What about the newcomer?
“Each group has but one primary purpose-to carry the message to the addict who
still suffers.”
Tradition Five
Our home group means a lot to us. After all, where would we be without our favorite
NA meeting? Our group sometimes sponsors picnics or other activities. Often, home
group members get together to see a movie or go bowling. We have all made good
friendships through our home group, and we wouldn’t trade that warmth for the
world.
But sometimes we must take inventory of what our group is doing to fulfill its
primary purpose-to carry the message to the still-suffering addict. Sometimes when
we go to our meetings, we know almost everyone and get caught up in the laughter
and fun. But what about the newcomer? Have we remembered to reach out to the
new people who may be sitting by themselves, lonely and frightened? Do we
remember to welcome those visiting our group?
The love found in the rooms of Narcotics Anonymous helps us recover from
addiction. But once we have gotten clean, we must remember to give to others what
was so freely given to us. We need to reach out to the addict who still suffers. After
all. “the newcomer is the most important person at any meeting.”
Just for today: I’m grateful for the warm fellowship I’ve found in my home group. I
will reach out my hand to the still-suffering addict, offering that same fellowship to
others.