Nicotine Anonymous (NicA)

What Is Nicotine Anonymous?

Nicotine Anonymous (NicA) is a 12-step program and fellowship of individuals assisting one another in living nicotine-free lives. NicA is modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), but is designed with nicotine and tobacco addiction as its main focus.

NicA is open to all people who desire to stop using nicotine and experience freedom from tobacco and nicotine in all forms. NicA offers peer-led meetings, sponsorship, a supportive recovery community, spiritual growth, and resources to help members maintain abstinence from nicotine.

Brief History of NicA

“Smokers Anonymous” first started in 1982 by Rodger F. and other members of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) who recognized they needed to focus on their nicotine addiction. Many others in AA smoked cigarettes, and this was not helpful to them. With permission from AA, they adapted their material, such as the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions, and made them relevant to nicotine addiction. Within the year, there were already one hundred meetings.

In 1988, they held their first World Services Conference and renamed the fellowship “Nicotine Anonymous” in 1990. As of 2005, there are over 500 meetings worldwide that meet face-to-face, online, or by telephone. NicA offers free resources and literature to people across the globe on its official website and sends newsletters with tips to help members stay connected and nicotine-free.

Core Principles of Nicotine Anonymous

The Nicotine Anonymous program maintains three core principles of honesty, openness, and willingness (often abbreviated as “H.O.W.). NicA uses these core principles in its mission to support people in achieving and maintaining freedom from nicotine. NicA is not affiliated with a specific religion, but members are encouraged to be open to the idea of a Higher Power and use a spiritual approach when tackling their addiction.

People from all lifestyles and backgrounds are welcome to join in meetings, and anonymity is a top priority. NicA utilizes peer support and mutual aid in achieving and maintaining complete abstinence from all nicotine products.

The Twelve Steps of Nicotine Anonymous

The Twelve Steps of Nicotine Anonymous were adapted from The Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and help members to fight their nicotine addiction one day at a time.

1. We admitted we were powerless over nicotine, and that our lives had become unmanageable.
2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
6. We are entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
10. Continued to take personal inventory, and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry it out.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to other nicotine users and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

Nicotine Anonymous Meetings

NicA offers meetings in various formats, including in-person, video conference, and via telephone, making it accessible to anyone, worldwide, looking to join. E-mail chains and pen pals are also available through their website to allow for support outside of meetings. NicA uses outreach by announcing meeting times, format, and/or location to reach those wishing to quit nicotine.

Meetings are a safe place to come together and share the struggles of nicotine addiction with others who understand and can offer advice and guidance. NicA protects members by maintaining a non-judgmental space and keeping everything that is shared confidential.

What Is a Nicotine Anonymous Meeting Like?

Nicotine Anonymous meetings are warm and welcoming and follow a structured but flexible format. Different types of meetings, such as discussion groups, literature studies, and newcomer-focused groups, exist to meet attendees where they are at and address their specific area of need.

Common practices at meetings include reading of the 12 Steps or Traditions, open sharing, and group support. All meetings are peer-led and focus on offering hope, strength, and support to others through encouragement and shared experience.

How Can I Find a Nicotine Anonymous Meeting?

You can find a Nicotine Anonymous meeting by searching on their website for meetings in your area or by your desired format.

Meetings are held every day of the week at many different times. If you find yourself struggling or in need of support, help is just a meeting away.

Start Your Nicotine-Free Journey Today

Nicotine Anonymous’ primary purpose is to help people struggling with nicotine addiction achieve and maintain nicotine-free lives through implementing the Twelve Steps and core values, reading literature, spiritual maturity, and community support.

Reach out to your healthcare provider for medical guidance and start your nicotine-free journey today by attending a NicA meeting or calling 1-877-TRY-NICA (1-877-879-6422) toll-free.

Written by

Jessica Miller

Editorial Director

Jessica Miller is the Editorial Director of Addiction Help. Jessica graduated from the University of South Florida (USF) with an English degree and combines her writing expertise and passion for helping others to deliver reliable information to those impacted by addiction. Informed by her personal journey to recovery and support of loved ones in sobriety, Jessica's empathetic and authentic approach resonates deeply with the Addiction Help community.

Reviewed by

• Fact-Checked
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Kent S. Hoffman, D.O.

Co-Founder & Chief Medical Officer

Kent S. Hoffman, D.O. has been an expert in addiction medicine for more than 15 years. In addition to managing a successful family medical practice, Dr. Hoffman is board certified in addiction medicine by the American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine (AOAAM). Dr. Hoffman has successfully treated hundreds of patients battling addiction. Dr. Hoffman is the Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of AddictionHelp.com and ensures the website’s medical content and messaging quality.