What is Nicotine Anonymous?

Nicotine Anonymous is a worldwide fellowship of people who have felt the terrible grip of nicotine addiction. We found a way to live and grow without using nicotine. We share this program freely with each other and with all who wish to join us. We know that nicotine is a subtle, yet powerful mind and mood altering substance, and that a compelling urge for it can return at any time.

Many who have stopped using nicotine for years have found themselves using it once more. Therefore, we meet regularly to avoid slipping back into its grip. Our primary purpose is to help others, and thus ourselves, to live free of nicotine.

Who can join Nicotine Anonymous ?

Anyone with a desire to stop using nicotine can join Nicotine Anonymous, be they “youthful beginners” or “seasoned users.” We may vary in any number of other ways, but nicotine addiction is the one thing all members have in common. When we meet as Nicotine Anonymous members, we seldom notice our differences; we create unity and strength by focusing on our common desire to live free of nicotine.

How does Nicotine Anonymous help?

New members learn that our goal is to abstain from using nicotine “one day at a time.” By example and through fellowship we use this 12-Step program to recover our lives each day (see pamphlet “How Nicotine Anonymous Works”). The Fellowship’s valuable support is ongoing, not limited to a few weeks. Members progress at their own pace.

By getting free of this addiction, our health has a chance to improve. If we are to remain nicotine-free, we need healthy minds and emotions, too. Using the Twelve Steps, we begin to understand our thoughts and feelings, and lay a strong spiritual foundation on which to build happy, useful lives.

What are Nicotine Anonymous meetings?

Nicotine Anonymous meetings consist of two of more people getting together to share a common desire to be free of nicotine. Members share their experience, strength and hope. They learn what others have experienced while withdrawing from nicotine and how they can use the Nicotine Anonymous program to live nicotine free.

In meetings, newcomers are introduced to the Twelve Steps of recovery. Due to our tradition of anonymity, members find meetings safe places to share their problems and feelings. We respect each other by listening without inserting criticism or unsolicited advice. Telephone numbers are exchanged to extend support between meetings. Sponsors are sought to help us with the program. Service provides positive opportunities to grow. Perhaps most importantly, we find we are not alone in our struggle against nicotine.

Who runs Nicotine Anonymous ?

Guided by the Twelve Traditions and their group conscience, members of Nicotine Anonymous govern their own groups and, through delegates, Nicotine Anonymous as a whole. Tradition Four states: “Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or Nicotine Anonymous as a whole.” Groups determine their own formats and the qualifications of their officers independently of other meetings.

To help groups help each other, there are intergroups at state and regional levels that network groups within their areas and provide services and literature. Then, to unify Nicotine Anonymous groups worldwide, Nicotine Anonymous World Services (NAWS) was formed. NAWS writes, publishes, and distributes literature, organizes an annual conference for group delegates, and acts as guardian of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions (see pamphlet “What Do Nicotine Anonymous World Services and Intergroups Offer Me and My Group”).

How much does Nicotine Anonymous cost?

There are no dues or fees for membership. Each group pays rent, refreshments, and literature costs from money contributed voluntarily by its members at each meeting. Funds collected beyond group expenses can be contributed to their local intergroup and World Services to assure that they continue to function for the groups.

No member accepts money for the help he or she gives to newcomers, for being an elected member, or for performing any other non-professional service for Nicotine Anonymous. The payment we receive for these services is our own ongoing freedom from nicotine.

What if meetings are not available?

For people who do not have a local meeting or are physically unable to attend meetings, there are online meetings, telephone meetings, Email Pals, and regular mail pen pal available. Free Meeting Starter Kits are available.

What doesn’t Nicotine Anonymous do?

1. Nicotine Anonymous does not run membership drives. Although we publish Nicotine Anonymous announcements, the Fellowship is based on attraction, not promotion.
2. Nicotine Anonymous does not accept money from outside sources. We are self-supporting.
3. Nicotine Anonymous does not check up on its members to criticize them or see if they have relapsed.
4. Nicotine Anonymous is not a religious organization. Members form their own ideas about spirituality and the meaning of life.
5. Nicotine Anonymous is not a medical organization. It does not give out medicines or psychiatric advice.
6. Nicotine Anonymous neither runs medical or recovery facilities nor provides health services.
7. Nicotine Anonymous is not affiliated with any other organization. Some members work for outside organizations but do not act as representatives of Nicotine Anonymous.
8. Nicotine Anonymous does not reveal its members’ names. Our 11th Tradition states; “We need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, TV and films.” Also, members do not divulge to others who says what in meetings.