Narcotics Anonymous began in 1953. Its history is the shared work of a fellowship: addicts meeting together, developing literature and creating services to help other addicts find NA.
Early meetings and literature
The NA White Booklet is one of the fellowship’s earliest publications. It introduces NA, explains the program and includes members’ experiences of recovery.
The Basic Text, Narcotics Anonymous, was first published in 1983. NA World Services’ 60th-anniversary issue of The NA Way Magazine (PDF) looks back at the fellowship’s early years and the development of its literature.
Meetings, sponsorship and service
Meetings give members a place to share recovery. Sponsorship is one way members share experience in practicing the program. Groups also work together through service committees to make meeting information and other NA resources available.
The Group Booklet explains how NA groups conduct their affairs, choose trusted servants and support services. IP #11, Sponsorship introduces sponsorship in members’ own words.
Principles and anonymity
The Twelve Traditions guide NA groups in unity, group conscience, independence and anonymity. They keep attention on the fellowship’s purpose and principles.
Find NA today
For current local information, use the Nashville and Middle Tennessee meeting schedule. The newcomer guide explains what to expect at a first meeting, and our literature resources link to official NA publications.