SOUTHERN MIDDLE AREA
OF
NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS
Pu b l i c  Re l a t i o n s
Statement

Why public relations is important to the NA member:

The Narcotics Anonymous message is “that an addict, any addict, can stop using
drugs, lose the desire to use, and find a new way to live.” Our relations with the
public enable us to share this message broadly so that those who might benefit
from our program of recovery can find us. We perform public relations service to
increase the awareness and credibility of the NA program. We share our message
openly with the public at large, with prospective members, and with professionals.

Maintaining an open, attractive attitude in these efforts helps us to create and improve
relationships with those outside the fellowship. Establishing and maintaining a
commitment to these relationships, can help us to further our primary purpose.

The spiritual principles of our steps, traditions, and concepts guide us in pursuing
our public relations aims and our efforts to enhance NA’s public image and reputation.
These principles apply to our community and service efforts as well as to the personal
behavior and attitude of individual NA members.

Informing professionals and the public:

Narcotics Anonymous is a global, community-based organization with a multi-lingual
and multicultural membership. NA was founded in 1953, and our membership growth
was minimal during our initial twenty years as an organization. Since the publication of
our Basic Text in 1983, the number of members and meetings has increased
dramatically. Today*, NA members hold more than 35,000 meetings weekly in 116
countries. We offer recovery from the effects of addiction through working a twelve-
step program, including regular attendance at group meetings. The group atmosphere
provides help from peers and offers an ongoing support network for addicts who wish
to pursue and maintain a drug-free lifestyle.

Our name, Narcotics Anonymous, is not meant to imply a focus on any particular drug;
NA’s approach makes no distinction between drugs including alcohol. Membership is
free, and we have no affiliation with any organizations outside of NA including
governments, religions, law enforcement groups, or medical and psychiatric
associations. Through all of our service efforts and our cooperation with others
seeking to help addicts, we strive to reach a day when every addict in the world has
an opportunity to experience our message of recovery in his or her own language and
culture.

*As of September 2006.

If you desire more information or a presentation to your staff, please contact us:
publicrelations@nasmta.org

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