Introducing Nicotine Anonymous to the Medical Profession

Do you have patients who continue to smoke or chew tobacco in spite of your medical advice to stop?
Nicotine Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women helping each other to live our lives free of nicotine. We share our experience, strength, and hope with each other so that we may be free from this powerful addiction. The only requirement for membership is the desire to stop using nicotine. There are no dues or fees for Nicotine Anonymous membership; we are self supporting through our own contributions. Nicotine Anonymous is not allied with any sect, denomination, political entity, organization or institution, does not engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any cause. Our primary purpose is to offer support to those who are trying to gain freedom from nicotine. - (Our Preamble, reprinted for adaption with permission of the A.A. Grapevine)

This recovery program is based on the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous. We offer a gentle approach to first gaining and then maintaining freedom from this powerful addiction.

Our message to newcomers who seek us out is:

It doesn’t matter in what form you have used nicotine or how many times you may have tried to quit. If you have a desire to live nicotine-free, you are welcomed here. We have found that as we attend meetings regularly, we come to believe in the shared experience of our fellow members. Sharing together creates hope and helps us to keep an open mind. We suggest attending a number of meetings to discover for yourself how the caring support of others and the daily practice of Nicotine Anonymous principles has helped us experience the gift of freedom from nicotine.

Over time, by using this program of recovery to abstain from nicotine: physically, we achieve better health; emotionally, we become more serene; spiritually, we find hope and courage where there was doubt and fear. Our respect for each other is evident in our commitment to not criticize, gossip, or offer unsolicited advice. Members can work this gentle program at their own pace, but we strongly suggest newcomers select a sponsor as a source of help and guidance.

Nicotine Anonymous views nicotine addiction as a disease which affects the user physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We regard it as an addiction, which like alcohol or other drug addiction, can be arrested, but not cured. Nicotine Anonymous helps nicotine users to take an active role in treating their disease.

The recovery program is a suggested guide to living nicotine-free one day at a time. Listening to the shared experiences of others is an opportunity for self-education to help the nicotine addict learn how to modify their thinking and behavior. Members are encouraged to take what they need and leave the rest.

Nicotine Anonymous is a spiritual program. However, each member can come to believe in a Higher Power of his or her own understanding. Faith and hope help to heal and restore the belief that we can live without nicotine. This program may not be for everyone, but we welcome all who seek freedom from nicotine.

Other Nicotine Delivery Systems Nicotine Anonymous accepts that nicotine is a toxic, addictive substance that endangers our quality of life. According to our Tenth Tradition, “Nicotine Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues.” This includes all methods or mechanisms that deliver nicotine. We neither endorse nor oppose such devices as nicotine gum or patches. The use of such devices is a decision left to each member, but the group’s goal is to support abstinence from nicotine.

To find more about what Nicotine Anonymous offers:

1. Read the material on our web site - www.nicotine-anonymous.org

2. Email us at: Info@nicotine-anonymous.org

3. Check the white pages of your local telephone directory.

4. Write to: 419 Main Street, PMB #370, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 USA

5. Call: (415) 750-0328