the 12 Steps. This approach is probably the biggest con of this option. Addiction is a really individualized, personalized issue, and so is recovery. Hence, although the 12 Steps work for many, people who, for example, lack belief in a higher power won’t fit in.
Information about the 12 steps is easily accessible online. Consider reading them and determining whether they resonate with you. If they don’t, you need not worry—many other options are available. Try facilities offering targeted treatment, like HARP.
Abstinence Model of Recovery
Narcotics Anonymous believes in an abstinence model of recovery. It means you need to be completely drug-free. However, some individuals who are addicted to certain drugs, like opioids, may need to take medicines as part of their recovery.
NA does not prohibit individuals undergoing medication-assisted treatment from attending their meetings. However, they won’t allow them to speak or participate actively in meetings. It means people who are on medication treatment for their drug addiction won’t get the full benefits of this group.
Rigid Structure
Narcotics Anonymous is somewhat rigid in its structure. They have protocols for sharing and responding. For example, individuals who are under medication are not allowed to speak or share anything during sessions.
Further, members should do the 12 steps in a specific order. For instance, step number 7 asks members to ask God to remove shortcomings. In step 8, members have to make a list of those they harmed and become willing to make amends. These steps may not always be the best order for every participant.
Try the HARP Program Today!
If Narcotics Anonymous is not right for you or a loved one, don’t be disheartened. Don’t stop the journey to recovery. You’ll eventually find treatment that will liberate you or someone you care about from the grasp of cocaine addiction.
Consider Hills & Ranges Private rehab program. HARP isn’t your ordinary rehab facility. It’s a 5-star, luxury haven for individuals who require discreet clinical cocaine addiction treatment. The facility doesn’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. The team ensures each client receives personalized care and treatment.
