Are the programs NA & AA noticeably different?
1 Like
They’re pretty much the same. They’re both 12 step-based, similar style books like the big book and the meetings are set up pretty much the same if I’m not mistaken. They’re not exactly identical obviously but they’re very similar. 
The NAs I went to were basically the same structure as AA, with a weird "strangers hugging you" tacked on.
Though any meetings you go to will vary somewhat, since it's not really centralized, different groups have different traditions.
No difference. We read out of the same book. The only difference I’ve ever noticed is the terminology used for “drug” or “alcohol” and to help me, it’s important to know that alcohol is a drug period. Anything that alters your state of mind.
AA doesn’t like you saying the word “addict” even tho alcohol is also a drug and it is an addiction. Also, they like to say the Lord’s Prayer. NA is more laid back and raw. I believe more open to loving another openly under all conditions. I do attend a weekly AA to keep in touch. Also, I like the just for today readings better in NA. If you can get past that “drug” word and take to heart that alcohol is also a drug, then NA meetings are decent. Yet, it’s a spin off from AA and same principles. Just what you feel more comfortable with. Both programs will help keep you sober if you work them. Also, NA tends to be a younger crowd in most places.
Both aim to teach you how to live sober, stop running away from your reality and follow the same steps to recovery. The 12 steps are just a good way to live even if you aren’t an addict. The stigma in defining alcohol as a drug has caused many uncomfortable exchanges I’ve had in AA meetings. Some see a stark difference between alcohol and a street drug whereas most acknowledge that alcohol is simply their drug of choice with it more socially accepted and readily available. Many AA’s have communicated that they wouldn’t feel comfortable sponsoring a drug addict because it isn’t based on their experience and they may not have the same tools to help an NA like they would an AA. To each their own, but I would suggest going to the group that specifically focuses on your malady.
Every group has eccentricities that make it more generic or unique. I go to AA primarily and introduce myself as an addict. I prefer groups open to discussing emotional sobriety and mental health personally. I aspire to become a better person and not just relapse prevention. That said, the primary purpose is to stay sober. Some individuals keep me from returning to specific meetings but I’ve kept my meeting schedule consistent and enjoy the friendships I’ve made.
This is the NA Clarity Statement reading….. CLARITY STATEMENT
We are presented with a dilemma; when NA members identify themselves as addicts and alcoholics, or talk about living clean and sober, the clarity of the NA message is blurred. To speak in this manner suggests that there are two diseases, that one drug is somehow separate from the rest, requiring special recognition.
Narcotics anonymous makes no distinction between drugs. Our identification as addicts is all-inclusive, which allows us to concentrate on our similarities, not our differences.
We also use the NA Basic Text which is AAs version of the Blue Book. We. On-site ourselves Clean and in Recovery. Not sober. And we identify as addicts. And we hug in NA as a form of greeting each other to show the love to everyone. We follow 12 steps just as AA does but our it’s our NA 12 steps. Both are similar.