COMMON NA TERMINOLOGY

H&I	Hospitals and Institutions Subcommittee
PR	Public Relations Subcommittee
FD	Fellowship Development Subcommittee
GSR	Group Service Representative (read more in the ASC section)
ASC	Area Service Committee (read more in the ASC section)
ALT	Alternate (Alt GSR or Alt Secretary, etc.)
Home group	In some NA communities, it has become customary for members of the fellowship to make a personal commitment to support one group—their “home group.” For the individual member, it can provide a stable recovery base, a place to call “home,” a place to know and be known by other recovering addicts. For the group, it ensures the support of a core of regular, committed members. Our home group gives us a place in which to participate in NA’s decision-making processes.
Closed Meeting	These are NA meetings for only addicts or those who think they might have a drug problem. Closed meetings provide an atmosphere in which addicts can feel more certain that those attending will be able to identify with them. Newcomers may feel more comfortable at a closed meeting for the same reason. At the beginning of a closed meeting, the leader or chairperson often reads a statement explaining why the meeting is closed and offering to direct nonaddicts who may be attending to an open meeting.
Open Meeting	These are NA meetings that are open to anyone who wants to attend. Some groups have open meetings once a month to allow nonaddict friends and relatives of NA members to celebrate recovery anniversaries with them. Groups that have open meetings may structure their format in such a way that opportunities for participation by nonaddicts are limited only to short birthday or anniversary presentations. Such a format allows the meeting to retain its focus on recovery shared one addict to another. It should be made clear during the meeting that NA groups do not accept monetary contributions from nonaddicts.
Business Meeting	The purpose of the group business meeting is fairly self-explanatory: to conduct the business of the group in such a way that the group remains effective in carrying the recovery message. Some groups hold business meetings on a regular basis; others only call them when something specific comes up that needs the group’s attention.
Express Meeting	An Express meeting is normally shorter than a normal meeting. Usually only an hour long, has no comfort break and usually less readings. This can vary from meeting to meeting.
12 Step Program	A twelve-step program is a set of guiding principles outlining a course of action for recovery from addiction, compulsion, or other behavioural problems. These recovery support groups tend to follow the general 12-Step ideology as outlined by AA. Individuals are encouraged to work through the steps one by one, with the end result being to maintain sobriety, achieve a spiritual awakening through these steps, and then carry the message on to others battling addiction.
12 Steps	A set of 12 steps that are worked through. It consists of readings and questions for each step – and should preferably be worked through with your sponsor. If you want what we have to offer and are willing to make the effort to get it, then you are ready to take certain steps. These are the principles that made our recovery possible.
12 Traditions	We keep what we have only with vigilance, and just as freedom for the individual comes from the Twelve Steps, so freedom for the group springs from our Traditions. If the ties that bind us together are stronger than those that would tear us apart, all will be well. By following these guidelines in our dealings with others, and society at large, we avoid many problems. That is not to say that our Traditions eliminate all problems. We still must face difficulties as they arise: communication problems, differences of opinion, internal controversies, and troubles with individuals and groups outside the Fellowship. However, when we apply these principles, we avoid some of the pitfalls.
12 Concepts	The Twelve Concepts are guiding principles for our service structure. The concepts summarize the hard-won experience of our fellowship’s first forty years with such things as responsibility, authority, delegation, leadership, accountability, spiritual guidance, participation, communication, open-mindedness, fairness, and finances. The Twelve Concepts, together, help ensure that our fellowship’s service structure remains forever devoted to service, not government.
RD	Regional Delegate (read more in the area service section)
IP	NA Information Pamphlets, IPs, and Service Pamphlets, SPs. (See IP’s explained for more information on each IP)
Preambles	Set of readings done during the meeting that are standard but may vary from meeting to meeting.
Comfort Break	This is a small break taken usually before the main share of the meeting. Time for you to have a cigarette, go to the bathroom, fellowship and make a cup of coffee. Not all meetings have a comfort break.
First Aid Round	This is the same as an introduction round at the beginning of the meeting where members have a chance to briefly express how their day or week has been.