What is Narcotics Anonymous?
Narcotics Anonymous is a self-help organization for persons addicted to drugs. NA is an international organization founded in the 1950s that provides a free, nonprofit program to assist individuals in achieving freedom from addiction. The NA meetings are held regularly in several cities in the United States and worldwide. The meetings provide a safe, confidential space for people seeking help and sharing experiences with others facing similar challenges. To find local Narcotics Anonymous meetings near you, visit https://www.methadone.org/clinics/, which offers a comprehensive meeting search tool to help you locate nearby support options.
The program is based on the belief that addicts can recover and live healthy and drug-free lives through mutual support and a dedication to recovery. NA has a 12-step program, just like other addiction recovery programs, which serves as a systematic process toward recovery. Its motto is “One day at a time,” signifying that recovery is a continuous process.
NA Meetings by Locations and Addresses
Narcotics Anonymous has multiple meetings in US cities and around the globe to make sobriety accessible to one and all. The group has open discussion meetings, a topic or speaker meeting, and sometimes literature readings as the foundation of sharing.
New York City, NY
Address: 123 Recovery St, New York, NY 10001
Time: Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7:00 PM
Meeting Methods/Details:
- Open to all people who have a problem with drugs and want to get help.
- Recovery topics are discussed as selected from NA Conference-approved literature.
- No membership or dues.
Los Angeles, CA
Address: 456 Hope Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90001
Meeting Times: Tuesday and Thursday at 8:00 PM
Meeting Methods/Details:
- Speakers—one or more share about their own recovery.
- Participation in the form of experience, strength, and hope is welcome.
- Safe and confidential place.
Chicago, IL
Address: 789 Healing Rd, Chicago, IL 60601
Meeting Times: Sunday at 6:30 PM
Meeting Methods/Detailed Information:
- Step study meetings to understand and apply the 12-step program.
- Group discussion and support.
- All welcome, no judgment or fees.
These are just a few examples of the many locations across the U.S. offering Narcotics Anonymous meetings. The meetings are designed to be flexible and accessible to anyone who is committed to recovery.
Meeting Methods and Details
Narcotics Anonymous Meetings are organized in a way to help addicts in the process of recovery through sharing experiences and a sense of companionship. Though the format may change from group to group and different locations, following are some standard methods that are in practice commonly:
Discussion Meetings:
- Group members share their experiences on addiction and recovery.
- Discussion is absolutely open and non-judgmental, so the atmosphere is safe for all present.
Step Study Meetings:
- Focuses on understanding and applying the 12-step program.
- Participants study each step and share how it applies to their recovery journey.
Speaker Meetings:
- A member or guest speaker shares their personal story of addiction and recovery.
- These meetings provide inspiration and real-life examples of recovery success.
About Narcotics Anonymous
Formed in the 1950s, Narcotics Anonymous has grown into a movement over the decades. It currently offers more than 70,000 meetings around the world and remains one of the most important recovery support systems available. Based on a philosophy of anonymity, confidentiality, and mutual support, NA puts much emphasis on the fact that recovery is a lifelong process and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
NA has become successful because of its enabling environment, which helps people rebuild their lives in cases where they had lost a sense of belonging and community during their addiction. The 12-step program is central to the NA philosophy, giving the addict a clear and proven path to recovery, while at the same time allowing for personal growth and transformation along the way.
Whether you seek immediate help or a long-term recovery process, Narcotics Anonymous provides the necessary tools and atmosphere to succeed.
The 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous
Narcotics Anonymous is based on a 12-step process that is designed to be worked for recovery from addiction. Each step leads members through a process of self-awareness, accountability, and growth to make positive changes in their lives. Here is a breakdown of each step.
- We admitted we were powerless over our addiction—that our lives had become unmanageable. Admitted powerlessness over addiction and its effects on life.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Gained hope in recovery through a higher power or a personal belief system.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. Surrendering control and trusting in a higher power to guide the recovery process.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Conducting an honest self-assessment to identify personal flaws and areas for growth.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. Confessing past mistakes to promote healing and accountability.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. Readiness to let go of defective traits and attitudes obstructing recovery.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. Finding the help of a Higher Power in removing defects of character.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all. Identified those harmed by past actions and developed a willingness to make things right.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Making amends to repair relationships and right past wrongs, taking into account the consequences to others.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it. Practiced ongoing self-reflection and accepted responsibility for mistakes.
- 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. Strengthen spiritual practice to deepen the connection with a higher power and maintain guidance.
- 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. Sharing the message of recovery with others and applying the principles of the program in daily life.
These steps are intended to inspire NA members to change for good and achieve long-term recovery; thus, it becomes a way to personal growth and change.
Getting Started with NA in the USA
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) provides recovering addicts with the help and support they need through ongoing group meetings. If you’re ready to begin your journey with NA, finding local meetings is a great place to get started. There are several resources available to help you find a local meeting, but methadone.org is one of the most popular.
Meeting Search on Methadone.org
How to Find Meetings:
- Go to methadone.org and utilize their meeting finder for local Narcotics Anonymous meetings in your area.
- Their meeting finder filters the meetings by location, date, and type of meeting—so you can easily find one that fits your schedule and preferences.
Meeting Formats:
- In most areas, it is possible to attend both face-to-face and online/virtual meetings, thus allowing one the flexibility to attend meetings either from home or in person. Virtual meetings are very accommodating for those who have some kind of mobility issue or who simply find it easier to be comfortable online.
- Methadone.org allows you to see all the different types of meeting options that fit your needs, so it’s easier to know where to begin.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
Attending your first Narcotics Anonymous meeting can be an important step toward recovery. Understanding what to expect at your first meeting can help ease any anxiety or concerns.
Open vs Closed Meetings
Narcotics Anonymous meetings are typically categorized into open and closed meetings. Understanding the differences between these types of meetings will help you choose which is right for you.
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meeting | Open to all interested people including non-members, and those seeking to learn more about NA. It allows newcomers to observe and learn without feeling pressure to speak. |
| Closed Meeting | For members only, or for those who desire to stop using drugs. Such meetings provide a more personal setting in sharing experiences with others who are in recovery. |
Being the new member, you can feel free to start with an open meeting where you will listen to others and know about the NA program before telling your story.
Tips for Your First Meeting
- Arrive Early: It’s a good idea to arrive early to your first meeting to familiarize yourself with the space, meet the group members, and ease into the atmosphere.
- Introduce Yourself: At your first NA meeting, introduce yourself as a newcomer. It’s a friendly community, and everybody is present to support each other. One doesn’t have to feel compelled to say anything, yet it is essential to be connected and supported.
- Share Your Experiences (If Comfortable): You are not obligated to share, but if you feel ready, sharing with others can help give a sense of community. NA members are usually in a place of understanding and very non-judgmental; thus, it’s a safe place to speak openly about your struggles and triumphs.
Welcome Keychain Tags
At your first NA meeting, you will be given a welcome keychain tag for crossing the first step into the program. This little token reminds you of your resolution to recovery and may serve as an encouraging sign of how far you have come. Members are given keychain tags to celebrate their recovery milestones.
Keychain Tag Milestones:
- 30 Days: Your first month sober and working the program.
- 60 Days: Recognizing your continued progress and effort toward long-term recovery.
- 1 Year: A celebration of a complete year of sobriety and growth of the individual.
Additional Milestones:
- Many groups within NA also provide tags for further milestones, such as anniversaries beyond one year sober, to keep members moving forward and appreciative of their accomplishments.
These tags help reinforce positive change and provide tangible evidence of progress, making your recovery journey more rewarding. As you continue attending meetings and working through the 12 steps, you’ll collect additional tags that signify important milestones along your path.