The Process of Discontinuing in the Participants of Narcotics Anonymous Association

Background: This research aimed at studying the process of substance dependence treatment in Narcotics Anonymous (NA) association.  Methods: This qualitative study applied a narrative research technique. The study population consisted of all individuals referring to the Torbat Heydarieh NA association in 2016. The study samples were selected by purposive sampling method. Three group interviews were conducted with 10 NA participants who have treated their substance dependence and always joined the association sessions. Each interview lasted about 4 to 6 hours. Results: The most critical effects of attending NA sessions may be cognitive and faith-value changes, as follow: raising the awareness of self-illness, its symptoms and how to cope with it, promoting self-awareness and characteristics, and identifying the root causes leading to the condition in each person.  Conclusion: The treatment is oriented towards making the inner police and consciousness in substance dependents. According to David Matza’s theory, a deviant person first neutralizes this internal assessing as well as supervising force; then, he/she commits deviance. Completing 12 personal steps is an inward process that shapes the mechanism of recovery in substance dependents.