If you are a member of the media, public agency, institution, or educational facility please email the Public Information Subcommittee at PI@GPANA.ORG

As Narcotics Anonymous grows, representatives of the print and electronic media will show increasing interest in our fellowship. When the media become interested in NA, their reporters often approach us without an understanding of the principle of anonymity. Maintaining personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, and films must be our highest priority when contacts are made with the public and the media.

The general mission of our area public information subcommittee is to inform addicts and others in the community of the availability of recovery in Narcotics Anonymous. Services provided by PI subcommittees vary widely from area to area. The simplest kind of PI project is the production and distribution of fliers throughout the community announcing that NA is available and that more information can be had either by calling the local NA information phoneline or by attending an NA meeting. As PI subcommittees become better developed, they often conduct public meetings for community members, distribute public service announcements to local radio and television stations, and respond to public media inquiries. Some PI subcommittees develop separate working groups called CPC panels (short for cooperation with the professional community) to focus especially on the NA community’s relations with local treatment professionals. The Public Relations Handbook, available from the World Service Office, provides detailed information on conducting a wide range of projects designed to increase community awareness of Narcotics Anonymous.

Narcotics Anonymous Does Not:

Operate hospitals or recovery houses for addicts.
Solicit or persuade others to join.
Engage in or sponsor scientific research on addiction.
Keep membership records or case histories of its members.
Make medical or psychological diagnoses.
Provide marriage, family, or vocational counseling.
Provide monetary or social assistance.
Provide or participate in primary drug prevention education.
Accept money for its services or funding from any public or private agencies.

GPANA Public Information Do's and Don'ts

We Do:

Follow our traditions, public relations plans, and guidelines.
Try to be consistent. We follow through on our plans of action.
Keep updated records of contacts, posted flyers, Public Service Announcements (PSAs), etc.
Remember that quality is better than quantity.
Present a good image of recovery: punctual, appropriately dressed, and avoid using obscenities when we speak.
Consult with members experienced in PI work before contacting the media.

We Don't:

Do public information service alone.
Abuse our precious resources. When we don't complete a project, we create a negative image of NA.
Present ourselves as the only spokesperson for NA.
Accept contributions from outside our fellowship.
State an opinion or take a stand on any non-NA or public issue.
Give out personal information about individual NA members.