It Works: How and Why details the application of the steps and traditions of Narcotics Anonymous. It includes readings on each step and tradition, and discusses how they can be applied and encourages further thought and meditation on the process of recovery.

"The purpose of this portion of the book is to invite members to engage in a journey of recovery and to serve as a resource in gaining a personal understanding of the spiritual principles in the Twelve Steps of Narcotics Anonymous. This portion of the book explores the spiritual principles in each step and how we experience them in our lives. We believe that the steps are presented in a manner that encompasses the diversity of our fellowship and is reflective of the spiritual awakening described in our Twelfth Step." Book One: The Twelve Steps. p.8

"The book seeks to explore the spiritual principles within the traditions, engage members with the spirit—not the law—of the traditions, and provide a basis for thought and discussion about the traditions. This portion of the book is not meant to fulfill every need for every group or every member; rather, it is to be a book that will generate discussion and allow for local interpretation of the practical application of the principles contained in the traditions." Book Two: The Twelve Traditions. p.95

The introductory guide to NA includes information from multiple Informational Pamphlets, including Am I an Addict?, For the Newcomer, Recovery and Relapse, and Sponorship, Revised among others. The informational pamphlets are a included in their entirety. If you're looking for a general introduction to the Narcotics Anonymous program, this is a great place to start reading.

Recovery and Relapse offers suggestions to members, both on maintaining a strong program of recovery, and on coming back to the program after a relapse. This pamphlet places an important distinction between "abstinence" and recovery, and acknowledges that for many addicts, relapse is a part of their story, and their path to lasting recovery.

"Although all addicts are basically the same in kind, we do, as individuals, differ in degree of sickness and rate of recovery. There may be times when a relapse lays the groundwork for complete freedom. At other times that freedom can only be achieved by a grim and obstinate willfulness to hang on to abstinence, come hell or high water, until a crisis passes. An addict who by any means can lose, even for a time, the need or desire to use, and has free choice over impulsive thinking and compulsive action, has reached a turning point that may be the decisive factor in his recovery. The feeling of true independence and freedom hangs here at times in the balance. To step out alone and run our own lives again draws us, yet we seem to know that what we have has come from dependence on a Power greater than ourselves and from the giving and receiving of help from others in acts of empathy." Recovery and Relapse, p.1