Narcotics Anonymous

Welcome to the Miracles In Progress Group of Narcotics Anonymous! This is not an official NA site, nor is it endorsed by the NA World Service Office.

Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
NA Message Board -> Narcotics Anonymous Message Board -> Can I lead a meeting if I'm on DRT?
Post Info TOPIC: Can I lead a meeting if I'm on DRT?
LeeM


Newbie

Status: Offline
Posts: 4
Date:
Can I lead a meeting if I'm on DRT?
Permalink  

Hello friends,

This is the issue raised by three motions to be debated at the 2018 World Service Conference in April-May of next year. As a Conference, we have never definitively spoken on this issue.

The Board has addressed it twice, though in somewhat conflicting terms.  NA Groups and Medication seems to leave room for group autonomy on allowing participation by addicts on DRT, yet Bulletin 29 seems to take that autonomy away, prohibiting these addicts from taking leadership commitments. 

From NA Groups and Medication:
Opening our doors to these members means that groups take the time to discuss this issue and find ways to make everyone feel welcome. Each group is autonomous, and a groups conscience will ultimately determine the level of participation of those on drug replacement. Some groups may decide to encourage those on drug replacement to serve as coffee or tea makers, or as a clean-up person, instead of holding leadership positions. These commitments may encourage a desire for complete abstinence through allowing these members to feel a part of NA.  
 
From Bulletin 29:
It may be argued that a group's autonomy, as described in our Fourth Tradition, allows them to decide who may share at their meetings. However, while this is true, we believe that group autonomy does not justify allowing someone who is using to lead a meeting, be a speaker, or serve as a trusted servant. Group autonomy stands only until it affects other groups or NA as a whole. We believe it affects other groups and NA as a whole when we allow members who are not clean to be a speaker, chair a meeting, or be a trusted servant for NA.  

The motions raise the issue of how addicts on DRT/MAT may participate in NA service, as by our definition they are not "clean." 

I would love to hear your thoughts, as the influx of addicts on DRT is an issue we must grapple with. 

Thanks for your consideration!



__________________
Davethewave


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 653
Date:
Permalink  

It's an evolving topic, and I've heard some say the handwriting is on the wall that World is headed towards accepting those DRT. I have no opinion on that! Other then to say who ever comes into the rooms should be welcomed!

__________________
Dave
Mike M


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 721
Date:
Permalink  

There is a big difference between being a member and being welcomed and holding a service position while using subs. 



__________________
Work the Steps or Die MF. (My Friend :)
Clean One Day At a Time by The Grace of God through The Power of NA
Dave R


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 4106
Date:
Permalink  

It is a group decision. I know our home group would welcome people on DRT into meetings but not allow them to hold a service position or chair the meeting.

__________________
Jasper Oceans


Newbie

Status: Offline
Posts: 1
Date:
Permalink  

In my opinion, I think bringing up Principles and Leadership in Narcotics Anonymous would be a helpful topic in deciding whether or not we should allow people on drug replacement therapy to be in positions of leadership: Is someone who is on DRT able to demonstrate humility, integrity, accountability, adequately perform specific tasks, etc.? Are they actively working the 12 steps with a sponsor, practicing spiritual principals, and are they knowledgeable about the 12 Traditions and 12 Concepts? Have they ever misappropriated NA funds? Are they trustworthy, etc. etc.? The IP makes a good point about striving to guide members into learning positions. There's a lot to think about on the topic of DRT and MAT. Considering the fact that usually we know our own community better than anyone outside of it, should we just leave it to the areas to decide for themselves what requirements to have or not have? I don't know. ... But I do think it would be a good idea to get some requirements in place just because from my own personal experience, there are some areas that literally are lost on such issues and could probably use some guidance.



-- Edited by Jasper Oceans on Wednesday 20th of December 2017 05:08:06 AM

__________________

Olivia H. ~01/19/2015~
Page 1 of 1  sorted by
 
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.
NA Message Board -> Narcotics Anonymous Message Board -> Can I lead a meeting if I'm on DRT?
Tweet this page Post to Digg Post to Del.icio.us