What is Narcotics Anonymous?
Narcotics Anonymous is an international organization that provides support to individuals struggling with drug addiction. Founded in the 1950s, NA offers a safe, non-judgmental space for those seeking to overcome substance abuse. The organization follows a 12-step program similar to Alcoholics Anonymous, focusing on personal recovery through peer support, accountability, and shared experiences. With over 70,000 meetings worldwide, NA is a vital resource for those struggling with addiction, offering hope, support, and community. To find local meetings in your area, visit https://www.methadone.org/.
Support Group for People Suffering from Drug Addiction
Narcotics Anonymous meetings are specifically designed to assist the individual through recovery with the help of others. Whatever their background and details of their addiction, the meetings are open to any person who shows a willingness to stop using drugs. These meetings aim at providing the addict with an environment where they can share the challenges and successes of their journey without fear of judgment.
NA participation is free of charge, and the atmosphere is welcoming. Members may share as much or as little about themselves as they wish, often simply by relating their story or just listening to others. Growth in the program occurs with support from fellow members and a commitment to living drug-free.
Free Program with Regular Group Meetings Held Across the USA
Narcotics Anonymous is free and self-supporting; it accepts voluntary contributions from members to defray the costs of the literature and to pay for meeting places. Community centers, churches, and other public locations are being used to help keep access easy and usually free. There is no charge to attend, nor is anyone turned away due to an inability to pay. This assures that any person in need may attend a meeting and receive support.
NA has in-person and virtual meetings across the country for convenience and flexibility in attendance. Since the meetings run daily, this gives consistency for members to reach out to others in recovery, share experiences, and forge lasting relationships that may enhance their own sobriety.
Location and Meeting Details
Following are some examples of locations for NA meetings across the USA and an idea of both diversity and the availability of support groups:
New York, NY
Address: 123 Recovery St, New York, NY 10001
Meeting Times: Daily at 7:00 PM
Methods/Details:
- Open meetings with a focus on shared experiences
- Focus on the 12-step recovery program
- All meetings are free and confidential
- Social distancing measures in place for in-person meetings
Los Angeles, CA
Address: 456 Healing Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90001
Meeting Times: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 6:30 PM
Methods/Details:
- Step study groups and discussion meetings
- Anonymity is respected, and new members are welcome
- Virtual meetings via remote participation available
- Literature and other resources for members
Chicago, IL
Address: 789 Hope Rd, Chicago, IL 60601
Meeting Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:00 PM
Methods/Details:
- Emphasis on establishing a supportive and open environment
- Speaker meetings where members share their stories
- Step work and group sharing
- Follow-up programs on a regular basis to ensure continued recovery
Founded in the 1950s, Over 70,000 Meetings Globally
It has since grown, starting in the 1950s, into an international organization with more than 70,000 meetings around the world. The program expanded its entities, and different types of meeting formats have been made available to people in different walks of life and in various places. NA is, therefore, a resource to which people turn whether they reside in a big metropolitan area or in smaller towns as they seek recovery from drug addiction. This continuing success of Narcotics Anonymous serves as a testament to its impact on the lives of those in addiction and its role in the global movement toward recovery.
The 12 Steps of NA
The 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous give structure to recovery from addiction. These steps take the member through self-appraisal, accountability, and personal growth into a drug-free existence. Each step has different aspects of recovery on which the member is working, but the continuity brought out fosters lasting change and support from community and experiences shared.
- We admitted we were powerless over our addiction – that our lives had become unmanageable. Admitting the loss of control over the addiction is the first step toward healing.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. This step encourages individuals to trust in a higher power for strength and guidance.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. It means surrendering to the recovery process and allowing a higher power to guide and assist one.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. One looks at self with great reflection in personal behavior, choices made, and relationships.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. This step puts a great deal of concentration on honesty and accountability within the process of recovery.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. Members become willing to let go of negative behaviors and thoughts.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. This step is about seeking assistance from a higher power to help the individual overcome personal flaws.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all. Taking responsibility for past actions and preparing to repair relationships is key here.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. This step is to take action in making amends respectfully and considerately.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it. By continued self-reflection, one is kept from reverting into old practices.
- Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him. Gaining a deeper spiritual connection on a regular basis is what makes recovery possible.
- Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to addicts, and to practice these principles in all our affairs. Members share their recovery journey with others and integrate the principles into their daily lives.
Getting Started with NA in the USA
Utilize Meeting Search on Methadone.org to Find Local Meetings near you
To get started with Narcotics Anonymous, finding meetings in your area is as easy as accessing the meeting search tool on methadone.org. This website offers a fully packed list of NA meetings, including details on the location, time, and type of meeting. You can search by city, state, or zip code to locate in-person or virtual meetings near you. The tool makes it simple to find the support you need to begin your recovery journey.
Both In-Person and Online/Virtual Meetings Available in Most Places
NA meetings can be found in many places, and most areas will have both in-person and online/virtual meetings available. For in-person meetings, spaces used include community centers, churches, and libraries; online meetings offer an easy outlet for those unable to participate in person. Virtual meetings are held using services such as Zoom or Skype and can be attended while sitting in the comfort of one’s own home. Both formats work under the same guidelines, members helping members based on experiences and the 12-step program.
Joining Your First NA Meeting Locally
Open vs Closed Meetings
When attending your first NA meeting, it’s vital to understand the difference between open and closed meetings. The following table will help to identify the differences between the two meeting types:
| Type of Meeting | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meeting | Open to all, including non-members and those interested in learning more about NA. |
| Closed Meeting | Limited to people who have a desire to stop using drugs. |
Arrive Early and Introduce Yourself as a New Local Member
When attending your first meeting, it’s always good to be early, get settled, and introduce yourself. You’ll be welcomed into the group as a new member, and it is advisable to state that you are a first-timer. In this way, you will be more comfortable and able to easily hook up with people who are going through recovery phases similar to yours.
Share Your Experiences If Comfortable
Sharing your experiences at the meeting is completely optional. If it feels comfortable for you, share your story or why you reached out for help. Lots of people find sharing an important part of their recovery, but you do not have to share when and if you are not ready.
Take Home Welcome Keychain Tags at First Meeting
At your initial NA meeting, you will typically be given a welcome key tag to commemorate the start of your recovery process. These tags are a milestone in your journey and are nice markers to keep track of along the way. Here is a list of milestone tags that you may receive:
- 30 Days: A symbol for your first month of sobriety.
- 60 Days: A reminder of your continuing commitment to recovery.
- 1 Year: One complete year of being clean.
- Etc.: Further milestone chips given for extended periods of time in sobriety.