Resources for Secular Recovery from Addiction

Organizations, Websites, & Social Media

The Secular NA Coffee Shop  (Facebook Group) A relatively new community of NA members and others interested in secular recovery who struggle with the language and culture of NA with particular regard to the religious content.

AA Agnostica is an exceptional site for 12-step recovery. It’s based on AA, but it’s highly relevant and useful for us all!

Secular Alcoholics Anonymous (Secular AA) is an organization whose mission is, “…to assure suffering alcoholics that they can find sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous without having to accept anyone else’s beliefs or deny their own. Secular AA does not endorse or oppose any form of religion or belief system and operates in accordance with the Third Tradition of the Alcoholics Anonymous Program: “the only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking.” https://aasecular.org

Secular Al_Anon – “This web page is for people interested in recovery from the effects of someone else’s drinking in their lives, who want Al-Anon to be a comfortable place for people of no religion, any religion, or any uncertainty on such issues. It offers contacts and resources.” http://rivenwoodbooks.com/secularAlanon/ 

Secular Recovery Meetings – An extensive list (with links) of online secular recovery meetings. Meetings listed include Secular AA, Secular NA, Secular Al-Anon, Recovery Dharma, or simply secular recovery meetings without any other associations or affiliations.  https://secularrecovery.online/secular-recovery-meetings 

Another website of a collection of different affiliates all that focus on secular recovery. https://www.worldwidesecularmeetings.com/

Secular AA Online Meetings spreadsheet – includes NA meetings too. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AuWy7FKCG-R_pyRZzEjFXkH-Rw_0VEzi/view 

Secular Overeaters and Friends – an interesting recovery community that is relevant to us!  https://secularovereaters.org/so-art/?fbclid=IwAR2y0-bN3OSwr1_6ePYb-o0IOY5cgfCUn-Yb_x0JcLO9Ez4Bxwr7O_RHusU

NA Agnostica – http://www.naagnostica.org/ 

https://recoverydharma.org/meeting-list Recovery Dharma is an organization that has meetings that focus on healing trauma and addiction. Whilst this is a Buddhist organisation they take a more secular approach while using Buddhist practices and insights.

Readings Used in Secular NA Meetings (posted by Eli) – https://readings.secna.org 

Pamphlets, Articles, and Short Readings

Secular 12 Steps – Beyond Belief Seattle Group – 2021 Developed by the Beyond Belief Seattle NA Group in 2021. One interpretation of the NA 12 Steps from a secular, non-religious perspective. 

The 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous Revised by ChatGPT
initiated by Michael E., April 27, 2023. ChatGPT is the most popular of the new artificial intelligence programs. It was directed to “rewrite the NA 12 steps to remove any references to god or a higher power.” The response to this initial query was posted on April 27, 2023 to the Secular NA Coffeeshop Facebook group. Based on feedback, two minor edits were made to remove inclusion of the terms “prayer” and “spiritual.”

By Young Addicts, For Young Addicts
This official NA pamphlet does not emphasize the “higher power” aspects of non-secular NA. A good intro for younger addicts seeking help in NA. https://secularna.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/By-For-Young-AddictsEN3113_2008.pdf

Secular NA – Connecting Globally Amid a World in Crisis Secular NA – Connecting Globally Amid a World in Crisis 
originally published 2021 in the AA Agnostica website
by Michael E from Beyond Belief Seattle, this article shares experiences as an atheist in recover, explains how the Beyond Belief Seattle and Beyond Belief International groups were formed, and the emerging global secular NA community.

Books or Longer Readings

Secular 12 Step Handbook  Seattle-Everett Beyond Belief NA Group (April 2021)
     The Secular 12 Step Handbook was created by members of the Seattle-Everett Beyond Belief NA Group to help our members in their secular step work. Others have expressed interest in the guide, so we are making it available here. The Group considers this a work in progress, and actively seeks suggestions and input. Please send comments to bbeliefseattle@gmail.com. The Handbook is NOT an approved NA resource. https://secularna.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/BBSeattle-Secular-12-Step-Handbook-April-2021.docx

18 Alternative Versions of Secular Steps This is a compilation of all the secular steps we currently have available to us. If you know of more, email us and let us know so we can review it and possibly add it to this running document. 

Beyond Belief. Agnostic Musings for 12 Step Life by Joe C.
     The first secular daily reflection book written in a contemporary language for today’s addicts and alcoholics in recovery. “The book is aimed at a general 12-Step readership, but it is mindful that there heretofore exist no such aids for unbelievers, freethinkers, and the unconventionally spiritual.

About the Secular NA

Secular NA Step Meeting

Zoom ID: 869 4940 7273
Password: NA12

English

5:00pm (PDT) Fri
8:00pm (EDT) Fri
1:00am (British Summer Time) Sat
10:00am (AEST) Sat

Guest Speaker meeting (global)
1 hour 15 min meeting

About the Secular NA

StepChat

Recovery Chat Room

Narcotics Anonymous Meeting, Fridays, 6:00PM PST

Register to Attend

https://www.stepchat.co/chat/room1.htm

To Attend A Meeting In a Chat Room

When you first log on you will be in The Lounge which is not a meeting room, but open chat fellowship available 24/7 to members of all 12-step groups.

To go to the meeting rooms from The Lounge, click on the 3-dot menu icon at the top left of the chat screen, then click on the meeting room you wish to enter. If you don’t see the 3 dots, click the ESC key or swipe from the left if you are on a mobile device.

Tips for Chat Meetings

There is no real protocol for “informal” chat gatherings in our open chat rooms, but in our meeting rooms, we try to keep it as much of a face-to-face meeting as possible. Just as in a face-to-face meeting, we do not interrupt the person who is “speaking” or crosstalk after they are done.

Also, as in a face-to-face meeting, someone serves as the “chairperson” who opens the meetings, picks a topic and helps keep the meeting focused on the topic discussion as members take turn sharing on the topic.

Some of our meetings have a “greeter” who sends a private message to any late-comers to the meeting to welcome them and tell them the topics of discussion. If the late-comer is new to online meetings, the greeter may also explain briefly how meetings work (see below).

NOTE: To send someone a private message during the meeting, click on their name in the members’ list to the right of the chat window. To receive a private message, click on the name of the person who sent it.

If you wish to share, type an exclamation point like this: !. It’s like raising your hand.

The chair of the meeting will then call on the next person to share. In our chat rooms, it is best to type short lines followed by “. . .” which indicates that you are not finished. Like this:

One of the best tools I have found …
When I find myself under stress …
Is the Serenity Prayer … [done]

The [done] at the ends shows that you are finished, and the chairperson then will call on the next person to share.

That’s it. Those simple tools can keep things orderly even in a full chat room.

For instructions on how to log on to the chat rooms, please see this page.

Atheists Recover Too – Living Proof

Meeting ID: 897 6393 7096
Passcode: 041978
Direct Link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89763937096?pwd=bndYK3JvN0RkQTR0bzNCdHhCNWFJZz09

English

7pm (AEST)
10am (British Summer Time)
11am (CE Summer Time) France
2am (PDT)
5am (EDT)

About the Secular NA

StepChat

Recovery Chat Room

Narcotics Anonymous Meeting, Saturdays, 8:00AM PST

Register to Attend

https://www.stepchat.co/chat/room1.htm

To Attend A Meeting In a Chat Room

When you first log on you will be in The Lounge which is not a meeting room, but open chat fellowship available 24/7 to members of all 12-step groups.

To go to the meeting rooms from The Lounge, click on the 3-dot menu icon at the top left of the chat screen, then click on the meeting room you wish to enter. If you don’t see the 3 dots, click the ESC key or swipe from the left if you are on a mobile device.

Tips for Chat Meetings

There is no real protocol for “informal” chat gatherings in our open chat rooms, but in our meeting rooms, we try to keep it as much of a face-to-face meeting as possible. Just as in a face-to-face meeting, we do not interrupt the person who is “speaking” or crosstalk after they are done.

Also, as in a face-to-face meeting, someone serves as the “chairperson” who opens the meetings, picks a topic and helps keep the meeting focused on the topic discussion as members take turn sharing on the topic.

Some of our meetings have a “greeter” who sends a private message to any late-comers to the meeting to welcome them and tell them the topics of discussion. If the late-comer is new to online meetings, the greeter may also explain briefly how meetings work (see below).

NOTE: To send someone a private message during the meeting, click on their name in the members’ list to the right of the chat window. To receive a private message, click on the name of the person who sent it.

If you wish to share, type an exclamation point like this: !. It’s like raising your hand.

The chair of the meeting will then call on the next person to share. In our chat rooms, it is best to type short lines followed by “. . .” which indicates that you are not finished. Like this:

One of the best tools I have found …
When I find myself under stress …
Is the Serenity Prayer … [done]

The [done] at the ends shows that you are finished, and the chairperson then will call on the next person to share.

That’s it. Those simple tools can keep things orderly even in a full chat room.

For instructions on how to log on to the chat rooms, please see this page.

Belief Not Needed: A Secular Meeting (US)

Saturdays and Tuesdays

ZOOM Meeting ID: 484 4833 383 
Passcode: Recovery
Direct Link: https://zoom.us/j/4844833383
English

SATURDAY: 
1:00pm (Pacific) Sat
4:00pm (East) Sat
7am (AEDT) Sun

TUESDAY:
1:00pm (pacific) TUES
4:00pm (east) Sat
7am (AEDT) Sun

This group started with a focus to create a space for atheists, agnostics, or anyone who wishes to get clean and work a program of recovery without dogma or religiosity. At first, we, as recovering addicts, had to go along with the god antics, but now, we are a growing movement that no longer is bound by needing a higher power or god to recover. Belief Not Needed is now a part the secular movement on an international level. It started in Tacoma, Washington with two people and a dream. We never dreamed it would come this far.

In NA, we promise you can get clean, lose the desire to use, and find a new way of life. Getting clean can be one of the hardest but best decisions we make for ourselves. 

If you are just getting clean, trying again, or coming back from a relapse, we lovingly suggest, if you can, to go to a meeting everyday in your early recovery (just getting off drugs, alcohol, or any other substances you are using). 

Also, getting professional and medical help may be needed as well. Many of us, in recovery, seek professional and medical help in conjunction with recovery.

Meeting details

•  Every Saturday/Tuesday at 1pm US Pacific
• 90 minute meeting
• Meeting format consist of Check in 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month
• 2nd and 4th meeting of the month is Topic Wheel 
• If there is a 5th Saturday/Tuesday of the month, then it’s a Speaker Meeting.

This group participates in the PayPal project. Donate directly to this meeting’s 7th Tradition by Clicking here

About the Secular NA

Resources for Secular Recovery from Addiction

Organizations, Websites, & Social Media

The Secular NA Coffee Shop  (Facebook Group) A relatively new community of NA members and others interested in secular recovery who struggle with the language and culture of NA with particular regard to the religious content.

AA Agnostica is an exceptional site for 12-step recovery. It’s based on AA, but it’s highly relevant and useful for us all!

Secular Alcoholics Anonymous (Secular AA) is an organization whose mission is, “…to assure suffering alcoholics that they can find sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous without having to accept anyone else’s beliefs or deny their own. Secular AA does not endorse or oppose any form of religion or belief system and operates in accordance with the Third Tradition of the Alcoholics Anonymous Program: “the only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking.” https://aasecular.org

Secular Al_Anon – “This web page is for people interested in recovery from the effects of someone else’s drinking in their lives, who want Al-Anon to be a comfortable place for people of no religion, any religion, or any uncertainty on such issues. It offers contacts and resources.” http://rivenwoodbooks.com/secularAlanon/ 

Secular Recovery Meetings – An extensive list (with links) of online secular recovery meetings. Meetings listed include Secular AA, Secular NA, Secular Al-Anon, Recovery Dharma, or simply secular recovery meetings without any other associations or affiliations.  https://secularrecovery.online/secular-recovery-meetings 

Another website of a collection of different affiliates all that focus on secular recovery. https://www.worldwidesecularmeetings.com/

Secular AA Online Meetings spreadsheet – includes NA meetings too. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AuWy7FKCG-R_pyRZzEjFXkH-Rw_0VEzi/view 

Secular Overeaters and Friends – an interesting recovery community that is relevant to us!  https://secularovereaters.org/so-art/?fbclid=IwAR2y0-bN3OSwr1_6ePYb-o0IOY5cgfCUn-Yb_x0JcLO9Ez4Bxwr7O_RHusU

NA Agnostica – http://www.naagnostica.org/ 

https://recoverydharma.org/meeting-list Recovery Dharma is an organization that has meetings that focus on healing trauma and addiction. Whilst this is a Buddhist organisation they take a more secular approach while using Buddhist practices and insights.

Readings Used in Secular NA Meetings (posted by Eli) – https://readings.secna.org 

Pamphlets, Articles, and Short Readings

Secular 12 Steps – Beyond Belief Seattle Group – 2021 Developed by the Beyond Belief Seattle NA Group in 2021. One interpretation of the NA 12 Steps from a secular, non-religious perspective. 

The 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous Revised by ChatGPT
initiated by Michael E., April 27, 2023. ChatGPT is the most popular of the new artificial intelligence programs. It was directed to “rewrite the NA 12 steps to remove any references to god or a higher power.” The response to this initial query was posted on April 27, 2023 to the Secular NA Coffeeshop Facebook group. Based on feedback, two minor edits were made to remove inclusion of the terms “prayer” and “spiritual.”

By Young Addicts, For Young Addicts
This official NA pamphlet does not emphasize the “higher power” aspects of non-secular NA. A good intro for younger addicts seeking help in NA. https://secularna.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/By-For-Young-AddictsEN3113_2008.pdf

Secular NA – Connecting Globally Amid a World in Crisis Secular NA – Connecting Globally Amid a World in Crisis 
originally published 2021 in the AA Agnostica website
by Michael E from Beyond Belief Seattle, this article shares experiences as an atheist in recover, explains how the Beyond Belief Seattle and Beyond Belief International groups were formed, and the emerging global secular NA community.

Books or Longer Readings

Secular 12 Step Handbook  Seattle-Everett Beyond Belief NA Group (April 2021)
     The Secular 12 Step Handbook was created by members of the Seattle-Everett Beyond Belief NA Group to help our members in their secular step work. Others have expressed interest in the guide, so we are making it available here. The Group considers this a work in progress, and actively seeks suggestions and input. Please send comments to bbeliefseattle@gmail.com. The Handbook is NOT an approved NA resource. https://secularna.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/BBSeattle-Secular-12-Step-Handbook-April-2021.docx

18 Alternative Versions of Secular Steps This is a compilation of all the secular steps we currently have available to us. If you know of more, email us and let us know so we can review it and possibly add it to this running document. 

Beyond Belief. Agnostic Musings for 12 Step Life by Joe C.
     The first secular daily reflection book written in a contemporary language for today’s addicts and alcoholics in recovery. “The book is aimed at a general 12-Step readership, but it is mindful that there heretofore exist no such aids for unbelievers, freethinkers, and the unconventionally spiritual.

About the Secular NA

StepChat

Recovery Chat Room

Narcotics Anonymous Meeting, Saturdays, 6:00PM PST

Register to Attend

https://www.stepchat.co/chat/room1.htm

To Attend A Meeting In a Chat Room

When you first log on you will be in The Lounge which is not a meeting room, but open chat fellowship available 24/7 to members of all 12-step groups.

To go to the meeting rooms from The Lounge, click on the 3-dot menu icon at the top left of the chat screen, then click on the meeting room you wish to enter. If you don’t see the 3 dots, click the ESC key or swipe from the left if you are on a mobile device.

Tips for Chat Meetings

There is no real protocol for “informal” chat gatherings in our open chat rooms, but in our meeting rooms, we try to keep it as much of a face-to-face meeting as possible. Just as in a face-to-face meeting, we do not interrupt the person who is “speaking” or crosstalk after they are done.

Also, as in a face-to-face meeting, someone serves as the “chairperson” who opens the meetings, picks a topic and helps keep the meeting focused on the topic discussion as members take turn sharing on the topic.

Some of our meetings have a “greeter” who sends a private message to any late-comers to the meeting to welcome them and tell them the topics of discussion. If the late-comer is new to online meetings, the greeter may also explain briefly how meetings work (see below).

NOTE: To send someone a private message during the meeting, click on their name in the members’ list to the right of the chat window. To receive a private message, click on the name of the person who sent it.

If you wish to share, type an exclamation point like this: !. It’s like raising your hand.

The chair of the meeting will then call on the next person to share. In our chat rooms, it is best to type short lines followed by “. . .” which indicates that you are not finished. Like this:

One of the best tools I have found …
When I find myself under stress …
Is the Serenity Prayer … [done]

The [done] at the ends shows that you are finished, and the chairperson then will call on the next person to share.

That’s it. Those simple tools can keep things orderly even in a full chat room.

For instructions on how to log on to the chat rooms, please see this page.

Beyond Belief International

Meeting ID: 815 3842 2144
Passcode: secularna
Direct Link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81538422144?pwd=cm1BNCtvbUNZN3JTUThvQWRCaEpKZz09

English

6:00pm (PDT) Sat
9:00pm (EDT) Sat
2:00am (British Summer Time) Sun
11:00Am (AEST) Sun

Click on this link to make a PayPal donation.
Then click on Send and note the donation is for BB International.

About the Secular NA

Resources for Secular Recovery from Addiction

Organizations, Websites, & Social Media

The Secular NA Coffee Shop  (Facebook Group) A relatively new community of NA members and others interested in secular recovery who struggle with the language and culture of NA with particular regard to the religious content.

AA Agnostica is an exceptional site for 12-step recovery. It’s based on AA, but it’s highly relevant and useful for us all!

Secular Alcoholics Anonymous (Secular AA) is an organization whose mission is, “…to assure suffering alcoholics that they can find sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous without having to accept anyone else’s beliefs or deny their own. Secular AA does not endorse or oppose any form of religion or belief system and operates in accordance with the Third Tradition of the Alcoholics Anonymous Program: “the only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking.” https://aasecular.org

Secular Al_Anon – “This web page is for people interested in recovery from the effects of someone else’s drinking in their lives, who want Al-Anon to be a comfortable place for people of no religion, any religion, or any uncertainty on such issues. It offers contacts and resources.” http://rivenwoodbooks.com/secularAlanon/ 

Secular Recovery Meetings – An extensive list (with links) of online secular recovery meetings. Meetings listed include Secular AA, Secular NA, Secular Al-Anon, Recovery Dharma, or simply secular recovery meetings without any other associations or affiliations.  https://secularrecovery.online/secular-recovery-meetings 

Another website of a collection of different affiliates all that focus on secular recovery. https://www.worldwidesecularmeetings.com/

Secular AA Online Meetings spreadsheet – includes NA meetings too. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AuWy7FKCG-R_pyRZzEjFXkH-Rw_0VEzi/view 

Secular Overeaters and Friends – an interesting recovery community that is relevant to us!  https://secularovereaters.org/so-art/?fbclid=IwAR2y0-bN3OSwr1_6ePYb-o0IOY5cgfCUn-Yb_x0JcLO9Ez4Bxwr7O_RHusU

NA Agnostica – http://www.naagnostica.org/ 

https://recoverydharma.org/meeting-list Recovery Dharma is an organization that has meetings that focus on healing trauma and addiction. Whilst this is a Buddhist organisation they take a more secular approach while using Buddhist practices and insights.

Readings Used in Secular NA Meetings (posted by Eli) – https://readings.secna.org 

Pamphlets, Articles, and Short Readings

Secular 12 Steps – Beyond Belief Seattle Group – 2021 Developed by the Beyond Belief Seattle NA Group in 2021. One interpretation of the NA 12 Steps from a secular, non-religious perspective. 

The 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous Revised by ChatGPT
initiated by Michael E., April 27, 2023. ChatGPT is the most popular of the new artificial intelligence programs. It was directed to “rewrite the NA 12 steps to remove any references to god or a higher power.” The response to this initial query was posted on April 27, 2023 to the Secular NA Coffeeshop Facebook group. Based on feedback, two minor edits were made to remove inclusion of the terms “prayer” and “spiritual.”

By Young Addicts, For Young Addicts
This official NA pamphlet does not emphasize the “higher power” aspects of non-secular NA. A good intro for younger addicts seeking help in NA. https://secularna.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/By-For-Young-AddictsEN3113_2008.pdf

Secular NA – Connecting Globally Amid a World in Crisis Secular NA – Connecting Globally Amid a World in Crisis 
originally published 2021 in the AA Agnostica website
by Michael E from Beyond Belief Seattle, this article shares experiences as an atheist in recover, explains how the Beyond Belief Seattle and Beyond Belief International groups were formed, and the emerging global secular NA community.

Books or Longer Readings

Secular 12 Step Handbook  Seattle-Everett Beyond Belief NA Group (April 2021)
     The Secular 12 Step Handbook was created by members of the Seattle-Everett Beyond Belief NA Group to help our members in their secular step work. Others have expressed interest in the guide, so we are making it available here. The Group considers this a work in progress, and actively seeks suggestions and input. Please send comments to bbeliefseattle@gmail.com. The Handbook is NOT an approved NA resource. https://secularna.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/BBSeattle-Secular-12-Step-Handbook-April-2021.docx

18 Alternative Versions of Secular Steps This is a compilation of all the secular steps we currently have available to us. If you know of more, email us and let us know so we can review it and possibly add it to this running document. 

Beyond Belief. Agnostic Musings for 12 Step Life by Joe C.
     The first secular daily reflection book written in a contemporary language for today’s addicts and alcoholics in recovery. “The book is aimed at a general 12-Step readership, but it is mindful that there heretofore exist no such aids for unbelievers, freethinkers, and the unconventionally spiritual.

About the Secular NA

StepChat

Recovery Chat Room

Narcotics Anonymous Meeting, Sundays, 6:00PM PST

Register to Attend

https://www.stepchat.co/chat/room1.htm

To Attend A Meeting In a Chat Room

When you first log on you will be in The Lounge which is not a meeting room, but open chat fellowship available 24/7 to members of all 12-step groups.

To go to the meeting rooms from The Lounge, click on the 3-dot menu icon at the top left of the chat screen, then click on the meeting room you wish to enter. If you don’t see the 3 dots, click the ESC key or swipe from the left if you are on a mobile device.

Tips for Chat Meetings

There is no real protocol for “informal” chat gatherings in our open chat rooms, but in our meeting rooms, we try to keep it as much of a face-to-face meeting as possible. Just as in a face-to-face meeting, we do not interrupt the person who is “speaking” or crosstalk after they are done.

Also, as in a face-to-face meeting, someone serves as the “chairperson” who opens the meetings, picks a topic and helps keep the meeting focused on the topic discussion as members take turn sharing on the topic.

Some of our meetings have a “greeter” who sends a private message to any late-comers to the meeting to welcome them and tell them the topics of discussion. If the late-comer is new to online meetings, the greeter may also explain briefly how meetings work (see below).

NOTE: To send someone a private message during the meeting, click on their name in the members’ list to the right of the chat window. To receive a private message, click on the name of the person who sent it.

If you wish to share, type an exclamation point like this: !. It’s like raising your hand.

The chair of the meeting will then call on the next person to share. In our chat rooms, it is best to type short lines followed by “. . .” which indicates that you are not finished. Like this:

One of the best tools I have found …
When I find myself under stress …
Is the Serenity Prayer … [done]

The [done] at the ends shows that you are finished, and the chairperson then will call on the next person to share.

That’s it. Those simple tools can keep things orderly even in a full chat room.

For instructions on how to log on to the chat rooms, please see this page.

About the Secular NA

Resources for Secular Recovery from Addiction

Organizations, Websites, & Social Media

The Secular NA Coffee Shop  (Facebook Group) A relatively new community of NA members and others interested in secular recovery who struggle with the language and culture of NA with particular regard to the religious content.

AA Agnostica is an exceptional site for 12-step recovery. It’s based on AA, but it’s highly relevant and useful for us all!

Secular Alcoholics Anonymous (Secular AA) is an organization whose mission is, “…to assure suffering alcoholics that they can find sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous without having to accept anyone else’s beliefs or deny their own. Secular AA does not endorse or oppose any form of religion or belief system and operates in accordance with the Third Tradition of the Alcoholics Anonymous Program: “the only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking.” https://aasecular.org

Secular Al_Anon – “This web page is for people interested in recovery from the effects of someone else’s drinking in their lives, who want Al-Anon to be a comfortable place for people of no religion, any religion, or any uncertainty on such issues. It offers contacts and resources.” http://rivenwoodbooks.com/secularAlanon/ 

Secular Recovery Meetings – An extensive list (with links) of online secular recovery meetings. Meetings listed include Secular AA, Secular NA, Secular Al-Anon, Recovery Dharma, or simply secular recovery meetings without any other associations or affiliations.  https://secularrecovery.online/secular-recovery-meetings 

Another website of a collection of different affiliates all that focus on secular recovery. https://www.worldwidesecularmeetings.com/

Secular AA Online Meetings spreadsheet – includes NA meetings too. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AuWy7FKCG-R_pyRZzEjFXkH-Rw_0VEzi/view 

Secular Overeaters and Friends – an interesting recovery community that is relevant to us!  https://secularovereaters.org/so-art/?fbclid=IwAR2y0-bN3OSwr1_6ePYb-o0IOY5cgfCUn-Yb_x0JcLO9Ez4Bxwr7O_RHusU

NA Agnostica – http://www.naagnostica.org/ 

https://recoverydharma.org/meeting-list Recovery Dharma is an organization that has meetings that focus on healing trauma and addiction. Whilst this is a Buddhist organisation they take a more secular approach while using Buddhist practices and insights.

Readings Used in Secular NA Meetings (posted by Eli) – https://readings.secna.org 

Pamphlets, Articles, and Short Readings

Secular 12 Steps – Beyond Belief Seattle Group – 2021 Developed by the Beyond Belief Seattle NA Group in 2021. One interpretation of the NA 12 Steps from a secular, non-religious perspective. 

The 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous Revised by ChatGPT
initiated by Michael E., April 27, 2023. ChatGPT is the most popular of the new artificial intelligence programs. It was directed to “rewrite the NA 12 steps to remove any references to god or a higher power.” The response to this initial query was posted on April 27, 2023 to the Secular NA Coffeeshop Facebook group. Based on feedback, two minor edits were made to remove inclusion of the terms “prayer” and “spiritual.”

By Young Addicts, For Young Addicts
This official NA pamphlet does not emphasize the “higher power” aspects of non-secular NA. A good intro for younger addicts seeking help in NA. https://secularna.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/By-For-Young-AddictsEN3113_2008.pdf

Secular NA – Connecting Globally Amid a World in Crisis Secular NA – Connecting Globally Amid a World in Crisis 
originally published 2021 in the AA Agnostica website
by Michael E from Beyond Belief Seattle, this article shares experiences as an atheist in recover, explains how the Beyond Belief Seattle and Beyond Belief International groups were formed, and the emerging global secular NA community.

Books or Longer Readings

Secular 12 Step Handbook  Seattle-Everett Beyond Belief NA Group (April 2021)
     The Secular 12 Step Handbook was created by members of the Seattle-Everett Beyond Belief NA Group to help our members in their secular step work. Others have expressed interest in the guide, so we are making it available here. The Group considers this a work in progress, and actively seeks suggestions and input. Please send comments to bbeliefseattle@gmail.com. The Handbook is NOT an approved NA resource. https://secularna.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/BBSeattle-Secular-12-Step-Handbook-April-2021.docx

18 Alternative Versions of Secular Steps This is a compilation of all the secular steps we currently have available to us. If you know of more, email us and let us know so we can review it and possibly add it to this running document. 

Beyond Belief. Agnostic Musings for 12 Step Life by Joe C.
     The first secular daily reflection book written in a contemporary language for today’s addicts and alcoholics in recovery. “The book is aimed at a general 12-Step readership, but it is mindful that there heretofore exist no such aids for unbelievers, freethinkers, and the unconventionally spiritual.

About the Secular NA

StepChat

Recovery Chat Room

Narcotics Anonymous Meeting, Mondays, 6:00PM PST

Register to Attend

https://www.stepchat.co/chat/room1.htm

To Attend A Meeting In a Chat Room

When you first log on you will be in The Lounge which is not a meeting room, but open chat fellowship available 24/7 to members of all 12-step groups.

To go to the meeting rooms from The Lounge, click on the 3-dot menu icon at the top left of the chat screen, then click on the meeting room you wish to enter. If you don’t see the 3 dots, click the ESC key or swipe from the left if you are on a mobile device.

Tips for Chat Meetings

There is no real protocol for “informal” chat gatherings in our open chat rooms, but in our meeting rooms, we try to keep it as much of a face-to-face meeting as possible. Just as in a face-to-face meeting, we do not interrupt the person who is “speaking” or crosstalk after they are done.

Also, as in a face-to-face meeting, someone serves as the “chairperson” who opens the meetings, picks a topic and helps keep the meeting focused on the topic discussion as members take turn sharing on the topic.

Some of our meetings have a “greeter” who sends a private message to any late-comers to the meeting to welcome them and tell them the topics of discussion. If the late-comer is new to online meetings, the greeter may also explain briefly how meetings work (see below).

NOTE: To send someone a private message during the meeting, click on their name in the members’ list to the right of the chat window. To receive a private message, click on the name of the person who sent it.

If you wish to share, type an exclamation point like this: !. It’s like raising your hand.

The chair of the meeting will then call on the next person to share. In our chat rooms, it is best to type short lines followed by “. . .” which indicates that you are not finished. Like this:

One of the best tools I have found …
When I find myself under stress …
Is the Serenity Prayer … [done]

The [done] at the ends shows that you are finished, and the chairperson then will call on the next person to share.

That’s it. Those simple tools can keep things orderly even in a full chat room.

For instructions on how to log on to the chat rooms, please see this page.

Resources for Secular Recovery from Addiction

Organizations, Websites, & Social Media

The Secular NA Coffee Shop  (Facebook Group) A relatively new community of NA members and others interested in secular recovery who struggle with the language and culture of NA with particular regard to the religious content.

AA Agnostica is an exceptional site for 12-step recovery. It’s based on AA, but it’s highly relevant and useful for us all!

Secular Alcoholics Anonymous (Secular AA) is an organization whose mission is, “…to assure suffering alcoholics that they can find sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous without having to accept anyone else’s beliefs or deny their own. Secular AA does not endorse or oppose any form of religion or belief system and operates in accordance with the Third Tradition of the Alcoholics Anonymous Program: “the only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking.” https://aasecular.org

Secular Al_Anon – “This web page is for people interested in recovery from the effects of someone else’s drinking in their lives, who want Al-Anon to be a comfortable place for people of no religion, any religion, or any uncertainty on such issues. It offers contacts and resources.” http://rivenwoodbooks.com/secularAlanon/ 

Secular Recovery Meetings – An extensive list (with links) of online secular recovery meetings. Meetings listed include Secular AA, Secular NA, Secular Al-Anon, Recovery Dharma, or simply secular recovery meetings without any other associations or affiliations.  https://secularrecovery.online/secular-recovery-meetings 

Another website of a collection of different affiliates all that focus on secular recovery. https://www.worldwidesecularmeetings.com/

Secular AA Online Meetings spreadsheet – includes NA meetings too. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AuWy7FKCG-R_pyRZzEjFXkH-Rw_0VEzi/view 

Secular Overeaters and Friends – an interesting recovery community that is relevant to us!  https://secularovereaters.org/so-art/?fbclid=IwAR2y0-bN3OSwr1_6ePYb-o0IOY5cgfCUn-Yb_x0JcLO9Ez4Bxwr7O_RHusU

NA Agnostica – http://www.naagnostica.org/ 

https://recoverydharma.org/meeting-list Recovery Dharma is an organization that has meetings that focus on healing trauma and addiction. Whilst this is a Buddhist organisation they take a more secular approach while using Buddhist practices and insights.

Readings Used in Secular NA Meetings (posted by Eli) – https://readings.secna.org 

Pamphlets, Articles, and Short Readings

Secular 12 Steps – Beyond Belief Seattle Group – 2021 Developed by the Beyond Belief Seattle NA Group in 2021. One interpretation of the NA 12 Steps from a secular, non-religious perspective. 

The 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous Revised by ChatGPT
initiated by Michael E., April 27, 2023. ChatGPT is the most popular of the new artificial intelligence programs. It was directed to “rewrite the NA 12 steps to remove any references to god or a higher power.” The response to this initial query was posted on April 27, 2023 to the Secular NA Coffeeshop Facebook group. Based on feedback, two minor edits were made to remove inclusion of the terms “prayer” and “spiritual.”

By Young Addicts, For Young Addicts
This official NA pamphlet does not emphasize the “higher power” aspects of non-secular NA. A good intro for younger addicts seeking help in NA. https://secularna.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/By-For-Young-AddictsEN3113_2008.pdf

Secular NA – Connecting Globally Amid a World in Crisis Secular NA – Connecting Globally Amid a World in Crisis 
originally published 2021 in the AA Agnostica website
by Michael E from Beyond Belief Seattle, this article shares experiences as an atheist in recover, explains how the Beyond Belief Seattle and Beyond Belief International groups were formed, and the emerging global secular NA community.

Books or Longer Readings

Secular 12 Step Handbook  Seattle-Everett Beyond Belief NA Group (April 2021)
     The Secular 12 Step Handbook was created by members of the Seattle-Everett Beyond Belief NA Group to help our members in their secular step work. Others have expressed interest in the guide, so we are making it available here. The Group considers this a work in progress, and actively seeks suggestions and input. Please send comments to bbeliefseattle@gmail.com. The Handbook is NOT an approved NA resource. https://secularna.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/BBSeattle-Secular-12-Step-Handbook-April-2021.docx

18 Alternative Versions of Secular Steps This is a compilation of all the secular steps we currently have available to us. If you know of more, email us and let us know so we can review it and possibly add it to this running document. 

Beyond Belief. Agnostic Musings for 12 Step Life by Joe C.
     The first secular daily reflection book written in a contemporary language for today’s addicts and alcoholics in recovery. “The book is aimed at a general 12-Step readership, but it is mindful that there heretofore exist no such aids for unbelievers, freethinkers, and the unconventionally spiritual.

About the Secular NA

StepChat

Recovery Chat Room

Narcotics Anonymous Meeting, Tuesdays, 6:00PM PST

Register to Attend

https://www.stepchat.co/chat/room1.htm

To Attend A Meeting In a Chat Room

When you first log on you will be in The Lounge which is not a meeting room, but open chat fellowship available 24/7 to members of all 12-step groups.

To go to the meeting rooms from The Lounge, click on the 3-dot menu icon at the top left of the chat screen, then click on the meeting room you wish to enter. If you don’t see the 3 dots, click the ESC key or swipe from the left if you are on a mobile device.

Tips for Chat Meetings

There is no real protocol for “informal” chat gatherings in our open chat rooms, but in our meeting rooms, we try to keep it as much of a face-to-face meeting as possible. Just as in a face-to-face meeting, we do not interrupt the person who is “speaking” or crosstalk after they are done.

Also, as in a face-to-face meeting, someone serves as the “chairperson” who opens the meetings, picks a topic and helps keep the meeting focused on the topic discussion as members take turn sharing on the topic.

Some of our meetings have a “greeter” who sends a private message to any late-comers to the meeting to welcome them and tell them the topics of discussion. If the late-comer is new to online meetings, the greeter may also explain briefly how meetings work (see below).

NOTE: To send someone a private message during the meeting, click on their name in the members’ list to the right of the chat window. To receive a private message, click on the name of the person who sent it.

If you wish to share, type an exclamation point like this: !. It’s like raising your hand.

The chair of the meeting will then call on the next person to share. In our chat rooms, it is best to type short lines followed by “. . .” which indicates that you are not finished. Like this:

One of the best tools I have found …
When I find myself under stress …
Is the Serenity Prayer … [done]

The [done] at the ends shows that you are finished, and the chairperson then will call on the next person to share.

That’s it. Those simple tools can keep things orderly even in a full chat room.

For instructions on how to log on to the chat rooms, please see this page.

Les athées du mercredi

(Groupe francophone de NA)

Zoom ID: 86 731 873 521
Password: 1212
Direct Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86731873521

French!

20h30 (CET/CEST) – Meeting (until 22h00)
7:30pm (British Summer Time)
2:30pm (EDT)
11:30 am (PDT)

About the Secular NA

Resources for Secular Recovery from Addiction

Organizations, Websites, & Social Media

The Secular NA Coffee Shop  (Facebook Group) A relatively new community of NA members and others interested in secular recovery who struggle with the language and culture of NA with particular regard to the religious content.

AA Agnostica is an exceptional site for 12-step recovery. It’s based on AA, but it’s highly relevant and useful for us all!

Secular Alcoholics Anonymous (Secular AA) is an organization whose mission is, “…to assure suffering alcoholics that they can find sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous without having to accept anyone else’s beliefs or deny their own. Secular AA does not endorse or oppose any form of religion or belief system and operates in accordance with the Third Tradition of the Alcoholics Anonymous Program: “the only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking.” https://aasecular.org

Secular Al_Anon – “This web page is for people interested in recovery from the effects of someone else’s drinking in their lives, who want Al-Anon to be a comfortable place for people of no religion, any religion, or any uncertainty on such issues. It offers contacts and resources.” http://rivenwoodbooks.com/secularAlanon/ 

Secular Recovery Meetings – An extensive list (with links) of online secular recovery meetings. Meetings listed include Secular AA, Secular NA, Secular Al-Anon, Recovery Dharma, or simply secular recovery meetings without any other associations or affiliations.  https://secularrecovery.online/secular-recovery-meetings 

Another website of a collection of different affiliates all that focus on secular recovery. https://www.worldwidesecularmeetings.com/

Secular AA Online Meetings spreadsheet – includes NA meetings too. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AuWy7FKCG-R_pyRZzEjFXkH-Rw_0VEzi/view 

Secular Overeaters and Friends – an interesting recovery community that is relevant to us!  https://secularovereaters.org/so-art/?fbclid=IwAR2y0-bN3OSwr1_6ePYb-o0IOY5cgfCUn-Yb_x0JcLO9Ez4Bxwr7O_RHusU

NA Agnostica – http://www.naagnostica.org/ 

https://recoverydharma.org/meeting-list Recovery Dharma is an organization that has meetings that focus on healing trauma and addiction. Whilst this is a Buddhist organisation they take a more secular approach while using Buddhist practices and insights.

Readings Used in Secular NA Meetings (posted by Eli) – https://readings.secna.org 

Pamphlets, Articles, and Short Readings

Secular 12 Steps – Beyond Belief Seattle Group – 2021 Developed by the Beyond Belief Seattle NA Group in 2021. One interpretation of the NA 12 Steps from a secular, non-religious perspective. 

The 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous Revised by ChatGPT
initiated by Michael E., April 27, 2023. ChatGPT is the most popular of the new artificial intelligence programs. It was directed to “rewrite the NA 12 steps to remove any references to god or a higher power.” The response to this initial query was posted on April 27, 2023 to the Secular NA Coffeeshop Facebook group. Based on feedback, two minor edits were made to remove inclusion of the terms “prayer” and “spiritual.”

By Young Addicts, For Young Addicts
This official NA pamphlet does not emphasize the “higher power” aspects of non-secular NA. A good intro for younger addicts seeking help in NA. https://secularna.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/By-For-Young-AddictsEN3113_2008.pdf

Secular NA – Connecting Globally Amid a World in Crisis Secular NA – Connecting Globally Amid a World in Crisis 
originally published 2021 in the AA Agnostica website
by Michael E from Beyond Belief Seattle, this article shares experiences as an atheist in recover, explains how the Beyond Belief Seattle and Beyond Belief International groups were formed, and the emerging global secular NA community.

Books or Longer Readings

Secular 12 Step Handbook  Seattle-Everett Beyond Belief NA Group (April 2021)
     The Secular 12 Step Handbook was created by members of the Seattle-Everett Beyond Belief NA Group to help our members in their secular step work. Others have expressed interest in the guide, so we are making it available here. The Group considers this a work in progress, and actively seeks suggestions and input. Please send comments to bbeliefseattle@gmail.com. The Handbook is NOT an approved NA resource. https://secularna.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/BBSeattle-Secular-12-Step-Handbook-April-2021.docx

18 Alternative Versions of Secular Steps This is a compilation of all the secular steps we currently have available to us. If you know of more, email us and let us know so we can review it and possibly add it to this running document. 

Beyond Belief. Agnostic Musings for 12 Step Life by Joe C.
     The first secular daily reflection book written in a contemporary language for today’s addicts and alcoholics in recovery. “The book is aimed at a general 12-Step readership, but it is mindful that there heretofore exist no such aids for unbelievers, freethinkers, and the unconventionally spiritual.

About the Secular NA

FreeThinkers South

Zoom ID: 836 5402 0528
Password: steps
Direct Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83654020528?pwd=T3ZFVGFSSnhqLythdDhOKzZrcE9Xdz09

One tap mobile: +19292056099,,83654020528#,#
English

7:00pm (EDT) Wed
4:00pm (PDT) Wed
9:00am (AEST) Thurs

About the Secular NA

StepChat

Recovery Chat Room

Narcotics Anonymous Meeting, Wednesdays, 6:00PM PST

Register to Attend

https://www.stepchat.co/chat/room1.htm

To Attend A Meeting In a Chat Room

When you first log on you will be in The Lounge which is not a meeting room, but open chat fellowship available 24/7 to members of all 12-step groups.

To go to the meeting rooms from The Lounge, click on the 3-dot menu icon at the top left of the chat screen, then click on the meeting room you wish to enter. If you don’t see the 3 dots, click the ESC key or swipe from the left if you are on a mobile device.

Tips for Chat Meetings

There is no real protocol for “informal” chat gatherings in our open chat rooms, but in our meeting rooms, we try to keep it as much of a face-to-face meeting as possible. Just as in a face-to-face meeting, we do not interrupt the person who is “speaking” or crosstalk after they are done.

Also, as in a face-to-face meeting, someone serves as the “chairperson” who opens the meetings, picks a topic and helps keep the meeting focused on the topic discussion as members take turn sharing on the topic.

Some of our meetings have a “greeter” who sends a private message to any late-comers to the meeting to welcome them and tell them the topics of discussion. If the late-comer is new to online meetings, the greeter may also explain briefly how meetings work (see below).

NOTE: To send someone a private message during the meeting, click on their name in the members’ list to the right of the chat window. To receive a private message, click on the name of the person who sent it.

If you wish to share, type an exclamation point like this: !. It’s like raising your hand.

The chair of the meeting will then call on the next person to share. In our chat rooms, it is best to type short lines followed by “. . .” which indicates that you are not finished. Like this:

One of the best tools I have found …
When I find myself under stress …
Is the Serenity Prayer … [done]

The [done] at the ends shows that you are finished, and the chairperson then will call on the next person to share.

That’s it. Those simple tools can keep things orderly even in a full chat room.

For instructions on how to log on to the chat rooms, please see this page.

Belief Not Needed: A Secular Meeting (US)

Saturdays and Tuesdays

ZOOM Meeting ID: 484 4833 383 
Passcode: Recovery
Direct Link: https://zoom.us/j/4844833383
English

SATURDAY: 
1:00pm (Pacific) Sat
4:00pm (East) Sat
7am (AEDT) Sun

TUESDAY:
1:00pm (pacific) TUES
4:00pm (east) Sat
7am (AEDT) Sun

This group started with a focus to create a space for atheists, agnostics, or anyone who wishes to get clean and work a program of recovery without dogma or religiosity. At first, we, as recovering addicts, had to go along with the god antics, but now, we are a growing movement that no longer is bound by needing a higher power or god to recover. Belief Not Needed is now a part the secular movement on an international level. It started in Tacoma, Washington with two people and a dream. We never dreamed it would come this far.

In NA, we promise you can get clean, lose the desire to use, and find a new way of life. Getting clean can be one of the hardest but best decisions we make for ourselves. 

If you are just getting clean, trying again, or coming back from a relapse, we lovingly suggest, if you can, to go to a meeting everyday in your early recovery (just getting off drugs, alcohol, or any other substances you are using). 

Also, getting professional and medical help may be needed as well. Many of us, in recovery, seek professional and medical help in conjunction with recovery.

Meeting details

•  Every Saturday/Tuesday at 1pm US Pacific
• 90 minute meeting
• Meeting format consist of Check in 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month
• 2nd and 4th meeting of the month is Topic Wheel 
• If there is a 5th Saturday/Tuesday of the month, then it’s a Speaker Meeting.

This group participates in the PayPal project. Donate directly to this meeting’s 7th Tradition by Clicking here

About the Secular NA

Resources for Secular Recovery from Addiction

Organizations, Websites, & Social Media

The Secular NA Coffee Shop  (Facebook Group) A relatively new community of NA members and others interested in secular recovery who struggle with the language and culture of NA with particular regard to the religious content.

AA Agnostica is an exceptional site for 12-step recovery. It’s based on AA, but it’s highly relevant and useful for us all!

Secular Alcoholics Anonymous (Secular AA) is an organization whose mission is, “…to assure suffering alcoholics that they can find sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous without having to accept anyone else’s beliefs or deny their own. Secular AA does not endorse or oppose any form of religion or belief system and operates in accordance with the Third Tradition of the Alcoholics Anonymous Program: “the only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking.” https://aasecular.org

Secular Al_Anon – “This web page is for people interested in recovery from the effects of someone else’s drinking in their lives, who want Al-Anon to be a comfortable place for people of no religion, any religion, or any uncertainty on such issues. It offers contacts and resources.” http://rivenwoodbooks.com/secularAlanon/ 

Secular Recovery Meetings – An extensive list (with links) of online secular recovery meetings. Meetings listed include Secular AA, Secular NA, Secular Al-Anon, Recovery Dharma, or simply secular recovery meetings without any other associations or affiliations.  https://secularrecovery.online/secular-recovery-meetings 

Another website of a collection of different affiliates all that focus on secular recovery. https://www.worldwidesecularmeetings.com/

Secular AA Online Meetings spreadsheet – includes NA meetings too. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AuWy7FKCG-R_pyRZzEjFXkH-Rw_0VEzi/view 

Secular Overeaters and Friends – an interesting recovery community that is relevant to us!  https://secularovereaters.org/so-art/?fbclid=IwAR2y0-bN3OSwr1_6ePYb-o0IOY5cgfCUn-Yb_x0JcLO9Ez4Bxwr7O_RHusU

NA Agnostica – http://www.naagnostica.org/ 

https://recoverydharma.org/meeting-list Recovery Dharma is an organization that has meetings that focus on healing trauma and addiction. Whilst this is a Buddhist organisation they take a more secular approach while using Buddhist practices and insights.

Readings Used in Secular NA Meetings (posted by Eli) – https://readings.secna.org 

Pamphlets, Articles, and Short Readings

Secular 12 Steps – Beyond Belief Seattle Group – 2021 Developed by the Beyond Belief Seattle NA Group in 2021. One interpretation of the NA 12 Steps from a secular, non-religious perspective. 

The 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous Revised by ChatGPT
initiated by Michael E., April 27, 2023. ChatGPT is the most popular of the new artificial intelligence programs. It was directed to “rewrite the NA 12 steps to remove any references to god or a higher power.” The response to this initial query was posted on April 27, 2023 to the Secular NA Coffeeshop Facebook group. Based on feedback, two minor edits were made to remove inclusion of the terms “prayer” and “spiritual.”

By Young Addicts, For Young Addicts
This official NA pamphlet does not emphasize the “higher power” aspects of non-secular NA. A good intro for younger addicts seeking help in NA. https://secularna.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/By-For-Young-AddictsEN3113_2008.pdf

Secular NA – Connecting Globally Amid a World in Crisis Secular NA – Connecting Globally Amid a World in Crisis 
originally published 2021 in the AA Agnostica website
by Michael E from Beyond Belief Seattle, this article shares experiences as an atheist in recover, explains how the Beyond Belief Seattle and Beyond Belief International groups were formed, and the emerging global secular NA community.

Books or Longer Readings

Secular 12 Step Handbook  Seattle-Everett Beyond Belief NA Group (April 2021)
     The Secular 12 Step Handbook was created by members of the Seattle-Everett Beyond Belief NA Group to help our members in their secular step work. Others have expressed interest in the guide, so we are making it available here. The Group considers this a work in progress, and actively seeks suggestions and input. Please send comments to bbeliefseattle@gmail.com. The Handbook is NOT an approved NA resource. https://secularna.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/BBSeattle-Secular-12-Step-Handbook-April-2021.docx

18 Alternative Versions of Secular Steps This is a compilation of all the secular steps we currently have available to us. If you know of more, email us and let us know so we can review it and possibly add it to this running document. 

Beyond Belief. Agnostic Musings for 12 Step Life by Joe C.
     The first secular daily reflection book written in a contemporary language for today’s addicts and alcoholics in recovery. “The book is aimed at a general 12-Step readership, but it is mindful that there heretofore exist no such aids for unbelievers, freethinkers, and the unconventionally spiritual.

About the Secular NA

StepChat

Recovery Chat Room

Narcotics Anonymous Meeting, Thursdays, 6:00PM PST

Register to Attend

https://www.stepchat.co/chat/room1.htm

To Attend A Meeting In a Chat Room

When you first log on you will be in The Lounge which is not a meeting room, but open chat fellowship available 24/7 to members of all 12-step groups.

To go to the meeting rooms from The Lounge, click on the 3-dot menu icon at the top left of the chat screen, then click on the meeting room you wish to enter. If you don’t see the 3 dots, click the ESC key or swipe from the left if you are on a mobile device.

Tips for Chat Meetings

There is no real protocol for “informal” chat gatherings in our open chat rooms, but in our meeting rooms, we try to keep it as much of a face-to-face meeting as possible. Just as in a face-to-face meeting, we do not interrupt the person who is “speaking” or crosstalk after they are done.

Also, as in a face-to-face meeting, someone serves as the “chairperson” who opens the meetings, picks a topic and helps keep the meeting focused on the topic discussion as members take turn sharing on the topic.

Some of our meetings have a “greeter” who sends a private message to any late-comers to the meeting to welcome them and tell them the topics of discussion. If the late-comer is new to online meetings, the greeter may also explain briefly how meetings work (see below).

NOTE: To send someone a private message during the meeting, click on their name in the members’ list to the right of the chat window. To receive a private message, click on the name of the person who sent it.

If you wish to share, type an exclamation point like this: !. It’s like raising your hand.

The chair of the meeting will then call on the next person to share. In our chat rooms, it is best to type short lines followed by “. . .” which indicates that you are not finished. Like this:

One of the best tools I have found …
When I find myself under stress …
Is the Serenity Prayer … [done]

The [done] at the ends shows that you are finished, and the chairperson then will call on the next person to share.

That’s it. Those simple tools can keep things orderly even in a full chat room.

For instructions on how to log on to the chat rooms, please see this page.

Resources for Secular Recovery from Addiction

Organizations, Websites, & Social Media

The Secular NA Coffee Shop  (Facebook Group) A relatively new community of NA members and others interested in secular recovery who struggle with the language and culture of NA with particular regard to the religious content.

AA Agnostica is an exceptional site for 12-step recovery. It’s based on AA, but it’s highly relevant and useful for us all!

Secular Alcoholics Anonymous (Secular AA) is an organization whose mission is, “…to assure suffering alcoholics that they can find sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous without having to accept anyone else’s beliefs or deny their own. Secular AA does not endorse or oppose any form of religion or belief system and operates in accordance with the Third Tradition of the Alcoholics Anonymous Program: “the only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking.” https://aasecular.org

Secular Al_Anon – “This web page is for people interested in recovery from the effects of someone else’s drinking in their lives, who want Al-Anon to be a comfortable place for people of no religion, any religion, or any uncertainty on such issues. It offers contacts and resources.” http://rivenwoodbooks.com/secularAlanon/ 

Secular Recovery Meetings – An extensive list (with links) of online secular recovery meetings. Meetings listed include Secular AA, Secular NA, Secular Al-Anon, Recovery Dharma, or simply secular recovery meetings without any other associations or affiliations.  https://secularrecovery.online/secular-recovery-meetings 

Another website of a collection of different affiliates all that focus on secular recovery. https://www.worldwidesecularmeetings.com/

Secular AA Online Meetings spreadsheet – includes NA meetings too. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AuWy7FKCG-R_pyRZzEjFXkH-Rw_0VEzi/view 

Secular Overeaters and Friends – an interesting recovery community that is relevant to us!  https://secularovereaters.org/so-art/?fbclid=IwAR2y0-bN3OSwr1_6ePYb-o0IOY5cgfCUn-Yb_x0JcLO9Ez4Bxwr7O_RHusU

NA Agnostica – http://www.naagnostica.org/ 

https://recoverydharma.org/meeting-list Recovery Dharma is an organization that has meetings that focus on healing trauma and addiction. Whilst this is a Buddhist organisation they take a more secular approach while using Buddhist practices and insights.

Readings Used in Secular NA Meetings (posted by Eli) – https://readings.secna.org 

Pamphlets, Articles, and Short Readings

Secular 12 Steps – Beyond Belief Seattle Group – 2021 Developed by the Beyond Belief Seattle NA Group in 2021. One interpretation of the NA 12 Steps from a secular, non-religious perspective. 

The 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous Revised by ChatGPT
initiated by Michael E., April 27, 2023. ChatGPT is the most popular of the new artificial intelligence programs. It was directed to “rewrite the NA 12 steps to remove any references to god or a higher power.” The response to this initial query was posted on April 27, 2023 to the Secular NA Coffeeshop Facebook group. Based on feedback, two minor edits were made to remove inclusion of the terms “prayer” and “spiritual.”

By Young Addicts, For Young Addicts
This official NA pamphlet does not emphasize the “higher power” aspects of non-secular NA. A good intro for younger addicts seeking help in NA. https://secularna.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/By-For-Young-AddictsEN3113_2008.pdf

Secular NA – Connecting Globally Amid a World in Crisis Secular NA – Connecting Globally Amid a World in Crisis 
originally published 2021 in the AA Agnostica website
by Michael E from Beyond Belief Seattle, this article shares experiences as an atheist in recover, explains how the Beyond Belief Seattle and Beyond Belief International groups were formed, and the emerging global secular NA community.

Books or Longer Readings

Secular 12 Step Handbook  Seattle-Everett Beyond Belief NA Group (April 2021)
     The Secular 12 Step Handbook was created by members of the Seattle-Everett Beyond Belief NA Group to help our members in their secular step work. Others have expressed interest in the guide, so we are making it available here. The Group considers this a work in progress, and actively seeks suggestions and input. Please send comments to bbeliefseattle@gmail.com. The Handbook is NOT an approved NA resource. https://secularna.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/BBSeattle-Secular-12-Step-Handbook-April-2021.docx

18 Alternative Versions of Secular Steps This is a compilation of all the secular steps we currently have available to us. If you know of more, email us and let us know so we can review it and possibly add it to this running document. 

Beyond Belief. Agnostic Musings for 12 Step Life by Joe C.
     The first secular daily reflection book written in a contemporary language for today’s addicts and alcoholics in recovery. “The book is aimed at a general 12-Step readership, but it is mindful that there heretofore exist no such aids for unbelievers, freethinkers, and the unconventionally spiritual.

About the Secular NA

Secular NA Step Meeting

Zoom ID: 869 4940 7273
Password: NA12

English

5:00pm (PDT) Fri
8:00pm (EDT) Fri
1:00am (British Summer Time) Sat
10:00am (AEST) Sat

Guest Speaker meeting (global)
1 hour 15 min meeting

About the Secular NA

StepChat

Recovery Chat Room

Narcotics Anonymous Meeting, Fridays, 6:00PM PST

Register to Attend

https://www.stepchat.co/chat/room1.htm

To Attend A Meeting In a Chat Room

When you first log on you will be in The Lounge which is not a meeting room, but open chat fellowship available 24/7 to members of all 12-step groups.

To go to the meeting rooms from The Lounge, click on the 3-dot menu icon at the top left of the chat screen, then click on the meeting room you wish to enter. If you don’t see the 3 dots, click the ESC key or swipe from the left if you are on a mobile device.

Tips for Chat Meetings

There is no real protocol for “informal” chat gatherings in our open chat rooms, but in our meeting rooms, we try to keep it as much of a face-to-face meeting as possible. Just as in a face-to-face meeting, we do not interrupt the person who is “speaking” or crosstalk after they are done.

Also, as in a face-to-face meeting, someone serves as the “chairperson” who opens the meetings, picks a topic and helps keep the meeting focused on the topic discussion as members take turn sharing on the topic.

Some of our meetings have a “greeter” who sends a private message to any late-comers to the meeting to welcome them and tell them the topics of discussion. If the late-comer is new to online meetings, the greeter may also explain briefly how meetings work (see below).

NOTE: To send someone a private message during the meeting, click on their name in the members’ list to the right of the chat window. To receive a private message, click on the name of the person who sent it.

If you wish to share, type an exclamation point like this: !. It’s like raising your hand.

The chair of the meeting will then call on the next person to share. In our chat rooms, it is best to type short lines followed by “. . .” which indicates that you are not finished. Like this:

One of the best tools I have found …
When I find myself under stress …
Is the Serenity Prayer … [done]

The [done] at the ends shows that you are finished, and the chairperson then will call on the next person to share.

That’s it. Those simple tools can keep things orderly even in a full chat room.

For instructions on how to log on to the chat rooms, please see this page.

Atheists Recover Too – Living Proof

Meeting ID: 897 6393 7096
Passcode: 041978
Direct Link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89763937096?pwd=bndYK3JvN0RkQTR0bzNCdHhCNWFJZz09

English

7pm (AEST)
10am (British Summer Time)
11am (CE Summer Time) France
2am (PDT)
5am (EDT)

About the Secular NA