The following frequently asked questions are just a few of the many questions that your may have. More information can also be found at our Literature page and from NicA World Services.

1. What is Nicotine Anonymous?
2. What are the requirements to become a Nicotine Anonymous member?
3. What are Nicotine Anonymous meetings?
4. Who belongs to Nicotine Anonymous?
5. How does Nicotine Anonymous help?
6. Do young people and seniors join Nicotine Anonymous?
7. How much will Nicotine Anonymous cost me?
8. What if meetings are not available?
9. Who runs Nicotine Anonymous?
10. What does Nicotine Anonymous not do?
11. How can I find out more about Nicotine Anonymous?

1- What is Nicotine Anonymous?
Nicotine Anonymous is a group of people who have felt the grip of nicotine addiction. We have found a solution, a way to live and grow without nicotine, and we share it freely with each other and with all who wish to join us. Nicotine Anonymous is

We know that nicotine is a subtly powerful mind and mood altering substance and that the craving for it can return at any time. Many who have stopped for years have found themselves smoking once more. Therefore, we meet regularly to avoid slipping back into the addiction. Our primary purpose is to help others and ourselves to live free of nicotine.

2- What are the requirements to become a Nicotine Anonymous member?
The only requirement to become a Nicotine Anonymous member is a desire to stop using nicotine. We encourage meeting attendance whether you are still using nicotine or not. Attending meetings and participating in Nicotine Anonymous gives us the strength and support we need to free ourselves of the addiction of nicotine.

3- What are Nicotine Anonymous meetings?
Nicotine Anonymous meetings consist of two of more people getting together to share a common desire to be free of nicotine. People share their experience, strength and hope. They learn what others have experienced while withdrawing from nicotine and how they can use the Nicotine Anonymous program to live nicotine free.

In meetings, we are introduced to the Twelve Steps of recovery. These Steps suggest a spiritual approach that can be used to overcome our addiction as well as our everyday living problems. Members find meetings (due to the tradition of anonymity) to be safe places to share their problems and feelings.

4- Who belongs to Nicotine Anonymous?
Anyone with a desire to kick the nicotine habit can join Nicotine Anonymous. That is the one thing we all have in common. Otherwise. we are of various races, sexes, nationalities, occupations, incomes, religions. When we meet as members of Nicotine Anonymous, we seldom notice our differences; we concentrate on our common desire to live free of nicotine. There is no requirement to be nicotine free to participate.

5- How does Nicotine Anonymous help?
New members of Nicotine Anonymous are encouraged to abstain from using nicotine "one day at a time." By example and fellowship we concentrate on using the 12-Step program of recovery right now-today. By keeping nicotine out of our systems, we begin to take care of one part of our disease. Our bodies have a chance to get well.

If we are to remain nicotine-free, we need healthy minds and emotions, too. By using the Twelve Steps of recovery, we begin to understand our thoughts and feelings and lay a strong spiritual foundation on which to build happy, useful lives. To keep in touch with Nicotine Anonymous and to learn about the Twelve Steps, new members are encouraged to attend meetings regularly.

6- Do young people and seniors join Nicotine Anonymous?
Nicotine addiction affects people of all ages. There are many people, old and young, reaping the benefits of Nicotine Anonymous. Nicotine Anonymous welcomes all, be they "youthful beginners" or "seasoned users."

7- How much will Nicotine Anonymous cost me?
No on line member of Nicotine Anonymous pays dues or fees.
No member accepts money for the help he or she gives to newcomers, for being an elected member, or for performing any other non-professional service for Nicotine Anonymous. The payment we receive for these services is our own ongoing freedom from nicotine.

8- What if meetings are not available?
Networking puts people in touch with others in their region so they can either start a meeting or support each other by phone or email. Pen Pals can reach wherever mail goes. To access these programs, write to Nicotine Anonymous World Services.
On-line meetings and email support are available on the internet.

9- Who runs Nicotine Anonymous?
The members of Nicotine Anonymous, as groups, govern Nicotine Anonymous. Nicotine Anonymous groups are autonomous: they determine their own formats and the qualifications of their officers independently of other meetings, guided by the Twelve Traditions and their group conscience. To help groups help each other, there are intergroups at state and local levels that network groups within their areas and provide services and literature.To unify Nicotine Anonymous groups worldwide, there is a World Services Office. WSO collects, publishes and distributes Nicotine Anonymous literature, organizes an annual conference of the groups, and acts as guardian of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.

10- What does Nicotine Anonymous not do?
Nicotine Anonymous does not run membership drives. Nicotine Anonymous is a program of attraction rather than promotion.

Nicotine Anonymous does not accept money from outside sources. We are fully self-supporting through our own contributions.

Nicotine Anonymous is not a religious organization. Although Nicotine Anonymous is a program based on spiritual principles, each member is encouraged to develop a spiritual connection of their own understanding and preference.

Nicotine Anonymous is not a medical organization. It does not give out medication or psychiatric advice.

Nicotine Anonymous is not affiliated with any other organization. Some members work for outside organizations but not as representatives of Nicotine Anonymous.

Nicotine Anonymous does not reveal its members’ names. Our 11th Tradition states; "We need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, TV and films." Also, members do not divulge what is said in meetings.

11- How can I find out more about Nicotine Anonymous?
Nicotine Anonymous World Services provides up to date information about meetings, events and more. If you have questions regarding Nicotine Anonymous visit the World Services website at Nicotine-Anonymous.org.

You can also find information regarding Northern California Nicotine Anonymous meetings and Hot Line phone numbers on our Meetings Schedule page or contact us using the Contact Us form.