A Brief History Of NA Basic Text

In this fascinating short film, Dave gives us an insight into the process that Narcotics Anonymous went through to develop its’ recovery literature, with a particular focus on the central piece of that canon, the Basic Text. This was first published in 1982.
Narcotics Anonymous, the largest self-help organisation in the world dealing with addiction, offers a highly-effective program of recovery, and is an unusual phenomenon. From its humble beginnings in Sun Valley, California, in 1953, it now has 63000 recorded meetings worldwide in 132 countries, and its literature has been published in 45 languages. The program of Narcotics Anonymous has proven itself capable of transcending cultural, religious, class, gender, racial and language divisions. Somehow, it has managed this remarkable period of growth while maintaining a cohesive worldwide service structure. The group, the fundamental element common to all NA meetings worldwide, exists as a democratically- run entity which is autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or NA as a whole.
Many believe that critical to NA’s success has been its adherence to the spiritual principles embodied in the 12 Steps and 12 traditions. Amongst many other aspects, these core elements of the NA fellowship and the NA program, emphasis personal responsibility, accountability, and the need to strive for loving, mutually respectful, consensus among NA members.
NA’s growth as a worldwide fellowship closely correlates with the publication of the Basic Text. The story of how this book came to be, the personal sacrifices and effort made by those members who succeeding in making the dream of the book a reality, is an inspirational one. It is also a controversial one. While refraining from personal opinion, Dave shows us the actual drafts and books as they succeeded one another. The current edition of the Basic Text has been subject to a process of scrutiny and approval at the World Service Conference a number of times, but still, there are those who hanker after the perceived purity of tone of earlier editions.
Many of the arguments that have proved divisive within NA focus on Traditions 4 and 9, which respectively deal with autonomy and the relation of NA as a whole to its service structure. NA literature as approved by its worldwide fellowship, is clear that NA service committees are an integral part of NA, and often where the finest and most dedicated attempts to carry a message of recovery are seen. The most recent NA book on its Traditions, Guiding Principles, puts these discussions in context. But the ideal that there was an earlier, purer message and form has proved to be seductive, especially for those
who are attracted to the idea that their way is the true way. In a sense, this adherence to a rigid set of ideas is the complete antithesis to the of a broad, inclusive, and above all, loving acceptance of NA as a viable program of recovery, offering hope to all who seek it.
For NA world services history of the basic text. Look here.
www.na.org/admin/include/spaw2/uploads/pdf/bulletins/NA%20Literature%20and%20Copyrights.pdf
SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE VIDEOS kzbin.info
FIND LIFE THE BASIC MANUAL HERE lifethebasicmanual.com lifethebasicmanual lifethebasicmanual BasicManual
KZbin Keywords/Phrases:
Related to other videos?:
Part of a playlist?:
Yes

[@HeartsentAdoptions]

Hi Dave. Thanks so much for the history. I started with the AA big book in 1981 and then bought an NA basic text when they came out. I still have it and I am realizing that it is a blue first edition. I haven't seen any of these in archives that I have searched.

[@ladydkarrington3756]

Thank you for making the time to create this history info for others! I wondered about books b4 the 3rd revised addition of the Basic text.

[@robanderson9075]

Thanks David would love to connect with you if possible, Are you visiting California ? I'm a huge fan of the grey and BT, early editions Thanks for your overview here on some invaluable history ! btw, you accidentally skipped over the 4th edition, went from 3rd rev. to 5th and 6th. Also you said the 5th and 6th were basically the same as the 3rd rev, Not at all The 5th and 6th are the 4th fiasco fixed, supposedly ! Thanks again...

[@chriscrookson2180]

Thanks for that David. I found it really interesting and useful. I'll be sharing this with my NA friends up here in N.Thailand. Hope your well.

[@LifeTheBasicManual]

Thank you Chris! much love :)

[@chriscrookson8524]

@@LifeTheBasicManual ❤

[@paulgalligan1916]

Our literature written by addicts for addicts .. take care pal thanks for sharing

[@facesvoicesofrecoveryuk8988]

Thank you x

[@LifeTheBasicManual]

You are so welcome

[@janinestokes4883]

GOOD MORNING