Gmoney

I beg to differ. Reading NA literature and becoming familiar with the program and fellowship helps us understand what is or isn't an outside issue. Anything that goes on within NA cannot be an outside issue.

The World Service Board of Trustees Bulletin # 29 specifically states:

Members on drug replacement programs such as methadone are encouraged to attend NA meetings. But, this raises the question: "Does NA have the right to limit members participation in meetings?" We believe so. While some groups choose to allow such members to share, it is also a common practice for NA groups to encourage these members (or any other addict who is still using), to participate only by listening and by talking with members after the meeting or during the break. This is not meant to alienate or embarrass; this is meant only to preserve an atmosphere of recovery in our meetings.

Our Fifth Tradition defines our groups' purpose: to carry the message that any addict can stop using and find a new way to live. We carry that message at our recovery meetings, where those who have some experience with NA recovery can share about it, and those who need to hear about NA recovery can listen. When an individual under the influence of a drug attempts to speak on recovery in Narcotics Anonymous, it is our experience that a mixed, or confused message may be given to a newcomer (or any member, for that matter) For this reason, many groups believe it is inappropriate for these members to share at meetings of Narcotics Anonymous.

Obviously, NA does have an opinion regarding members on prescribed medication IN OUR MEETINGS. If you read the bulletin all the way through, you'll see that there are guidelines regarding members who are drug replacement programs. Hence, if there are NA guidleines...there is an NA opinion. This isn't an outside issue.

It is also suggested that those who are uninformed or interested read the Times of Illness pamphlet.

GarryW