Nicotine Anonymous is a Non-Profit 12 Step Fellowship of men and women helping each other live nicotine-free lives. NA welcomes all those seeking freedom from nicotine addiction. The primary purpose of Nicotine Anonymous is to help all those who would like to stop using tobacco and nicotine products in any form. The fellowship offers group support and recovery, which is what we are also doing here in Bali once a week, using the 12 Steps as adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous to achieve abstinence from nicotine. I recently met a member , Jochen, and asked him about the program.
How did you come to live on Bali? How did you end up here?
I first came to Bali on vacation 14 years ago. I came back year after year, getting to know the island and making more and more friends. Finally, I decided to stay and open my own tour business in 1999. It all happened gradually, I didn't rush into it and by the time I made my decision to stay there was no doubt in my mind that I had discovered a fabulous place to live and work. Did I mention that I LOVE Bali..?
Were you a smoker yourself?
I was a smoker but I didn't start Nicotine Anonymous. NA was established in 1990. Nicotine Anonymous has 600 groups in the U.S. The NA program had helped me in New York, where I was living before I came to Bali.
I tried many times to quit smoking on my own. I could never quit for very long - I always picked up smoking again. I lost my mother 10 years ago to the effects of cigarettes. I am today passionate about not smoking because of the quality of my life now. I love my life in Bali today. When I was still smoking I was always sick and tired and hooked like a fish. By just taking it one day at a time I am happy, joyous and free.
Is there a "typical" person who wants to stop smoking?
Most people who come to NA have two things in common. They are sick and tired of being unable to quit smoking and they realize that they cannot quit on their own. Also, they are often beginning to get physically ill from the effects of smoking.
Briefly, how does it work? Are there "tricks" people use to try to quit?
The typical NA meeting lasts an hour. We first read something out of the NA book, then we share (without interruption) on what was read or anything any of us wants to talk about. In my experience, NA works because of The 12 Step program of recovery AND because of group support. No longer do I have to quit smoking and be alone. In addition to members sharing their experiences, strength and hope at meetings, some members have used such "tricks" like chewing gum or keeping a piece of candy in your mouth whenever they'd feel the urge to smoke. But most members of NA would say that the 12 Step program of recovery from smoking is no trick. It's a simple and effective design for living which makes quitting smoking not only possible BUT enjoyable too.
How often do you meet? What is the size of your current group?
We meet once a week, every Saturday morning at 9 am at "The Ruko" above (upstairs) "Warung Kita" at Jl. Dyana Pura 103 in Seminyak. The group is not too big at the moment. There are usually no more than 3-4 people attending on a regular basis except during high season when we get out of town visitors. No matter how many of us there are at our meetings they always help.
Are there any rules or conditions for joining the program?
The ONLY requirement for membership in NA is a desire to stop smoking. There are no dues or fees for NA membership. We are self supporting through our own contributions. There are no pledges to sign or promises to make to anyone. There is only a no smokingrule in force during our one hour meetings.
Are there sponsors like in AA? Emergency numbers to call?
Many members consider sponsorship an important tool for quitting smoking. Some members don't use a sponsor. But whenever an NA member needs to call someone for help in not smoking there is always someone to talk to. In fact, here's my number right now - 08123829300.
How does the program support itself?
There are no dues or fees for NA membership. NA supports itself by voluntary contributions from its members. The program also does not accept any outside contributions. We are self supporting.
What is the success rate of your 12-step program?
Well, I honestly don't know the success rate. I do know, personally, 100's of satisfied members of NA, people who are very gratefully not smoking one day at a time. No longer do they feel the misery of waking up sick and coughing with no energy as a part of their lives. And no longer are they living with the agony of that feeling in the pit of the stomach when the cravings come. Most NA members are free from the bondage of nicotine addiction. This kind of freedom is its own reward. That is my success story. Today I am happily embracing life in a healthy, recovering body.
Are there any good books on the subject, other aids available on Bali to help people quit?
You can go to www.nicotine-anonymous.org and order Nicotine Anonymous: The Book. It's the basic text for the NA program. There are also pills, patches, gums - you name it. It's all out there. Many Nicotine Anonymous members have tried these and other methods for stopping smoking but found those methods alone were not enough to stay stopped. NA does not endorse nor oppose any methods. Our primary purpose it stay nicotine free and to help others to achieve the same freedom.
How do people reading this interview join?
Anyone with a desire to stop smoking is invited to attend our meetings. You are also welcome to call me anytime to talk in more detail. Call: 08123829300 and ask for Jochen.
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Copyright@2004 Al Hickey
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