Can You Drink Alcohol in Narcotics Anonymous?

In Narcotics Anonymous Is Drinking Allowed By Members?

Alcohol use is heavily normalized in our society, but that does not mean it’s safe. Alcohol addiction is one of the most common substance use disorders. Heavy drinking takes a significant number of lives in the United States each year.

Can you drink alcohol in Narcotics Anonymous? The short answer is “No.” Alcohol is a drug. Drinking is discouraged by Narcotics Anonymous, and there’s a good reason for this. However, those who drink can attend meetings.

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Can You Drink Alcohol in Narcotics Anonymous (NA)? An Introduction to NA Meetings

Narcotics Anonymous, or NA, is a fellowship of people supporting each other in their recovery from drug addiction and other substance use disorders. NA groups are for all people with a desire to stop using narcotics and other mind-altering substances.

Why can’t you drink in NA? 12-step programs, including NA and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), advocate for complete abstinence from all mind-altering substances. This encompasses both illegal and legal substances with a potential for addiction, like alcohol and marijuana. If you drink, you aren’t sober.

Technically, the only requirement for attending NA is a desire to stop using drugs, which includes alcohol. You do not have to have achieved sobriety already to go to meetings. So, if you do drink, you will not be turned away. That’s the nuance in the conversation.

Why is Alcohol Discouraged for Recovering Addicts?

Alcohol is discouraged for people overcoming any form of substance abuse because it can threaten their sobriety. Some recovering addicts swap one addiction for another. Even if you’ve never had a problem with alcohol in the past, it is possible to develop one.

Being aware of the potential for addiction can prevent people with substance use disorders from facing another. It is a process, and it takes time, but many people who dedicate themselves to abstinence get and stay sober.

What Does NA Literature Say About Alcohol?

NA literature provides hope and guidance for recovering drug addicts. In some NA meetings (e.g., Big Book meetings, literature meetings), you may discuss different pieces of NA literature. As for what it says about alcohol, NA literature makes it very clear that alcohol is not a part of recovery.

Regarding alcohol, the text called “How it Works” says:

“Thinking of alcohol as different from other drugs has caused a great many addicts to relapse. Before we came to NA, many of us viewed alcohol separately, but we cannot afford to be confused about this. Alcohol is a drug. We are people with the disease of addiction who must abstain from all drugs in order to recover.”

This is not the only time alcohol is mentioned and regarded as a drug in NA literature. It is reflected in various readings, including pamphlets and books you might read and refer to as an NA member.

How do NA Groups Support the Recovery Process?

When it comes to addiction recovery, community matters. NA groups support the recovery process by providing a sense of connectedness for people in recovery. This is established via a non-judgmental approach and mutual understanding.

Research has shown that NA and AA meetings are effective. At least three meetings per week are considered optimal and are associated with complete abstinence. But even one or two per week are associated with significant increases in abstinence.

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FAQs About Drinking Alcohol in Narcotics Anonymous or NA

How is NA different from AA?

AA was the first mutual help organization of its kind. NA was modeled after AA, adopting the 12-step and 12-tradition framework. The primary difference between the two is that AA focuses on helping people overcome alcoholism, whereas NA covers all drugs.

What are the rules of Narcotics Anonymous?

There are different types of NA meetings (e.g., Speaker meetings, discussion meetings). Regardless of meeting type, there are some standard rules you can expect to follow:

Treat all members with respect.
Meetings are free. There are no memberships or dues, but donations are accepted.
You must protect everyone’s right to anonymity (e.g., you may disclose that you attend NA meetings, but you must not disclose the identities of other members).
Drugs or drug paraphernalia are not allowed in meetings.

You can learn more about the NA program through information pamphlets such as “An Introduction to NA.”

Does drinking alcohol count as substance abuse?

Yes. Substance abuse can involve any type of drug, including alcohol.

Can you still drink in NA?

Drinking in NA is discouraged, and alcohol is considered a drug. However, people in active addiction can attend as long as they wish to stop using drugs. While it is considered substance use, you are allowed to attend meetings if you are still drinking at this time.