Compare and Contrast Aa and Na Meetings

 
Comparison and Contrast

The slogan “Just for Today” is far from the only likeness between the two organizations known as Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) and Narcotics Anonymous (N.A.).   Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are both twelve step programs for people suffering from addiction to mood altering substances. Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship designed for those who have a desire to stop drinking. Narcotics Anonymous is a program designed for those who have a desire to stop using any form of mood-altering chemical.   Incidentally, N.A. literature specifically states “…our identification as addicts is all-inclusive with respect to any mood-changing, mind-altering substance.   Alcoholism is too limited a term for us; our problem is not a specific substance, it is a disease called addiction.” Another way that A.A. and N.A. are similar is they are both spiritually based programs, believing that a faith in a “Higher Power” is needed to conquer the disease of addiction.   This is not to say a belief in God specifically, rather a belief in something having a power greater than oneself.   Each member of either organization is encouraged to choose their own perception of a Higher Power, or a “God of their own understanding”. Additionally, Alcoholics Anonymous is a worldwide organization, as is Narcotics Anonymous.   As of January, 2013, A.A. meetings were available in more than 170 countries, including 63 other autonomous general service offices in other lands, with an estimated 2.1 million members worldwide. By comparison, As of May 2010 there were more than 61,800 NA meetings in 131 countries over the globe.  
Finally, Alcoholics Anonymous, along with Narcotics Anonymous, are self-supporting through their own contributions, and free to anyone who wants to attend any portion of the programs, meetings, or activities. Outside contributions are not accepted by either organization and members of the groups contribute what they can in order to purchase...