An open meeting in Narcotics Anonymous allows people from outside of the fellowship to observe what Narcotics Anonymous is and how it functions. Verbal participation, however, is limited to NA members only. An open meeting is an NA meeting that may be attended by anyone (e.g., judges, probation officers, professionals, family members) interested in how we have found recovery from the disease of addiction. It does so by providing an atmosphere in which addicts can feel more certain that those attending will be able to identify with them, and share their own experience, strength, and hope.ģ.
A closed Narcotics Anonymous meeting provides a freedom that is necessary for more personal and intimate sharing by Narcotics Anonymous members. A closed meeting in Narcotics Anonymous is for those individuals who identify themselves as addicts or for those who are uncertain and think they might have a drug problem. As much as we might like to, we cannot be all things to all people.Ģ. It is intended to be a safe and beneficial place where an addict can hear about and participate in recovery from the disease of drug addiction. A Narcotics Anonymous meeting, whether it is open or closed, is a refuge for addicts. The World Service Board of Trustees recommends the following guidelines and definitions:ġ. It is our belief that, by gaining clarity about open and closed NA meetings, our members can be prepared to carry the message of recovery from drug addiction to addicts, as well as sharing our message to others who are interested. However, with continued growth and increased awareness about NA, all of us must look ahead. Most of these occasions do not present continuing problems for our groups. We always encourage respect, tact, and diplomacy when confronted with circumstances where non-addicts attend regular NA meetings. Our message of recovery in meetings can be clouded or diluted when people such as parents, spouses, therapists, members of other fellowships, or others who are not NA members share or speak at NA meetings. This confusion can be magnified when these individuals participate in our meetings. The board of trustees has received reports of confusion arising when interested non-addicts or people who are not sure if they are addicts attend NA meetings. The population at large is gaining an increased awareness of our fellowship, and has an increased interest in our meetings. Communication from the fellowship has revealed the need to understand what role the different types play in carrying our message. There are different types of NA meetings which serve different purposes. Our purpose in addressing open and closed NA meetings is to help NA members understand precisely what NA meetings can offer to both addicts and non-addicts. This bulletin was revised during the 1995-1996 conference year. This article was generated by the World Service Board of Trustees in August 1987 in response to the needs of the fellowship. WORLD SERVICE BOARD OF TRUSTEES BULLETIN #15
0 kommentar(er)
