Self Help

Nicotine Anonymous is sort of a cousin program of Alcoholics Anonymous. Many people who have become addicted to alcohol have successfully quit by using the 12-step program that’s part of Alcoholics Anonymous. The same highly successful principles of the Alcoholics Anonymous program have been used to create the Nicotine Anonymous program. Other than that, the programs share no other connections.

Nicotine Anonymous is a community of people who are addicted to nicotine. Nicotine Anonymous helps people quit by teaching them how to grow and live without using nicotine. The group recognizes that nicotine is highly addictive and alters the mood of those who use it. They also recognize the reality that a craving can cause someone to start smoking again, even after many years of having quit. Therefore, the groups meet regularly so as to avoid slipping back into addiction.

Nicotine Anonymous meetings consist of two or more people who get together regularly and share their common desire to no longer be addicted to nicotine. During these meetings, they share experiences and learn from each other. Group members openly discuss what they have gone through while trying to withdraw from nicotine.

New members are introduced to the Twelve Steps of Recovery. These steps suggest a spiritual approach that can be used to overcome nicotine addiction as well as help cope with the stresses of everyday life.

Anonymity is one of the program’s hallmarks. Members use only their first names, and this makes the sharing of feelings more comfortable for many participants. While telephone numbers are frequently exchanged, the purpose of this is to be able to get immediate support during a crisis, not to contact each other socially.

Each new member is encouraged to get a sponsor. The purpose of the sponsor is to provide emotional support and encouragement, as well as to share experiences. There is no charge for membership, and the organization is supported by its own funds. Anyone who wants to stop smoking can join. It even offers Pen Pals and online meetings if there is not a regular meeting in your community.

New members are encouraged to quit smoking by abstaining from smoking one day at a time. Members believe that if they are to remain nicotine-free, they must have healthy minds and emotions. The Twelve Steps are used to help understand thoughts and emotions as well as to build a strong foundation for healthy lives.