Narcotics Anonymous: Its History, Structure, and Approach

Although Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is the oldest and largest self-help group for the support of drug abusers, it has received little study. This paper provides an overview of the history, structure, philosophy, and activities of the NA fellowship based on interviews with members, a survey of the NA literature, and observation at a residential therapeutic community employing the NA approach. The latter data provide a means of analyzing the relationship between NA and those implementing its program. Suggestions for research are advanced in recognition of Narcotics Anonymous as both underground social movement and major treatment modality for drug abusers.