NA Key Tags Color Meaning: Each Color Defined

When thinking about addiction treatment, 12-step programs are one of the first things that come to mind for most. The 12-step approach was first introduced in 1935 through Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Because of its effectiveness, the 12-step program philosophy has served as the foundation for countless rehab programs. Through the years, AA has been adapted to a range of conditions, including Narcotics Anonymous (NA).

At the core of the 12-step model is the belief that recovery is possible through spiritual growth and fellowship. Critics of the 12-step approach often confuse spiritual growth with religion. While some steps depict the religious language of AA’s origins, most 12-step programs are not rooted in a specific faith and leave the meanings of “god” and “higher power” open to interpretation.

If you are looking for a 12-step program in Jacksonville, FL, contact Beaches Recovery. As the premier drug and alcohol treatment center in Jacksonville, we provide care that exceeds industry standards. Call 866.605.0532 to learn more.

What Makes 12-Step Programs Effective?

The 12-step model of recovery is a proven method that has helped millions of people around the world overcome addiction and mental health issues. Since its inception, treatment centers, hospitals, doctors, therapists, and court systems have all come to respect the effectiveness of 12-step programs, as research has shown that:

• Treating people with similar challenges in a group setting is highly effective
• Those who participate in 12-step programs decrease substance intake compared to those who do not
• Individuals who abstain entirely from drugs and alcohol, as advised in 12-step programs, have higher rates of  long-term sobriety

Social interaction within a group is at the core of the effectiveness of 12-step programs. For humans, the desire to be part of a group and accepted by a group is innate. Members of a group:

• Cooperate to attain goals
• Provide companionship & social interaction
• Help each other in need
• Share resources
• Provide support

Another critical component of 12-step programs is the focus on accountability and being of service. Accountability ensures group members are honest with themselves and others about their behaviors and take responsibility for their actions. Being of service refers to the foundational belief that helping others is essential to recovery.

A Look at Narcotics Anonymous (NA)

As the popularity of AA started to spread in the 1940s and 1950s, people struggling with drug addiction started attending AA meetings. Soon, the need for a specific fellowship to address the unique challenges of drug addiction became apparent, leading to the formation of Narcotics Anonymous (NA) in the early 1950s.

The growth of NA accelerated over the years, and in 1983, the organization published the “Basic Text,” its counterpart to AA’s “Big Book.” The “Basic Text” is a comprehensive guide to the program and serves as a critical resource for NA members.

The key elements of NA include the following:

• Meetings
• The 12 Steps
• Sponsorship
• Literature
• Higher power
• Service
• Abstinence
• Anonymity

As with AA, the primary focus of NA is on mutual support and fellowship to help individuals maintain a drug-free lifestyle.

What Are NA Key Tags?

In NA, key tags mark milestones in an individual’s recovery. Key tags are tokens or medallions that symbolize how long a person has been clean and sober. Key tags are awarded at meetings to celebrate an individual’s commitment to recovery.

NA Key Tag Colors

NA key tags are color-coded and vary in design based on their time milestone. Following is a standard color-coding system for key tags:

• White tag: 24 hours or one day
• Yellow tag: 30 days or one month
• Green tag: 60 days or two months
• Red tag: 90 days or three months
• Blue tag: Six months
• Orange tag: Nine months
• Purple tag: One year
• Gold tag: A multiple of years (2, 5, 10, etc)

Specific NA groups may have variations of this color scheme or additional tags to mark different milestones. Key tags serve as a tangible reminder of an individual’s progress in recovery and are used as a source of motivation and support within the NA community.

Call Beaches Recovery Today to Learn More About 12-Step Programs

12-step program meetings produce effects similar to the benefits of group therapy. Research shows that group therapy is highly effective for treating people with similar challenges. 12-step programs help provide the structure and routine that are essential to maintaining sobriety and preventing relapse, particularly in the early stages of recovery.

At Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida, 12-step programs are just one of the methods we incorporate into our comprehensive approach toward treatment for addiction and co-occurring disorders. Call 866.605.0532 or use our online contact form to learn more about how you can benefit from 12-step programs.