NA vs AA: Which Is Best for Recovery?

Leveraging this resource eliminates the barriers to discovering a supportive community, making the first step toward recovery less daunting and more accessible. Alcoholics Anonymous (or AA) began in 1935 by two men who had one unified goal. They wanted to help alcoholics give up alcohol and empower them to help others do the same. The program is centered around twelve steps, which is often simply referred to as The Twelve Step Program.

Another analysis estimated a 5-10% success rate at best (90-95% relapse rate). But there have been no serious candidates for gene, brain or personality differences that reliably predict the development or severity of alcohol or other drug problems. Many people who meet the AA definition of an “alcoholic” have successfully returned to controlled drinking.

The concept of recovery support groups

Engaging with these principles daily enriches the recovery process, offering a structured approach to addressing life’s complexities without substances. Contrastingly, Narcotics Anonymous casts a wider net, addressing addiction in the broader sense and and encapsulating narcotics and substances, including alcohol. This inclusivity means that discussions within NA meetings can span a range of substances, providing a platform for recovery that acknowledges the myriad of challenges across different types of addiction. Such a distinction can influence the resonance of the support received, as individuals may find more profound identification and understanding within the group that aligns closely with their primary struggle.

Choosing between AA and NA: A personal decision

AA is specifically designed for individuals struggling with alcoholism, How Long Does Weed Stay in Your System A Comprehensive Guide offering a sanctuary for those seeking freedom from alcohol dependency. Its program centers around the complexities and challenges unique to overcoming alcohol addiction, supported by a rich understanding of alcoholism as both a physical and psychological disease. The global reach of Narcotics Anonymous is a testament to its effectiveness and the universal challenge of drug addiction. With meetings held in dozens of countries and available in various languages, NA provides a vast network of support, mirroring AA’s global presence but with a specific focus on narcotics. The accessibility of NA meetings, both locally and internationally, ensures that individuals seeking help can find a community of support regardless of where they are in the world.

One study found that 59% of participants who attended 12-Steps programs (AA and NA) remained abstinent after two years, and 58% still attended meetings regularly. The consensus among AA members is that NA is more appropriate for those struggling with a drug addiction. It’s not that they won’t be welcomed at an AA meeting; it’s just that NA members would have more to offer in terms of support. Sure, as alcohol is a drug and many recovering addicts also had a dependence on alcohol too. It really may be up to each person to decide on whether to attend AA or NA. These commonalities highlight the therapeutic techniques that make both NA and AA valuable resources for individuals seeking sobriety.

Tools & Resources

Even 15 years into his recovery, Marlon still attends AA meetings about five times per week. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol — that our lives had become unmanageable. This subreddit is in no way affiliated with or sanctioned by the program of Narcotics Anonymous or NA World Services, Inc.

Leveraging addiction treatment services for comprehensive care

1. We would love the opportunity to assist you as you press on to leave your life of addiction behind.
2. This has proven to be a very effective model for treating alcoholism because people can draw upon each other for the support they need.
3. Even if you don’t want to participate in a recovery program, these meetings won’t require you to sign up for a membership.
4. The AA Meetings Directory offers a gateway to a wide range of services, from local meeting finders to educational materials, all designed to support your ongoing journey to recovery.
5. Seeing the accumulation of sober days can inspire both individuals and their support networks, fostering a positive outlook on the lifelong journey of recovery.

Patterson believes CBT can be a helpful tool when done in conjunction with a 12-step program or SMART Recovery, though plenty of people find CBT helpful on its own. Join our supportive sober community where each day becomes a step towards personal growth and lasting positive change. Research tells us that about 40% of AA members who reach one year of sobriety will remain sober. There are other peer support programs now available like SMART Recovery and Hello Sunday Morning, as well as individual peer support workers. These may better suit those who are not aligned with the values and philosophy of AA. It has been found to be slightly more likely to result in continuous abstinence compared to other treatments.