What is Narcotics Anonymous?
Narcotics Anonymous is an international fellowship of people for whom drugs had ceased to work. It is a free and autonomous multistep program that undertakes to help the person who is trying to recover from drug dependency. The 1950s saw the birth of NA, which has grown into a worldwide organization with more than 70,000 meetings held globally. The purpose of NA is to provide recovering addicts with a supportive environment in which to share experience, strength, and hope with fellow addicts in an effort to attain and maintain a drug-free lifestyle. It utilizes the same 12-step approach as Alcoholics Anonymous to inspire personal commitment, responsibility, and fellowship. To understand the scale of the challenge, you can explore drug addiction statistics which highlight the prevalence and impact of addiction on individuals and communities.
NA has provided a friendly environment to the persons who are suffering from drug addiction. The functionalities of the group are based on a 12-step program, similar to other addiction recovery programs, to help the individuals recover in a step-by-step way. Meetings are open to anybody desiring to attain sobriety from substance abuse and are conducted by persons in recovery. Each session is based on shared experiences and peer support. Members often say that just talking to others who’ve had some of the same experiences helps them in their path of recovery.
Narcotics Anonymous Meetings in US Cities
Narcotics Anonymous meetings occur regularly throughout the United States, in support of individuals in every major city. Meetings are open to anyone suffering from addiction and to family members and loved ones. NA meetings offer a safe environment that is non-judgmental, where participants can share with others and receive advice from those who have experienced addiction firsthand. Following is a list of locations throughout the US, including meeting times and information.
New York, NY
- Address: 123 Recovery St, New York, NY 10001
- Meeting Times: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 7:00 PM
- Methods/Details: The meetings held here are open to anyone struggling with drug addiction. The meeting format is that of a discussion, where each participant shares personal experiences and opinions related to recovery. A facilitator runs the meeting using a 12-step format, emphasizing open discussion and emotional support.
Los Angeles, CA
- Address: 456 Sobriety Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90001
- Meeting Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:00 PM
- Methods/Details: This location offers both in-person and virtual meetings. The in-person meetings are held in a private, confidential setting. The group follows a step study format, where members work through the 12 steps together and share progress. There are also discussions on coping mechanisms, relapse prevention, and maintaining long-term sobriety.
Chicago, IL
- Address: 789 Hope Blvd, Chicago, IL 60601
- Meeting Times: Sundays at 6:00 PM, Fridays at 7:00 PM
- Methods/Details: This is a closed meeting, and only self-described addicts may attend. Some of the meetings are guided discussion, while others are simply open sharing. The emotional support and encouragement from peers are also a big part of this program. Special workshops are held once in a while on topics like emotional healing and how to overcome triggers.
With most cities in the United States holding NA meetings frequently, the organization provides a great network for people in recovery. Members are allowed to share their struggles with others who can understand them and offer support through shared experiences and recovery tools.
The 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous
The 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous have been an organized process through which recovering addicts work. Each step was written to be worked in a specific order, which will allow members to more effectively deal with their addiction and change their lives. These steps have been followed internationally and are an integral part of the recovery process in NA.
- We admitted we were powerless over our addiction—that our lives had become unmanageable.
Admitted the lack of control over the addiction, and thus, recovery could take effect. - Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
Belief in a higher power or force that can aid in healing and change. - Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
Commitment in trusting a higher power in this journey of recovery. - Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
Reflecting on personal behaviors and attitudes that need change. - Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
Sharing past mistakes with someone else in order to feel healing and self-forgiveness. - Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
Willingness to let go of negative behaviors and traits that are acting as obstacles to recovery. - Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
Seeking assistance from a higher power to improve oneself. - Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
Identifying people hurt by addiction and preparing to repair those relationships. - Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
Actively repairing relationships where possible, with sensitivity to potential harm. - Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
Kept personal inventory going and, when wrong, promptly admitted it. - Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
More about spiritual development through prayer and meditation to keep clear and purposeful in recovery. - 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.
Embracing the responsibility of helping others and applying recovery principles in daily life.
Getting Started with NA in the USA
One of the easiest ways to get started with Narcotics Anonymous in the United States is to utilize the meeting search tool on Methadone.org. This website provides a full list of meetings in your area, both in-person and virtual, that make it easy for you to connect with a local NA group. Just enter your location, and you will be taken to a list of upcoming meetings along with the format, time, and place of such meetings.
Meeting Options Available Across the USA
NA meetings are held in various formats to cater to different needs, ensuring that everyone has access to the support they require. These meetings can be found in almost every city across the United States, and are typically available in two main formats:
- In-Person Meetings: Many community centers, churches, and other public venues offer in-person meetings. In-person meetings provide an opportunity to communicate directly with fellow members, thus providing a sense of community and support.
- Online or Virtual Meetings: For people who cannot make it to the physical ones due to distance, mobility issues, or other reasons, there are virtual meetings. Virtual meetings usually take place over the internet on video conferencing platforms where members can join from the comfort of their homes and participate in the community.
Both in-person and virtual meetings have their own flexibility to ensure one can find a group that suits them, whether at the beginning or later stages in their recovery process.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
When attending your first NA meeting, it’s important to understand the different types of meetings available, which can significantly impact your experience. NA meetings are generally divided into two categories: open and closed meetings.
Open vs Closed Meetings
| Meeting Type | Description | Who Can Attend |
|---|---|---|
| Open Meetings | These meetings are open to all, even non-addicts, such as family, friends, or people who want to know about NA. | Anyone can attend, including addicts and non-addicts. |
| Closed Meetings | These meetings are reserved strictly for those who define themselves as addicts. This meeting is much more private and personal, where people share experiences. | Only addicts can attend, offering confidentiality. |
If you are unsure about your situation, it is best to start with an open meeting since open meetings allow a broader audience and will make new members less stressed. After several open meetings, you may find that a closed meeting works better for you where the atmosphere is more focused on your issues in private.
Tips For Your First Meeting
- Arrive early: This will give you time to take a seat and get settled in before the meeting starts.
- Introduce yourself as a newcomer: Most groups are friendly and will ask if anyone is new at the start of the meeting. This is a great opportunity to let them know that you’re new to NA and begin to connect with other members.
- Share if you feel comfortable doing so: If it feels right for you, your personal experience with addiction and recovery can be very therapeutic to share. It’s okay, though, if you just want to listen and learn from others until you feel more comfortable participating in discussions.
Welcome Keychain Tags and Milestones
At your first meeting, you will be given a welcome keychain tag. The keychains are symbolic of the progress you have made and the support you have gotten from the NA community. The tags represent milestones in your recovery, and receiving the tags is an important part of the NA experience.
Tag Milestones
- 30 days: This tag marks your first month of sobriety. It is a significant milestone that celebrates your commitment to recovery.
- 60 days: The 60-day tag is a second tag awarded, recognizing further effort and commitment to overcoming addiction.
- 1 year: A tag is given for one year clean, which is a much more important recognition for long-term strength and perseverance.
The tags continue per year sober, with added milestones celebrated every year of clean time thereafter. These keychain tags act not only as a reminder of how far you have come, but also as a symbol of your support system within NA.
By attending your first NA meeting and participating in the program, you will receive encouragement and a sense of belonging as you progress along your journey in recovery.