When I research blog posts, I rely on the Second Edition of the Narcotics Anonymous Basic Text. The book was published by the World Service Office as an ‘official publication’ of Narcotics Anonymous in 1983. That was the same year that the First Edition was published. The Second Edition contains phrases that were removed from the First Edition. These publications resulted in a tremendous rift within the Fellowships that existed at the time. The rift has widened to a chasm today. Choosing sides has become more important to some addicts than the primary purpose. I prefer the Second Edition with the original language after studying the history. I love the language of recovery and believe in NA. One of my favorite quotes has remained constant in all versions of the Basic Text.
Yet there are others, completely abstinent, whose dishonesties and self-deceits still prevent them from enjoying complete recovery and acceptance within society.
Narcotics Anonymous Basic Text, Chapter Seven “Recovery and Relapse”, Line 6.
Complete recovery seems to involve the absence of deceit to oneself and others. When I achieve complete recovery, I will find acceptance within society. The book does reference that there is ‘no model for the recovering addict’ in Chapter eight (titled ‘We Do Recover’). What model exists for the recovered addict, I wonder?
What is Narcotics Anonymous?
One of the first publications (the Little White Book) offered this definition of Narcotics Anonymous.
N.A. is a non-profit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. We are recovered addicts who meet regularly to help each other to stay clean.
Narcotics Anonymous, Little White Book, 1966
This definition remained place for almost twenty years during tremendous growth. Recovered addicts did meet regularly to help the still suffering addicts. The literature was changed and the 1984 Third Edition of the Basic Text revised this from ‘recovered’ to ‘recovering’. The Third Edition still included a line that classified two types of addicts.
The outer circle denotes a universal and total program that has room within for all manifestations of the recovering and wholly recovered person.
Narcotics Anonymous Basic Text, Third Edition, Published 1984, ‘Our Symbol’, pg ix.
By 1987, this changed and the Fourth Edition said ‘manifestations of the recovering person.’ References to recovered addicts were gone. The Basic Text, Chapter Eight title assured addicts that ‘they do recover’ but recovered addicts are no longer mentioned in the literature.
Why The Change?
I was told that literature was changed so that there would not be two classes of addicts; recovering and recovered. I have been told that the concept would confuse newcomers. I have never seen any evidence that, except in the addicts who proclaim their clean time loudly or boast of their accomplishments. There is a wide and blurry line between attraction and promotion within the rooms of Narcotics Anonymous. I think society gives examples we can learn from.
Marathon Runners
Two people meet at the finish line of a local marathon. One is clearly sweating, breathing heavy, and clearly recovering from the race today. The other person identifies as recovered marathoner who did not race today. The recovered marathoner has a willingness to help those who are recovering. Some may have helped during their last race. I doubt there is much discussion about who is recovering and who is recovered. One person has the capacity to help the other. It is a relationship based on love. Hopefully neither marathoner looks at the other with contempt. Both have experiences that they can share with each other.
Stigma of Being an Addict
Probably the last to be lost to freedom will be the stigma of being an addict.
Basic Text, ‘Our Symbol’, pg ix, Line 9.
Once I found acceptance in society and lost the stigma of being an addict, everything changed. My anxiety passes quickly. My defects have minimal impact on my relationships with others. I have purpose and embrace each day. I’m generally happy with life even when things do not go my way. Friendships are easier today and the challenges I face I do not need to face alone.
Service
I have found that my gratitude is best expressed as service to others. When I lose that connection to others, my gratitude quickly becomes hubris. I find myself slipping into a sense of entitlement and self-admiration. I surround myself with like-minded addicts who feel the same way that I do and lose the opportunity to spot self-deception. The recovery I fought so hard to obtain quietly slips away as I become complacent. Being part of a home group with lots of engagement and a stream of newcomers guarantees my best chances at success as a recovered addict. I feel complete today.