Our Approach to Pu b l i c Re
l a t i o n s
The Narcotics Anonymous message is “that an addict, any addict, can stop
using drugs, lose the desire to use, and find a new way to live.” Our relations with the public enable us to share
this message broadly so that those who might benefit from our program of recovery can find us. We perform public relations
service to increase the awareness and credibility of the NA program. We share our message openly with the public at large,
with prospective members, and with professionals.
Narcotics Anonymous is a global, community-based organization
with a multi-lingual and multicultural membership. NA was founded in 1953, and our membership growth was minimal during our
initial twenty years as an organization. Since the publication of our Basic Text in 1983, the number of members and meetings
has increased dramatically. Today*, NA members hold more than 35,000 meetings weekly in 116 countries. We offer recovery from
the effects of addiction through working a twelve-step program, including regular attendance at group meetings. The group
atmosphere provides help from peers and offers an ongoing support network for addicts who wish to pursue and maintain a drug-free
lifestyle.
Our name, Narcotics Anonymous, is not meant to imply a focus on any particular
drug; NA’s approach makes no distinction between drugs including alcohol. Membership is free, and we have no affiliation
with any organizations outside of NA including governments, religions, law enforcement groups, or medical and psychiatric
associations. Through all of our service efforts and our cooperation with others seeking to help addicts, we strive to reach
a day when every addict in the world has an opportunity to experience our message of recovery in his or her own language and
culture.
Please read "Information about NA" to learn more about Narcotics Anonymous and "Narcotics Anonymous: A Resource in Your Community" to learn more about how the Chattanooga Area of Narcotics Anonymous carries the NA message to
the public.
*As of September 2006.