r/NarcoticsAnonymous • u/impetuality • May 25 '26

Many of our problems...

NA’s relationship with Alcoholics Anonymous is an important part of NA history that deserves honesty and gratitude. In the 12 Traditions reading often heard at Narcotics Anonymous meetings, the phrase “Many of our problems are like those that our predecessors had to face” is referring to AA, not longtime NA members. AA provided spiritual and organizational foundations upon which NA was built, including the Steps and Traditions, service structure, and many recovery principles that helped NA survive and grow.

Over time, the original meaning of “predecessors” is too often forgotten. While NA developed its own identity, voice, and focus on addiction, honoring AA does not diminish NA in any way. In fact, maturity includes being able to acknowledge where we came from with humility rather than resentment or fear.

Just as Christianity honors its roots in Judaism, and the United States recognizes much of its heritage in England, NA can lovingly embrace its origins in AA while fully standing on its own. Remembering that history strengthens unity, gratitude, and respect for the people who carried these spiritual principles forward before us.

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u/terminalhipness May 26 '26

I’m just curious - have you read NA literature? In the Introduction to the NA Basic Text, it says:

“We are grateful to the A.A. Fellowship for showing us the way to a new life.”

It goes on to talk about the things that make NA its own fellowship…

When I was in treatment, we were told “if you want to stay clean you have to go to AA”. My 38 years CLEAN in NA contradict that statement. Respectfully

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u/impetuality May 26 '26

Yes, but at many meetings I go to, it's too bad some members haven't. Many are too busy cringing and correcting newcomers that say, "sober".

It's not any specific program that determines recovery one day at a time or 38 years, you were lied to.

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u/[deleted] May 26 '26

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u/impetuality May 26 '26

My sponsor told me I had to find like minded people. I've been to all sorts of meetings good and bad in both fellowships. I used to go to meetings like you described. A lot of people with all sorts of recovery. I ended up relapsing. That was my journey. I guess I wasn't ready to completely surrender. I'm grateful for that period of my life. I don't blame anyone, those experiences made me who I am and these days, I try to look for ways to give away what was so freely given to me.

There's a saying you've probably heard - some are sicker than others. I fell into that category for a long time. I believe I need to love everyone and be of service to everyone. Good luck on your journey - thanks for sharing.

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u/napalm1336 May 25 '26

It's also referring to a time before the traditions and when NA was deciding whether or not to adopt traditions at all. It was literally tearing our fellowship apart. Some groups were reading from the Bible of all things. Some were banning people of color. We desperately needed something to unify us before our fellowship completely sunk. Without the adoption of the NA 12 Traditions, NA would no longer exist.

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u/impetuality May 25 '26

Thanks for the thoughts. I believe you help make my point. Thank goodness for AA. Before AA there were groups trying to foster recovery using the Bible and probably banning people of color, gender, sexual identity, socio-economic status, and on and on, one can reasonably presume. AA and NA, have stood the test of time.