Sample Meeting 4

Meeting format focused on a chosen topic

(The chairperson can ask members to select a topic before beginning a meeting.)

Chairperson: Welcome to the (time) meeting of (group name) of Nicotine Anonymous. My name is _________ and I am your chairperson tonight and a nicotine addict. Just so I don’t feel alone, are other any other nicotine addicts here? (members raise hands)

Thank you for coming. Let us have a moment of silence, followed by the Serenity Prayer. (pause. . . . .)

(Aloud together) God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things

I can, and wisdom to know the difference.

Nicotine Anonymous® is a fellowship of men and women helping each other to live our lives free of nicotine. We share our experience, strength, and hope with each other so that we may be free from this powerful addiction. The only requirement for membership is the desire to stop using nicotine. There are no dues or fees for Nicotine Anonymous membership; we are self supporting through our own contributions. Nicotine Anonymous is not allied with any sect, denomination, political entity, organization or institution, does not engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any cause. Our primary purpose is to offer support to those who are trying to gain freedom from nicotine.

(Our Preamble—Reprinted for adaptation with permission of the A.A. Grapevine)

Who will read the Twelve Steps? (member volunteers to read)

Who will read the Twelve Traditions? (member volunteers to read)

Who will read Our Promises? (member volunteers to read)

Now, we’ll take a moment to introduce ourselves by first name only. You may tell us your date of abstinence if you wish. Please also let us know if you are a newcomer to Nicotine Anonymous. We’ll start on my right.
(members introduce themselves)

(if there are newcomers) We would like to provide a newcomer’s packet to any newcomers and ask other willing attendees to write their name and contact information on the back. If you are new to this program we encourage you to come to more than one meeting before deciding whether it can be of benefit to you.

We do not cross talk at our meetings. This means, we don’t question or comment while someone else is sharing. After the meeting, you may get together with anyone to ask questions or visit.

Sponsors are nicotine addicts who have learned to live life without using nicotine. To help you in your quest, we suggest you consider and ask such a member to be your sponsor. It is also suggested that you choose one of the same gender and sexual orientation. Now, for the benefit of those who need a sponsor, will those willing to sponsor please raise their hand?

We have a member contact list available of those willing to talk with you in times of need. We strongly believe having someone to talk to can make the difference between using nicotine or not. Please let us know if you have any corrections or additions to the list.

While sharing your comments tonight, please consider the size of the group so everyone may have an opportunity to speak tonight.

The suggested topic for this meeting is ___________________.

(Introduce topic, speaker, or ask if anyone in attendance has a “burning desire” he or she would like to discuss, then let the sharing begin by either round robin or a show of hands.)

Closing the meeting:

(Passing the basket) In keeping with the Seventh Tradition, which states “Every Nicotine Anonymous group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions” we will now pass the basket. The money we give is to cover our group’s expenses, and when we are able, to donate to our regional Intergroup and/or Nicotine Anonymous World Services. Guests and newcomers need not donate.

(Chips) This group follows the chip system to recognize members in their quest for freedom from nicotine. The group offers support to each individual in their personal determination to recover from nicotine addiction. Annual milestones are celebrated at the last meeting of every month. Every member with an anniversary during that month will be honored with cake and honor us with their success stories. Is there anyone here tonight with a continuous period of time free from nicotine who has not already received a chip?

We have a “Desire Chip”. Is there anyone here with a desire to begin abstaining from nicotine for 24 hours? If so, we have a desire to give you this chip.

(Closing) Anyone in our group may get involved and chair a meeting. The directions are right here in this folder. Who will volunteer to chair this meeting next week?

Are there any Nicotine Anonymous announcements from members?

Everyone is invited to participate in the business meeting held after the first meeting of each month.

In closing, the opinions expressed here were those of the person who gave them. Take what you want and leave the rest. The things you heard were spoken in confidence and need to be treated as confidential. Keep them within the walls of this room and the confines of your mind.

If you haven’t been with us long, whatever your problems, it is likely there are those among us who have had similar ones as well. If you keep an open mind, you may come to realize that there is no situation too difficult to be eased, and no unhappiness too great to be lessened.

May we support each other by letting the understanding, peace, and love of the program grow within us one day at a time.

(Closing prayer) Will all who care to, join me in reciting (the Serenity Prayer, Third Step Prayer, or Seventh Step Prayer)?

See more sample meeting formats, and materials to start a meeting.