We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Medicine

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Nicotine Anonymous?

By Laura Evans
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,203
Share

Based on the 12-step program developed by Alcoholics Anonymous, Nicotine Anonymous offers face-to-face meetings when possible, as well as phone meetings, Internet meetings, and publications to those who wish to break their addiction to nicotine. Members also communicate via e-mail and regular mail. Nicotine Anonymous operates worldwide, including in countries such as Russia, India, the United States, and Egypt. Meetings are organized and governed on a local basis with guidance from the parent group. Like Alcoholics Anonymous, Nicotine Anonymous does not keep statistics regarding its membership, nor does it endorse any products offered by other organizations or companies.

The alkaloid nicotine is an addictive substance in tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco. Although it is the nicotine in tobacco that is addictive, other substances in tobacco products can cause cardiovascular diseases or cancers. Addiction to nicotine can be difficult to kick because of unpleasant withdrawal symptoms that can last for months, such as insomnia, depression, and weight gain. Many smokers try to quit several times before succeeding. In fact, nicotine may be as addictive as heroin.

Nicotine Anonymous was founded in Southern California in 1982 by members of Alcoholics Anonymous who realized that nicotine addiction was a problem in their lives. Unable to address nicotine addiction under the Alcoholics Anonymous umbrella, these early members, with the permission of Alcoholics Anonymous, adapted the 12-step program to fit the needs of nicotine addicts. Like Alcoholics Anonymous, members of this nicotine withdrawal support group believe in a higher power. In addition, this stop-smoking support group protects the identities of its members. The organization exists to help members live a nicotine-free life.

This support group has four organizational levels. The groups that hold meetings for local members are the basis for this organization. This level is followed by intergroups, which are organized to help provide support, such as retreats, to local groups collectively. Yearly conferences, the third level, are sponsored by an intergroup in the United States and are designed to address issues such as structural changes as well as offer the opportunity for members to meet other members from around the world. The final level is the Nicotine Anonymous World Service Center, which is located in the United States in Huntington Beach, California.

Nicotine Anonymous is a non-profit organization that does not require dues from its membership. All funds needed to support Nicotine Anonymous are contributed voluntarily. Nicotine Anonymous may charge a small fee for its publications.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-nicotine-anonymous.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.