It can be difficult coming to your first meeting because you don’t understand how things work. It is our hope that many of your questions will be answered on this page.
Nar-Anon is a Spiritual Program
This means that we accept the idea that we are dependent upon a Higher Power for help in solving our problems and achieving peace of mind. A member’s individual religious beliefs are a personal matter, and we make it a point to avoid discussions regarding any specific faiths.
Literature
Each meeting will have a literature table where you will find information about Nar-Anon. We suggest you first read the literature in your newcomer packet and then visit the literature table. Remember that our literature is to help and guide you as you recover and continue to work the program. It is not intended to fix all your problems; it is to help you in your journey.
Group Participation
At Nar-Anon meetings, only one person speaks at a time. Anyone may express an opinion during their sharing. We do not engage in dialogue, debate or cross-talk during the meeting. We do not comment, correct, or judge others as we share. What is true for one may not be true for another. Those who would rather just listen are free to do so. Remember, we are not here to talk about the addict’s problems but to keep the focus on ourselves and our own recovery. If you have questions, you are encouraged to stay after the meeting to speak with others, or you may want to use your phone list during the week.
Nar-Anon Spoken Here
You may notice that Nar-Anon members have a language all their own. This is one of the reasons we ask members to keep coming back. At first the new words and phrases you are hearing may appear foreign to you. This may be a little overwhelming to the newcomer. You will learn about the steps, traditions, and slogans and find helpful information in our Nar-Anon literature. Sometimes you may wonder why the same readings need to be repeated at each meeting. As you continue to attend meetings, you will find that those readings and slogans will become a part of your everyday recovery.
Contributions are Voluntary
Our 7th Tradition in Nar-Anon states: Every group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions. As all contributions are voluntary, a member may give what he or she can afford when the basket is passed. Group funds are used to purchase literature, pay rent for their meeting place, and make periodic donations to their area, region, and World Service Office (WSO). A group may also decide to purchase refreshments and serving supplies.
Group Service
Members can be of service to their group before the meeting by helping to set up chairs, put out literature and make refreshments, and cleaning up when the meeting is over. After you have attended meetings for a while, you may want to lead a meeting, or serve as group secretary, treasurer or group service representative (GSR). We have found that doing service work has been helpful in our recovery.
Reprinted with permission of Nar-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., Torrance, CA, USA