Nicotine Anonymous

An Introduction

Our PreambleNicotine Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women

helping each other to live our lives free of nicotine. We

share our experience, strength, and hope with each other

so that we may be free from this powerful addiction. The

only requirement for membership is the desire to stop

using nicotine. There are no dues or fees for Nicotine

Anonymous membership; we are self supporting through

our own contributions. Nicotine Anonymous is not allied

with any sect, denomination, political entity, organization

or institution, does not engage in any controversy, neither

endorses nor opposes any cause. Our primary purpose is

to offer support to those who are trying to gain freedom

from nicotine. Reprinted for adaptation with permission of the A.A. Grapevine

Welcome to Nicotine Anonymous

In the early 1980s, a few nicotine addicts discovered that

they were able to gain relief from their nicotine addiction

by adapting the principles of the 12-Step program,

Alcoholics Anonymous. They started Nicotine Anonymous

(NicA) in order to share this recovery program with other

nicotine addicts and to develop a fellowship that would

offer caring support and practical experience to others so

that they too could learn to live without using nicotine.

What Is Nicotine Anonymous?

Nicotine Anonymous is a worldwide fellowship of people who have

felt the terrible grip of nicotine addiction. We found a way to live

and grow without using nicotine. We share this program freely

with each other and with all who wish to join us.

We know that nicotine is a subtle, yet powerful mind and mood

altering substance, and that a compelling urge for it can return at

any time. Many who have stopped using nicotine for years have

found themselves using it once more. Therefore, we meet

regularly to avoid slipping back into its grip.

Our primary purpose is to help others, and thus ourselves, to live

free of nicotine.

How Does Nicotine Anonymous Help?

New members learn that our goal is to abstain from using

nicotine “one day at a time.” By example and through

fellowship we use this 12-Step program to recover our lives

each day.

The Fellowship’s valuable support is ongoing, not limited to a

few weeks. Members progress at their own pace. By getting

free of this addiction, our health has a chance to improve. If

we are to remain nicotine-free, we need healthy minds and

emotions, too. Using the Twelve Steps, we begin to

understand our thoughts and feelings, and lay a strong

spiritual foundation on which to build happy, useful lives.

What are Nicotine Anonymous Meetings?

Nicotine Anonymous meetings consist of two of more people

getting together to share a common desire to be free of nicotine.

Members share their experience, strength and hope. They learn

what others have experienced while withdrawing from nicotine

and how they can use the Nicotine Anonymous program to live

nicotine free.

In meetings, newcomers are introduced to the Twelve Steps of

recovery. Due to our tradition of anonymity, members find

meetings safe places to share their problems and feelings. We

respect each other by listening without inserting criticism or

unsolicited advice.

Who Can Join Nicotine Anonymous?

Anyone with a desire to stop using nicotine can join

Nicotine Anonymous, be they “youthful beginners” or

“seasoned users.”

We may vary in any number of other ways, but nicotine

addiction is the one thing all members have in common.

When we meet as NicA members, we seldom notice our

differences; we create unity and strength by focusing on

our common desire to live free of nicotine.

What If Meetings Are Not Available?

For people who do not have a local meeting or are

physically unable to attend meetings, there are meetings

online, on the phone, pen pal programs available using

email or snail mail.

How Much Will Nicotine Anonymous Cost Me?

There are no dues or fees for membership. Each group pays rent,

refreshments, and literature costs from money contributed voluntarily

by its members at each meeting. Funds collected beyond group

expenses can be contributed to their local intergroup and World

Services to assure that they continue to function for the groups.

No member accepts money for the help he or she gives to

newcomers, for being an elected member, or for performing any

other non-professional service for Nicotine Anonymous. The

payment we receive for these services is our own ongoing freedom

from nicotine.

What Doesn’t Nicotine Anonymous Do?

1. Nicotine Anonymous does not run membership drives.

Although we publish NicA announcements, the Fellowship is

based on attraction, not promotion.

2. Nicotine Anonymous does not accept money from outside

sources. We are self-supporting.

3. Nicotine Anonymous does not check up on its members to

criticize them or see if they have relapsed.

4. Nicotine Anonymous is not a religious organization. Members

form their own ideas about spirituality and the meaning of life.

5. Nicotine Anonymous is not a medical organization. It does not

give out medicines or psychiatric advice.

What Doesn’t Nicotine Anonymous Do?

6. Nicotine Anonymous neither runs medical or recovery

facilities nor provides health services.

7. Nicotine Anonymous is not affiliated with any other

organization. Some members work for outside organizations but

do not act as representatives of Nicotine Anonymous.

8. Nicotine Anonymous does not reveal its members’ names.

Our 11th Tradition states; “We need always maintain personal

anonymity at the level of press, radio, TV and films.” Also,

members do not divulge to others who says what in meetings.

How Do I Contact Nicotine Anonymous?

Nicotine Anonymous World Services

6333 Mockingbird Lane

#147-817

Dallas, TX 75214

Email: info@nicotine-anonymous.org

Internet: www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Phone: 877-879-6422