The concept of NA refers to Narcotics Anonymous, a non-profit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs have become a major problem. It is a concept and institution focused on recovery from drug addiction, promoting a program of complete abstinence from all drugs.
Narcotics Anonymous originated in Southern California, USA, in July 1953, springing from the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program. The organization was created to solve the problem of drug addiction by providing a path to recovery. It made its way to India, beginning in Mahim, Mumbai, in 1983.
The mechanism of NA centers on recovering addicts meeting regularly to help each other stay clean. The core of its operation is a set of principles known as the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, which are spiritual in nature and are followed in daily life. The single requirement for membership is the desire to stop using drugs. NA is self-supporting, relying on contributions from its members and accepting no grants, gifts, or contributions from outside sources.
NA is connected to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), from which it is an offshoot. In India, it is recognized as a Registered Non-profit Society. While the core principles of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions have remained the same, the delivery mechanism adapted during the lockdown, with meetings happening virtually on Zoom. NA does not operate detox or treatment centers, but works with hospitals and institutions to carry its message of recovery.