'There are no strings attached to NA. We are not affiliated with any other organizations, we have no initiation fees or dues, no pledges to sign, no promises to make to anyone. We are not connected with any political, religious or law enforcement groups, and are under no surveillance at any time. Anyone may join us regardless of age, race, creed, religion or lack of religion.' (NA basic text:9 Narcotics Anonymous World Services Inc. 1988)

'The only requirement for membership is the desire to stop using' so you don't have to be clean to come to meetings. We know that abstinence doesn't happen overnight for most members and each member is free to decide how they achieve this. We do recommend being as clean as possible to get the most from our meetings.

When you come to your first meeting it is suggested that you 'listen for the similarities and not the differences'. There will be addicts from all walks of life who's past and present situations may vary widely - but we all share the same disease of addiction and we deal with this in the same ways.

Generally there will be somebody to meet you and to welcome you to the meeting. It may be that you have arranged this beforehand from the meetings lists and contact numbers. There is tea and coffee and a chance to chat with members before the meeting begins. There is also time to share your thoughts on the meeting afterwards. Some say we are very lucky - we have three meetings, one before, one during and one after.

The meeting will begin with the various members reading several statements (from official NA literature) as directed by the Chairperson. There are various formats the meeting could take following this: a main share from a single member, thoughts on the 12 Steps, a random theme e.g. gratitude or the daily reading etc. This is followed with an open forum for sharing. While a member shares we listen without interrupting them and no, you don't have to say anything,

We suggest that you:

• Listen for the similarities and not for the differences.
  
  
• Ask for our phone numbers, we've been there and we can help 
   
• keep coming for six months and if you still do not like it we can refund your misery, it'll all still be waiting for you.
   
• Keep coming back