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Drug Problem? Give yourself a break.

Narcotics Anonymous is a nonprofit fellowship or society of people for whom drugs have become a major problem. Whether you’re new to our fellowship or returning after time away, we’re glad you’re here!

Just for Today

April 26, 2025
Self-acceptance
Page 120
"The most effective means of achieving self-acceptance is through applying the Twelve Steps of recovery."
IP No. 19, Self-Acceptance

Most of us came to Narcotics Anonymous without much self-acceptance. We looked at the havoc we had wreaked in our active addiction, and we loathed ourselves. We had difficulty accepting our past and the self-image produced by it.

Self-acceptance comes more quickly when we first accept that we have a disease called addiction, because it's easier to accept ourselves as sick people than as bad people. And the easier it is to accept ourselves, the easier it becomes to accept responsibility for ourselves.

We achieve self-acceptance through the process of ongoing recovery. Working the Twelve Steps of Narcotics Anonymous teaches us to accept ourselves and our lives. Spiritual principles like surrender, honesty, faith, and humility help relieve us of the burden of our past mistakes. Our attitude changes with the application of these principles in our daily lives. Self-acceptance grows as we grow in recovery.

Just for Today: Self-acceptance is a process set in motion by the Twelve Steps. Today, I will trust the process, practice the steps, and learn to better accept myself.
a woman standing on top of a hill looking at the sky

Spiritual Principle a Day

April 26, 2025
Caring for Ourselves, Caring for Others
Page 120
"We need to develop empathy and concern for others, and to let go of self- obsession without losing sight of ourselves."
Living Clean, Chapter 5, "Friendship"

Negotiating a balance between caring for ourselves and for others takes much self-awareness. It requires ongoing focus, discernment, and thoughtful action. Finding that combination of loving generosity in helping others while maintaining appropriate boundaries--the healthy interplay between independence and interdependence--is a lifelong pursuit for a recovering addict.

Through the work we do on ourselves, our bent toward self-obsessiveness lessens as our empathy for others tends to deepen. What used to be a single-minded concern for "this addict" often becomes tempered with a genuine concern for other NA members. Many of us roll up our sleeves and get to work helping new members because we want them to experience the same relief and connection that we did. We have found a new way of life and want to share with them how we did it. Fair enough. But we may end up feeling like we need to save them and that we are the only ones who can do it. We take it personally when our suggestions are rebuffed. We mistakenly blame ourselves if they don't stay clean.

This perspective is detrimental to our own recovery, reflecting a bit of that self-obsession we thought we had exchanged for kindness. We must show ourselves some care--and demonstrate some humility, even self-respect, often by taking a step back while still making ourselves available to help when asked. Knowing where support ends and enabling begins can be a baffling process that we revisit again and again throughout our recovery. Some of us develop excellent instincts in this regard and can support other addicts through the process of discovery for themselves.

I can care about others while still caring for myself. I can help others find what I'm finding in NA while maintaining my self-respect and being pragmatic about my powerlessness over other people.
a woman standing on top of a hill looking at the sky

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SouthBay Movie Night

SouthBay Movie Night

555 Broadway #2050, Chula Vista, CA 91910 Meet us in front of the AMC 10* at the Chula Vista Mall*. You cover your tickets and [...]
Recovery In The Rapids

Recovery In The Rapids

May 14, 2025 - May 18, 2025    
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Beach Area Activities Committee presents Recovery in the Rapids This NA event has been going on for over two decades. Join us for a weekend [...]
5th Convention Area Habla Hispana SD

5th Convention Area Habla Hispana SD

May 16, 2025 - May 18, 2025    
4:00 pm - 12:00 pm
5th Convention Area Habla Hispana SD Location: Handlers Hotel 950 Hotel Circle North San Diego, CA 92108 Room rate $169 bkft included Reservations code: NA [...]
Rescheduled Learning Day

Rescheduled Learning Day

May 18, 2025    
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
This is our rescheduled learning day! Please join us! Free food! Raffle! Learn about service commitments! Contact Info: Lindsey - Activities Chair - 6494867621
SouthBay Movie Night

SouthBay Movie Night

555 Broadway #2050, Chula Vista, CA 91910 Meet us in front of the AMC 10* at the Chula Vista Mall*. You cover your tickets and [...]
Our Traditions Breakfast

Our Traditions Breakfast

May 24, 2025    
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
  Presented by SDICRNA CONVENTION COMMITTEE SPEAKER MEETING $15 presale $20 at the door Saturday, May 24, 2025 From 9am - 1pm 3030 thorn street, [...]
Stepping into Serenity 30th Anniversary

Stepping into Serenity 30th Anniversary

May 24, 2025    
3:00 pm
  Stepping into Serenity 30th Anniversary Save the date! Time TBD, but come out for some good food and later for a ticketed comedy show [...]
Stepping into Serenity potluck/Comedy show

Stepping into Serenity potluck/Comedy show

May 24, 2025    
4:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Stepping into Serenity is proud to present the 30th-anniversary potluck and comedy show! The potluck will start at 4 p.m. with speakers, and the group [...]