We believe that the present superstitious views on addictions are comparable to the views of most people concerning epilepsy 150 years ago. If the facts are known and the stigma removed then intelligent and effective intervention and recovery can be implemented for all addicts and their families. Our legal and political system has, in far too many ways, punished addicts because of the presence of a disease. The N4A does not promote or condone criminal behavior but instead, advocates for fair and impartial treatment of addicts and the changing of unrealistic and counterproductive legislation. Our goal is to ensure that addicts get fair and equal treatment under the law and that unconstitutional and prohibitionist-type statutes are repealed and replaced with realistic laws which will benefit society and put an end to the war on drugs and addicts.
Addicts are a discriminated-against minority.
Moreover, addicts need to perceive themselves as a discriminated-against minority, and take responsibility for confronting and resolving their own legal, political, medical, and social issues. The present situation is an untenable one in which we basically agree with non-addicts about our deferential status and beg them to please forgive us, accept us, and let us be normal if we act according to their dictates and whims. This must end. We need to realize that they are not going to take care of us the way we need to be taken care of. Only we can do that.