March 26

Step One reminds us that, " we've tried countless other remedies--counselors, psychiatrists, hospitals, lovers, new towns, new jobs--everything we tried, failed." Ours is a Spiritual disease and since you can't treat a Spiritual disease with medicine, doctors can't help us with our Recovery. In fact, one of the most dangerous places for an addict to visit, is a doctor's office. Today's doctors take a ten-hour course in the disease of addiction. On the other hand, we have years of experience in the disease, and now we also have years of experience in the Solution.

We are experts in our own Recovery. The Twelve Steps of Narcotics Anonymous are Spiritually Based; they are our Solution to the torturous existence in active addiction.

For some of us, Narcotics Anonymous was the last thing we tried, and the first thing that worked. This was the last house on the block for most of us. Abstinence from all drugs in order to Recover is a Principle Cornerstone of our Program; it's part of our Message.

Clean Time is what we celebrate in our N.A. Birthday Celebrations, Recovery on the other hand can't be easily measured. We arrest the disease and Recovery is then possible.

Ours is a Daily Reprieve, and that depends on our Spiritual Maintenance. Our Literature tells us that we " must abstain from all drugs in order to Recover. " We cannot Recover if our minds and bodies are clouded with drugs.

Substituting one drug for another, releases our addiction all over again. Our Recovery is our Responsibility, not the doctors.

Although we have no opinions on outside issues, Clean Time in Narcotics Anonymous is an inside issue. We respect professionals and what they do, and our Traditions protect us in what we do.