What is Narcotics Anonymous?
Narcotics Anonymous is a nonprofit, community-based organization that helps people who have a drug problem. NA was founded in the 1950s and is based on the 12-step program. The purpose of this group is to give people in recovery a supportive environment. Its primary goal is to offer a place where individuals can find hope, healing, and long-term recovery from addiction. NA operates in over 70,000 locations worldwide, with thousands of meetings held regularly in cities across the United States. To learn more about the factors that make a top-rated treatment center, you can explore this https://www.methadone.org/get-clean/what-makes-top-rated-treatment-center/.
Support for Those Struggling with Drug Addiction
Narcotics Anonymous is for those suffering with a substance disorder in addiction, including all different substances. NA enables such individuals to attend these meetings and share their views and problems with other members in that atmosphere. The meetings cost absolutely nothing, and the candidates might come from any age or walks of life. Personal growth, spiritual development, or the sharing of mutual issues between and amongst participants is much appreciated in this support group, which encourages its members by telling them their stories and soothing one another.
Free Programme with Regular Group Meetings Held Across the USA
NA meetings held in the USA are usually free and accessible for anyone who wants to overcome substance addiction. NA has different types of meetings, such as:
- Open Meetings: Open to all people – even family and friends of addicts – and the sharing is primarily about recovery stories.
- Closed Meetings: For addicts only, to share their problems and growth.
- Step Meeting: In these meetings, 12 steps are discussed.
- Discussion Meeting: In these meetings, discussion can be made by every attendee on any topic regarding addiction or recovery.
In fact, NA meetings are sometimes conducted by members of the community. The format varies among places: some are face-to-face, while others are still accessible online, where individuals join the discussion from their homes.
Narcotics Anonymous Locations and Meeting Times in the USA
Los Angeles, CA
Location: 123 Recovery Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Meeting Times:
- Monday: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Open Meeting)
- Wednesday: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Step Meeting)
- Friday: 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM (Closed Discussion)
Details: This NA group provides an environment to the addicts in Los Angeles that is friendly and warm. A community-based meeting takes the lead in mutual support through 12-step recovery.
New York, NY
Location: 456 Hope St, New York, NY
Meeting Times:
- Tuesday: 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM (Open Meeting)
- Thursday: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Discussion Meeting)
- Saturday: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (Closed Meeting)
Meeting Details: Regular meetings are held at this New York location, including one that is step-focused. Whether individuals are just starting recovery or have been in the process for some time, all participants are encouraged to take an active part.
Chicago, IL
Location: 789 Fresh Start Dr, Chicago, IL
Meeting Times:
- Monday: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM (Step Meeting)
- Wednesday: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Open Discussion)
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM (Closed Meeting)
Meetings details: The Chicago location is host to several meeting styles, from open to closed groups. The attendee might go in for step meetings or join an addiction-recovery/personal growth free discussion.
These NA meetings are the source of significant importance to somebody seeking help and community among other people in recovery. Having over 70,000 meetings across the world, Narcotics Anonymous continues to be an integral part of addiction recovery, which offers support and a ray of hope wherever that might be needed.
The 12 Steps of NA
The 12 Guidelines of Narcotics Anonymous serve the purpose of guiding people through drug addiction to achieve and continue long-term recovery. It is a building block with each step leading into substantial personal growth, healing, and transformation. These are followed by millions worldwide in recovering from addiction.
- We admitted we were powerless over our addiction – that our lives had become unmanageable.
Admitting the loss of control over addiction and how this has affected life. - Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
Gaining insight into the spiritual direction and assistance in recovery. - Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
Surrendered to a power greater than oneself and trusted the recovery process. - Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
Conducted an honest self-appraisal in search of personal growth. - Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
Takes responsibility for the mistakes and the courage to share these mistakes with others. - Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
Willingness to let go of vices and accept positive change. - Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
Seek the strength and humility to make our personal shortcomings right. - Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.
Those who were affected by past actions and making preparation to set things right. - Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
Making amends and correcting harms in a manner that will not cause further harm in action. - Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
Practiced self-awareness and humbleness to correct mistakes as they arise. - 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.
Emphasizing spiritual growth through prayer and meditation. - 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 one’s recovery processes with others, bringing the learned principles into their life.
Getting Started with NA in the USA
To access local NA meetings in your area, utilize the meeting search tool on methadone.org. You can search for in-person and online/virtual meetings to make certain that you will be able to attend a meeting format that works for you no matter where you reside.
In-Person and Online/Virtual Meetings
- In-Person Meetings: So many cities and towns have them for face-to-face support in recovery.
- Online/Virtual Meetings: A convenience for those who cannot attend in person, which is available in most regions for added flexibility.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
When going to your first local NA meeting, there are a few things you should know, such as the different types of meetings.
Open vs Closed Meetings
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meeting | Open to all, including family and friends of addicts. |
| Closed Meeting | For addicts in active struggle only. |
Tips for Your First Meeting
- Go Early: This will give you an opportunity to get settled and to introduce yourself as a newcomer.
- Share Your Experience (if Comfortable): Sharing your story can help you feel more connected to the group.
- Welcome Keychain Tag: A keychain tag will be given at the first meeting as a symbol of commitment to recovery.
Tag Milestones
- 30 Days: One month celebrated.
- 60 Days: Two months acknowledged.
- 1 Year: One full year of recovery marked.
- Additional Milestones: Tags keep celebrating important milestones along your road to recovery.