Complacency
The Narcotics Anonymous Basic Text includes warnings about complacency—a concept I once thought meant a lack of effort. I looked the word up in the dictionary and learned its true meaning: complacency is a sense of contentment with the current situation and often implies self-satisfaction or even smugness. It took some time before I understood the impact complacency would have on my recovery.
Complacency is one of the worst aspects of my disease. My satisfaction and smugness can be evident in my shares at meetings. When I am happy, I feel like I know a few things. However, the underlying problems start with my beliefs about Narcotics Anonymous.
I think that anyone who enjoys success in their lives because of their involvement with Narcotics Anonymous will start to believe in the program. I hear people share that they “did the work” and now they enjoy the benefits. I see a natural progression from enjoying my life to wanting that for others. How that can be achieved for you might seem simple from my perspective; my mind tells me that you need to repeat what has worked for others, just like I did. My beliefs become armor for who I am and what I have achieved. My words become weapons. “Do the Steps or Die” becomes a battle cry. My focus narrows, and I become self-righteous. I see it in myself and experience it from others.
“Complacency keeps us from goodwill, love, and compassion.”
— Narcotics Anonymous Basic Text, 2nd Edition, Chapter 10, “More Will Be Revealed”
Promulgator Cults
The term “promulgator cult” often refers to a system of beliefs—particularly regarding health or ideology—based on the dogma set forth by its promoter. It is defined as a group of individuals with intense, often unquestioning devotion to a specific leader, idea, or object.
- Context in Health/Dogma: In many definitions, a “cult” is described as a system for curing diseases or a set of beliefs established by a central promulgator, often used to describe unorthodox or rigid belief systems.
- Characteristics: These groups are characterized by extreme loyalty, the promotion of conspiracy theories, the rejection of mainstream information, and a tight, secretive inner circle.
- Real-world Examples: Between 2023 and 2025, a notable group in Canada was often described as a “cult” led by Romana Didulo, who claimed to be the “Queen of Canada” and used social media to spread decrees that caused followers to lose homes or refuse medical care.
- Actions: Members of such groups often cut off ties with family and society, adopting the “dogma” of the leader as their sole truth.
Key Indicators of a Cult-like Group:
- Absolute Authoritarianism: No tolerance for questions or critical inquiry.
- Isolation: Encouraging followers to cut ties with the outside world.
- Propaganda: Intense dissemination of a single, specific worldview.
I Believe
Beliefs are valuable tools in my recovery, but I need to remember that they are personal. Imposing my beliefs on another creates unhealthy boundaries. Narcotics Anonymous literature warns about remaining open-minded and seeing both sides of things. I want to try what I have learned on an experimental basis and not be herded like sheep. I need to remind myself to allow that for others.
Unfortunately, the promulgation continues to grow in strength. Many service structures are cult-like in their adherence to a single worldview. Those who participate in these cults complain about a lack of support; this lack of support generates a hunger for the means to continue to promote ideology. Cult members are growing increasingly dependent on funds ahead of unity.
The reliance on profits from literature and events promotes false narratives. Workshops, learning days, and unity events have become promotional, where ideology is forced upon members. I am not surprised when people drift away or, worse, embrace the cult-like activities of other members.
Hope
There is hope. Narcotics Anonymous continues to grow through the efforts of those who serve. Despite the visible damage, the underlying strength of NA is in its membership. Globally, the Fellowship is stronger today than ever before. Virtual groups have allowed members to experience diversity, unity, and strength in fellowship.
Anonymity
The literature says we meet regularly to help each other. It is important that my beliefs do not prevent others from having their own. The path forward is unity, not oppression. Narcotics Anonymous has never been a “self-help” program for me. I might enjoy tremendous success, but complacency means I might try to impose my ideas on others.
Stagnation replaces growth when I put personality ahead of principles. Anonymity truly is the spiritual foundation of Narcotics Anonymous groups. Service ahead of self-interest ensures that NA maintains unity. I have learned to put aside my ideas and embrace anonymity.