You may notice that Nar-Anon members have a language all their own. This is one of the reasons we ask members to keep coming back. At first, the new words and phrases you’ll hear may appear foreign to you. You will learn about the steps, traditions, and slogans and find helpful information in our Nar-Anon literature. Sometimes you may wonder why the same readings need to be repeated at each meeting. As you continue to attend meetings, you’ll find that those readings and slogans become a part of your everyday recovery.

The Newcomer’s most often questioned words:

ALO – the acronym for Addicted Loved One

Qualifier – the addicted person with whom you have a relationship (e.g., “my son is my qualifier“)

NFG – the acronym for Nar-Anon Family Group (e.g., MOMS NFG); also referred to as “meetings.”

CAL – the acronym for Conference Approved Literature (official Nar-Anon literature)

SESH – the acronym for Sharing Experience, Strength, and Hope, Nar-Anon’s Daily Reader. You may also hear members talking about ESH which is short-hand for Experience, Strength, and Hope. For example, “I was really motivated when I heard her sharing her ESH in the meeting!”

Blue Booklet– Nar-Anon’s informative booklet outlines our 12 Steps, 12 Traditions, and 12 Concepts and encapsulates lots of big information in a tiny little booklet. Read at every meeting (also available in large print).

The 36 or Nar-Anon 36 – Nar-Anon’s step workbook is used by members for working on the 12 Steps, usually with a Sponsor.

Sponsor – A member of Nar-Anon with whom you can share intimately your thoughts and feelings as they guide you through the Steps and Traditions of Nar-Anon. See the “Finding a Sponsor” pamphlet.

GSR – the acronym for Group Service Representative. A family group’s GSR is an elected official who acts as a liaison between the NFG and the Region.