Common questions

Can anyone attend a NA meeting?

There are three types of meetings 'Open to All', 'Open by Request' and 'Addicts Only' the latter are only for addicts or those who think they may have a problem with drugs. 'Open to All' meetings are open to anyone to attend, including family members, friends or professionals in the field, Check the meetings page on this website which specifies what each meeting is. If there are no 'Open to All' or 'Open by Request' ' meetings in your local area please go along anyway and ask one of those organising it if they can ask the group to make it 'Open' so you can attend.

Attending when you are not an addict.

You are welcome at  our 'Open to All' meetings. We would suggest that you arrive early and let one of those organising the meeting know who you are. Please feel free to ask questions before or after the meeting, but we would ask that you refrain from 'sharing' or talking during  the meeting.

Drug Problem?

If you are still taking drugs you are welcome at any of our meetings, just turn up there are no waiting lists for NA. The 'Need help?' page has lots more information about our meetings and what to expect.

Are there online 'Open to all' meetings?

There are hundreds of online UK NA meetings and many of those are 'Open to All' meetings. Please respect the individual meetings guidelines, i.e. some might require everyone to have video on. We would ask that you refrain from 'sharing' or talking yourself in the meeting. A list of online 'Open to All' meetings is available on the meetings page.

Why is there a collection at the end of the meeting?

It costs nothing to attend Narcotics Anonymous and yet we don’t seek or take funding from any outside body. NA is not a commercial enterprise. At the end of each meeting those attending are free to contribute voluntarily towards the cost of holding the meeting. The money is used to cover the cost of tea, coffee, NA literature and the rental of the room.  No one is ever required or forced to contribute financially. Our ethos is if you have it and can contribute great, if you don’t, that’s OK, don’t worry about it. Our aim is simply to break even and cover our expenses as no one gets paid for facilitating a NA meeting. If you are not a NA member please don't contribute. 

Some things to note.

PLEASE never repeat what you hear at an NA meeting – confidentiality is very important;

Feel free to share your personal experience of attending with others

When there is a round of introductions just say “my name is (your name) and I am a visitor”;

Reading cards are placed on seats and the people sitting in that seat are expected to read the card please just put the card on another seat.

Please do not give money when the collection goes around; contributions are for NA members only.