FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What's Nar-Anon?
The Nar-Anon Family Groups are a worldwide fellowship for those affected by someone else’s addiction. As a Twelve-Step Program, we offer our help by sharing our experience, strength, and hope. The only requirement for membership is that there be a problem of addiction in a relative or friend. Our program of recovery is adapted from NA and uses our Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, and Twelve Concepts.
What's a Nar-Anon Family Group?
The Nar-Anon Family Groups is primarily for those who know or have known a feeling of desperation concerning the addiction problem of someone very near to you. Members share their experiences, strength, and hope at weekly meetings, which are usually held at locations such as treatment and community centers, hospitals, churches, or local twelve-step clubs.
What if there's no Nar-Anon Group in my area?
If there's no Nar-Anon Family Group in your community, you may start one. Click here for more information on how you can do so.
How Do I Join Nar-Anon?
Joining is easy - just attend a meeting. There are no dues or fees. The only requirement for membership is that there be a problem of addiction in a relative or friend. We're never affiliated with any other organization or outside entity.
What Does It Cost?
Nar-Anon has no dues or fees. Each group is self-supporting and collects donations that are used for local expenses such as room rent and supplies. Group and member donations support the Nar-Anon World Service Office.
Is Literature Available?
Nar-Anon publications are based upon the shared experience of our membership and their application of Nar-Anon's principles to their lives. You can view and purchase Nar-Anon literature at our Webstore.
Is Professional Help Available?
Nar-Anon is a non-professional fellowship whose members share their experience, strength, and hope to solve their common problems. We've learned to avoid standing in the way of the addict’s recovery. Nar-Anon is not a replacement for, nor provides professional treatment. We do cooperate with NA and other recovery programs, but don't affiliate with or recommend them specifically.
20 Questions - Is Nar-Anon For Me?
These 20 questions allow us to evaluate ourselves to see if Nar-Anon might be right for us.
Ask yourself the following questions and then answer them as honestly as you can.
1. Do you find yourself making excuses, lying or covering up for someone?
2. Do you have a reason not to trust this person?
3. Is it becoming difficult for you to believe his/her explanations?
4. Do you lie awake worrying about this person?
5. If it is your child, is he/she missing school often without your knowledge?
6. If it is your spouse, is he/she missing work and leaving bills to pile up?
7. Are your savings mysteriously disappearing?
8. Are the unanswered questions causing hostility and undermining your relationship?
9. Are you asking yourself, "What’s wrong?" and "Is it my fault?"
10. Are normal family disagreements becoming hostile and violent?
11. Are your suspicions turning you into a detective and are you afraid of what you may find?
12. Are you canceling your social functions with vague excuses?
13. Are you becoming increasingly reluctant to invite friends to your home?
14. Is concern for this person causing you headaches, a knotty stomach and extreme anxiety?
15. Do minute matters easily irritate this person? Does your whole life seem like a nightmare?
16. Are you unable to discuss the situation with friends and relatives because of embarrassment?
17. Are you frustrated by ineffective attempts to control the situation?
18. Do you overcompensate and try not to make waves?
19. Do you keep trying to make things better and nothing helps?
20. Are the life style and friends of this person changing? Do you ever think they may be using drugs?
If you have answered “Yes” to four or more of these questions,
Nar-Anon may be able to give you the answers you are looking for.
If you have answered “Yes” to four or more of these questions,
Nar-Anon may be able to give you the answers you are looking for.