Parents/Carers in NA Our Experiences
When someone you love takes drugs it can be very frightening. On the other side of the coin, if you're trying to get clean, your kids could possibly hinder your search for Recovery. These pages share the experiences of addicts in both these situations and show that recovery for Parents and Carers is possible in Narcotics Anonymous.
No amount of drugs could take away the fact that I was endangering my child by my using when I was pregnant, but I was in the grip of my using and I had no choice.
My first son was born when I was using. This really brought me to my rock bottom and I got clean three months later.
I came out of jail after doing seven months in April 2001. Within a month I had my heroin habit back. My partner of four years was pregnant a couple of months later.
I got pregnant when I was 90 days clean and had my son when I was just over one year.
My name is Peter, and I’m an addict. From an early age I was always led to believe that if I was less than perfect, I was absolutely useless.
Not being a parent myself (I became a step-parent when I was a few years clean) I had never considered the need for childcare at meetings.
When I first came into recovery I used to get sad and feel jealousy when I saw other people with their children.
Meeting my two young daughters after a week in treatment was stressful for all of us. I felt guilty, shameful and regretful, and wanted to make amends to them as soon as possible.
My daughter was an angel sent to save me from myself…. This is the thought I hold onto when things are hard!
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Disclaimer: 'The information on this page has been collated by the UK NA Parents & Carers Committee.
Whilst we strive to keep abreast of current changes in the law, if any of you
have specific concerns or questions we advise you seek professional advice.'
If you're searching for a meeting where your children are welcome, please look for CW next to meetings in your area. Ones with a Creche are also marked. All Creche workers are Police checked from qualified agencies Also, of course, if your child wants help stopping, please ask them to call us on
2010 Membership Survey (currently under development)
We host regular NA meetings online. They are held on Monday, Wednesday, Thursdays, Friday & Sunday at 7.30pm in the UK NA Chat-room. Parents and Carers in recovery also have an online meeting between 8pm and 9pm each Tuesday. More information about the chat room can be found here.
To find details of the nearest face to face NA meeting in the UK please visit our Meetings section. You will find meeting places, times, links to location maps and a list of any facilities available at the meeting. You may also call the UK NA Helpline on 0300 999 1212.
