1 – What is a 12-step program?
2 – What is Nicotine Anonymous?
3 – What are the requirements to become a Nicotine Anonymous member?
4 – How does Nicotine Anonymous help?
5 – What are Nicotine Anonymous meetings?
6 – What is a sponsor and how do I get one?
7 – How do I get Nicotine Anonymous literature?
8 – How do I find out about face-to-face meetings in my area?
9 – How much will Nicotine Anonymous cost me?
1 – What is a 12-step program?
All 12-step programs include: attendance at a variety of meetings; some form of spirituality; the concept of sponsorship; working the 12 steps adapted to the particular program; a sense of fellowship; and an emphasis on service. The original 12-step program was started in order to help the addicted person recover through embracing spirituality. Over time the philosophy of these programs has evolved to include teaching people a whole new way to “live life on life’s terms.” Recovery from addiction is viewed as a lifelong process. A good summation is, “Trust God, Clean House, Help Others (Dr. Bob, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous” the original 12-Step program).
2 – What is Nicotine Anonymous?
The foundation of Nicotine Anonymous is built on the 12 Steps & 12 Traditions. The 12 Steps are the heart of our program and encompass the spiritual aspects of our program of recovery. Newcomers are especially encouraged to study, understand and make use of the benefits of the first three steps. The Steps are a process of self-discovery and a journey toward spiritual peace. Everything in the program is suggested; nothing is required except having the desire to live nicotine free. The fellowship supports recovery, it does not demand it.
Nicotine Anonymous (NicA) is an international fellowship of women and men who have experienced the struggle of nicotine addiction. We are committed to helping each other to live a better life, free from nicotine. Our primary purpose is to offer support to those who are trying to gain freedom from nicotine. NicA is based on the “Twelve Steps” program of recovery that originated with Alcoholics Anonymous. Support in this program can be obtained via meetings worldwide, either in person or on the Internet. For more information about the fellowship, as well as a schedule of worldwide meetings, go to the official Nicotine Anonymous website.
Voices of Nicotine Recovery is a Nicotine Anonymous group. Our meetings are conducted online in a voice chat room.
3 – What are the requirements to become a Nicotine Anonymous member?
There is no formal membership. You are a member if you say you are. The only requirement is a desire to stop using nicotine. You are encouraged to attend meetings whether you are using nicotine (in any form) or not.
4 – How does Nicotine Anonymous help?
Nicotine is a powerfully addictive, mind and mood altering substance. The craving for it can return at any time. Even people who have stopped for years have found themselves relapsing and smoking again. We have found that, like Alcoholics Anonymous, being involved in this fellowship and working through the Twelve Steps can help us to quit and stay quit. Attending Nicotine Anonymous meetings can give us the support and courage to help us be free of the powerful nicotine addiction. We encourage you to abstain from using nicotine “one day at a time.”
Our bodies, minds, and spirits have been affected by this powerful substance. The Twelve Steps can help all aspects of our recovery from this addiction. After the initial difficulties of nicotine withdrawal, we often find that we can feel stronger and healthier in ever way.
5 – What are Nicotine Anonymous meetings?
Nicotine Anonymous meetings usually consist of at least two people getting together to talk and share about their experience, strength and hope in order to be free from nicotine. There is a chairperson who runs the meeting. Announcements are made; The Serenity Prayer, The Twelve Steps, and a number of other readings may be read. The bulk of the meeting is spent discussing the program and principles of NicA and how these lead to freedom from nicotine addiction. The meetings are a safe place for us to come to ask questions, discuss our feelings, and share our personal experiences. The meetings are the heart of the Twelve Step program.
6 – What is a sponsor and how do I get one?
A sponsor is someone who has quit using nicotine and is available to help you work the 12 steps. A sponsor is someone who knows and understands what you are going through and can guide you in your recovery. A sponsor is someone who can share his or her experience, strength, and hope with you.
The easiest way to get a sponsor is to go to meetings and listen to the people there. You should choose someone who has the kind of recovery that you seek for yourself. When you have made your decision, simply ask him or her (men should pick men and women should pick women) if they are available. Do not feel bad if they say no. It is not a personal rejection. Some people simply are not able to do it for various reasons. If that is the case, move on to your next choice. We have some wonderful people here with some great quality smobriety. Happy Hunting!!!
7 – How do I get Nicotine Anonymous literature?
NicA literature can be found on the Nicotine Anonymous website at: https://www.nicotine-anonymous.org/publications.
Nicotine Anonymous Books:
Nicotine Anonymous: The Book (Our basic text)
Our Path to Freedom (Twelve Stories of Recovery)
A Year of Miracles – Daily Meditations
90 Days 90 Ways – Daily Meditations
Reflections on Freedom – Daily Meditations
Nicotine Anonymous Pamphlets:
- Introducing Nicotine Anonymous
- To the Newcomer and Sponsorship in Nicotine Anonymous
- How Nicotine Anonymous Works: Honesty, Openness, and Willingness
- Nicotine Anonymous: The Program and The Tools
- A Nicotine User’s View of The Twelve Steps
- The Serenity Prayer for Nicotine Users
- Nicotine Anonymous Slogans To Help Us Be Happy,
- Tips for Gaining Freedom From Nicotine
- Facing the Fatal Attraction
- To the Dipper and Chewer
- Our Promises
- What Do Nicotine Anonymous World Services and Intergroups Offer Me and My Group?
- Introducing Nicotine Anonymous to the Medical Profession
- Are You Concerned About Someone Who Smokes or Chews Tobacco?
- The Twelve Steps of Nicotine Anonymous
- The Twelve Traditions of Nicotine Anonymous
- The Twelve Traditions of Nicotine Anonymous (Extended Version)
8 – How do I find out about face-to-face meetings in my area?
Check out “Find a Meeting”on the official NicA site at: https://www.nicotine-anonymous.org/find-a-meeting
9 – How much will Nicotine Anonymous cost me?
Tradition Seven states, “Every Nicotine Anonymous group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.” There are no dues or fees for Nicotine Anonymous membership, however there are plenty of expenses associated with a worldwide fellowship and outreach program.
Although we have no dues or fees, if you would like to send a voluntary contribution to the Nic-Anon World Service Office to help with their expenses, you can make an online donation by going to https://www.nicotine-anonymous.org/gift-of-gratitude