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Those are perhaps four of the hardest words for an addict to say. Yet, in reality, there are millions of people around the world addicted to nicotine. Why are so many people addicted to nicotine? Why is it one of the toughest addictions to get a handle on? The answers to these questions may well depend on the people you ask. No matter what your thoughts and feelings about nicotine, if you are addicted, there is a place where your voice will be heard: Nicotine Anonymous.
Nicotine Anonymous was founded in the early 1980s when a few nicotine addicts discovered that they were able to gain relief from their addiction by adapting the principles of the 12 Step program central to Alcoholics Anonymous. Today Nicotine Anonymous is a worldwide fellowship of individuals whose primary purpose is to help others, and thus themselves, to live free of nicotine. Anyone with a desire to quit using nicotine can join. There are no age restrictions and the members may be quite diverse, but nicotine addiction is what all members have in common. There are no dues or fees for membership. Expenses such as meeting space, website, and publications are funded by voluntary contributions.
Locally, Nicotine Anonymous began in Charlotte in February, 2001. The group is not limited to smokers only. All tobacco users are welcome to join. There are currently four members who meet on Mondays from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Park Road Baptist Church.
Some members take advantage of the options to meet on-line or on the telephone. There are benefits to all of these avenues, but to those few faithful members, there is nothing better than having that face-to-face contact. One member, Ardith, described some of the benefits as having a safe place to get support, understanding and encouragement.
“It is an honest way to deal with an addiction,” Ardith said. “By sharing my story, I am able to be more honest with myself. With honesty, the desire to quit gains momentum.”
She said she has developed more honest relationships with family and friends as a result of attending Nicotine Anonymous.
“In the past, smoking helped me create a smoke screen between myself and reality,” she explained. “Now I am dealing honestly with the good and the bad.”
Ardith has lived tobacco-free for nine years, but readily admits that each day is a struggle, because nicotine is powerfully addictive both physically and emotionally. But despite the tremendous effort it takes each and every day, her eyes and words reveal her determination to live free of nicotine.
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