WORLD SERVICE BOARD OF TRUSTEES BULLETIN:
Regarding Methadone and Other Drug Replacement Programs
This bulletin was written by the World Service Board of Trustees in 1996

Not all of us come to our first NA meeting drug free. Some of us were uncertain about whether recovery was possible for us and initially came to meetings while still using. Others came to their first meetings on drug replacement programs such as methadone and found it frightening to consider becoming abstinent.

One of the first things we heard was that NA is a program of complete abstinence and "The only requirement for membership is the desire to stop using." Some of us, upon hearing these statements, may have felt that we were not welcome at NA meetings until we were clean. But NA members reassured us that this was not the case and we were encouraged to "keep coming back." We were told that through listening to the experience, strength, and hope of other recovering addicts that we too could find freedom from active addiction if we did what they did.

Many of our members, however, have expressed concern about individuals on drug replacement programs. Questions come up regarding such individuals' membership status, ability to share at meetings, lead meetings, or become trusted servants on any level. "Are these members clean?" they ask. "Can one really be a 'member' and still be using?"

Perhaps by answering the most important question first - the issue of membership - we can establish a context by which to approach this issue. Tradition Three says that the only requirement for NA membership is a desire to stop using. There are no exceptions to this. Desire itself establishes membership; nothing else matters, not even abstinence. It is up to the individual, no one else, to determine membership. Therefore, someone who is using and who has a desire to stop using, can be a member of NA.

Members on drug replacement programs such as methadone are encouraged to attend NA meetings. But, this raises the question: "Does NA have the right to limit members' participation in meetings?" We believe so. While some groups choose to allow such members to share, it is also a common practice for NA groups to encourage these members (or any other addict who is still using), to participate only by listening and by talking with members after the meeting or during the break. This is not meant to alienate or embarrass; this is meant only to preserve an atmosphere of recovery in our meetings.

Our Fifth Tradition defines our groups' purpose: to carry the message that any addict can stop using and find a new way to live. We carry that message at our recovery meetings, where those who have some experience with NA recovery can share about it, and those who need to hear about NA recovery can listen. When an individual under the influence of a drug attempts to speak on recovery in Narcotics Anonymous, it is our experience that a mixed, or confused message may be given to a newcomer (or any member, for that matter) for this reason, many groups believe it is inappropriate for these members to share at meetings of Narcotics Anonymous.

It may be argued that a group's autonomy, as described in our Fourth Tradition, allows them to decide who may share at their meetings. However, while this is true, we believe that group autonomy does not justify allowing someone who is using to lead a meeting, be a speaker, or serve as a trusted servant. Group autonomy stands only until it affects other groups or NA as a whole. We believe it affects other groups and NA as a whole when we allow members who are not clean to be a speaker, chair a meeting, or be a trusted servant for NA.

Many groups have developed guidelines to ensure that an atmosphere of recovery is maintained in their meetings. The following points are usually included:


• Suggesting that those who have used any drug within the last twenty-four hours refrain from sharing, but encouraging them to get together with members during the break or after the meeting.
• Abiding by our fellowship's suggested clean time re

Interesting that you should post this now, because my NA group (I have gravitated to NA recently, but that is another post) is enmeshed in a controversy over this very issue.

There is a gentleman who is on not only methadone, but other prescription opiates as well (chronic pain patient). He is not petitioning to be able to speak, he is running for a service position. At area level. He has been known to show up and speak in an obviously intoxicated state.

Personally I think it's insane that it's even up for a vote, it's wrong in so many ways, but.. there are some voices who speak louder and more persistently and that's humanity for you.

Since I'm not well versed in NA I must ask, is one supposed to keep the fact they are on maintenance drugs to themselves?

Its a program of rigorous honesty.

As mentioned in the above cited bulletin...it is suggested that you get together with folks before or after the meeting to talk. The only thing they're asking is that you don't share during the meeting if still actively taking opiates.

The requirements for membership (meeting attendance) are quite open and stated above.

I do not speak for NA...nor am I an active member of that fellowship.

I like what Janice said about being a program of "rigorous honesty". On the other hand, the only requirement for membership she alluded to is "the desire to stop using"

It's funny because I can remember some people sharing that they thought the requirement should be changed to "the honest desire to stop using" I wondered at the time who would decide who's desire was honest and who's wasn't.

So I'd guess it would be best to follow the guideline, share before and after the meeting. You can get a sponsor, start reading and writing. But on the other hand, who really is that rigorously honest when we first approach recovery? I can remember plenty of times people would get honest down the road - admit they hadn't told the truth about a relapse for instance. The thing is if you get clean and get involved you want that freedom that people in recovery have, dishonesty won't get you there.

Dave

it's good that this thread was started. because i posted a thread on another board about why do people in N.A. have such negative views on people in MMT. i'm going to go to my first NA meeting this friday. and i don't know if i should speak or not. i don't want to make people angry. sometimes i think that i shouldn't even go.

Seems to me, the people trying to get off maintenance drugs or are trying to stop using have the greatest need and should not be discouraged at any level. JMO

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Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted

forgot post

Absolutely Dan. Personally, I follow the belief the most important person in the room is the new comer. Not sure I define the 'greatest need'...just my thoughts.

But as janice's post stated:One of the first things we heard was that NA is a program of complete abstinence and "The only requirement for membership is the desire to stop using." Some of us, upon hearing these statements, may have felt that we were not welcome at NA meetings until we were clean. But NA members reassured us that this was not the case and we were encouraged to "keep coming back." We were told that through listening to the experience, strength, and hope of other recovering addicts that we too could find freedom from active addiction if we did what they did.

That's pretty much the issue in a nut shell. Wanting to stop...being able to...and sharing the ESH of how one GOT there. One has to GET there to share the GOT there.

Not debating or meaning it badly.....but I think too many meetings get hung up on definitions and traditions more then a focus on the addict in need. Maybe why my personal recovery has a better fit in AA then in NA...just me. But I've even been told in AA I relapse every Sunday when I take part in Communion and 'drink the wine'. I use other support systems as well...maybe I'm just sicker then most...OK...probably sicker then most.
Not bashing either of the 12 step programs....they've saved my life. Restored my sanity. But they still remain a program of attraction. Still remain a program comprised of addicts..for the addict. That...to me...remains the most important 'tradition'.

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Well.... for me..

I think they should be able to speak but........... I also dont want to hear rants of someone high. Been there, done that and I left.

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Bravo. VERY well said, my friend.

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Listen: for this addict, the rooms of AA were the last thing I tried and the first thing that worked, but it only works if you work it.

I got a question...Do you have to be " FREE"-off all drugs to go to an AA meeting? I want to go to one...another thing...I am embarrassed, I had rather drive 50 miles away from my small community...and attend a meeting---I don't want my children to have to deal w/ my issue's..it's a small town. I don't want pep saying.."oh that's Kelly, ____'s mom, she is a drug addict, I seen her (or somebody told somebody) she is in AA"...i wanna protect my kids from that embarrassment...
Any suggestions?
Hugs!!1

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"This too shall pass"

you do not have to be drug-free to go to a meeting. As is stated....'The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking/using". that's it..the desire to stop.

as far as anonymity....anyone else at that meeting is also an addict or alcoholic. If they're gonna gossip that they saw you in a meeting...well, where does that put them? in the same meeting. for the same reason.

shame (and ego) keep us really sick.

checking out meeting times for tonight..gotta get with the program.

and it's not just my addictions but my TENDENCIES and ADDICTIVE LIFESTYLE that needs re-wiring..totally..i see that now..

and i'm at the age and point where i don't give a flyin' hoot about what others think about me..time to turn that into a positive and GET MYSELF BETTER for me first..and i know i can't do that by myself anymore..

(32 days vicodin free )

love you guys (gals, mostly!!)

xoxo,
pat

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..i want one more day

Slug...you are right on with the "ego/shame" thing...I know a girl that went to meetings ..she told me she did-somebody at her work had a family member going to meetings and they told and then they told..yada yada...It was embarrassing, especially when you have a good, respectable career going on...

One way I guess I could look at it is....better to be known as a "recovering" addict than my name on the obituary pages of the newspaper!!!!! do to OD...what do you think?

TY for taking time to comment...blessings!!!
Kelly

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"This too shall pass"