Just for Today – December 18 – The Message of Our Meetings

“The fact that we, each and every group, focus on carrying the message provides consistency; addicts can count on us.”
– Basic Text, pp. 64-65

NA meetings are a lifeline for addicts seeking recovery. The consistency of the message shared in these rooms is what makes them a sanctuary for those struggling with addiction. When we attend meetings, we come to hear the message of recovery—how others got clean, stayed clean, and found freedom through the Twelve Steps.

Carrying the Message

The core purpose of every NA meeting is to carry the message of recovery to the still-suffering addict. This message is one of hope, transformation, and the practical application of the Twelve Steps.

What the Message Is:

• Hope: Recovery is possible, no matter how far someone has fallen.
• Experience: Sharing what it was like, what happened, and what it’s like now.
• Tools for Recovery: The principles and practices that help us stay clean and grow spiritually.

Meetings provide a consistent environment where addicts can hear the solution, not just the problem.

Avoiding the Mess

While it can be tempting to share stories about our wild behaviors in active addiction, these tales often carry “the mess” rather than “the message.”

The Difference Between the Mess and the Message:

• The Mess: War stories, philosophical debates, or complaints that don’t offer solutions.
• The Message: Honest accounts of how we’ve applied the program to overcome challenges and grow in recovery.

Sharing the message ensures that meetings remain a space where everyone, especially newcomers, can find the hope and guidance they need.

Reflecting on How We Share

When we find ourselves criticizing meetings—calling them unproductive or full of negativity—it’s a good opportunity to reflect on our own contributions. Are we sharing in a way that supports recovery, or are we adding to the problem?

Tips for Sharing Effectively:

1. Focus on Recovery: Highlight how the program has helped you navigate specific challenges.
2. Be Honest: Share authentically about your journey, including struggles and victories.
3. Stay Solution-Oriented: Offer insights into what has worked for you in recovery.
4. Keep it Relevant: Avoid tangents or stories that distract from the primary purpose of the meeting.

When we share thoughtfully, we contribute to the strength and consistency of the meetings we attend.

The Responsibility of Sharing

Sharing in meetings is a privilege and a responsibility. By sharing our experience, strength, and hope, we honor the purpose of NA and ensure that meetings remain a source of recovery for all who attend.