Alcohol is just one of many drugs available in State College.
Narcotics Anonymous offers an option for those who use drugs in addition to alcohol, or find that they are uncomfortable in Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
"NA deals with the disease of addiction," said Rich, a junior at the University who has been "clean" for almost six years. He said many members of NA are alcoholics, and that people who want to recover from any addiction are welcome and should not be misled by the group's name.
Frank, a graduate student, prefers NA to AA because the groups tend to be smaller and he feels closer to the other members.
Similar to other 12-step groups, anonymity is paramount.
"Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of NA. People need to be able to say whatever they need to say without it being taken outside," Rich said. "I don't want people to know my business."
Some new members are concerned that they are expected to adopt a religion. NA is not associated with any religion, though the group often does meet in churches. But the group's principles include the use of a "higher power" to aid in spiritual healing.
"A higher power is any power greater than yourself," said John, also a graduate student. He said although some people choose to use a biblical God, members could use anything, including the group, the family or a personal choice.
Rich and Frank said the support they get from the other members of NA is important at Penn State, where there is a lot of pressure to drink.
"It's a problem," said Rich. "You meet a woman in a class, and she says, 'Let's go to a party.' It's important to be able to talk about that."
The meetings are not high-pressure. Members are asked to share their experiences and their concerns, but nobody is forced to do anything.
"There's no pledges assigned, no promises to make to anyone, no initiation fees or dues -- you just come there and check it out," Rich said.
NA has meetings in State College every day of the week except Friday. To learn the times and locations, call the helpline at 238-5597. If there is a crisis, the helpline can have an NA member call the person back, John said.
