What is Narcotics Anonymous?
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a self-help organization for persons experiencing drug problems. NA is a 12-step no-cost program to help the participants rid themselves of the addictive life by providing encouragement and knowledge. Meetings take place in U.S. and other major cities throughout the world, and the only requirement is that people interested attend, whatever their background or their drug of choice. If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide on how to choose the best rehab facility, resources like NA can be an essential step in your recovery journey.
Formed in the 1950s, Narcotics Anonymous has grown into one of the largest and most accessible recovery programs in the world, with over 70,000 meetings in many places. The main purpose of NA is to teach people to live a life free of drugs by fostering personal growth, community involvement, and long-term recovery. NA provides a non-threatening, non-critical forum for recovering addicts to share their experiences, find support, and learn from others who have faced similar problems.
Support Group for Drug Addiction
Narcotics Anonymous provides a friendly and understanding atmosphere for those who have faced the harsh realities of drug addiction. Meetings are usually free and offer different types of support depending on the group and location. Members are encouraged to share their personal stories, listen to others, and participate in group discussions. NA’s program is based on the 12-step recovery model, which emphasizes personal responsibility, spiritual growth, and mutual support.
Narcotics Anonymous Meeting Places in the USA
Narcotics Anonymous meetings take place on a regular basis in all greater cities and towns within the United States. Below are some of the places it has set up its meetings, along with addresses, meeting times, and methods used at each location.
New York, NY
Address: 123 Recovery Lane, New York, NY 10001
Meeting Time: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 7:00 PM
Meeting Method/Details: This location does in-person and virtual meetings to accommodate different needs. It includes sharing, guided meditation, and discussion in a group format. Newcomers are welcome, and it builds a solid foundation for recovery. The group is all about fellowship and has resources available for people new to the NA program.
Los Angeles, CA
Address: 456 Sobriety Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90001
Meeting Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:00 PM
Meeting Method/Details: NA meetings at this location are interactive and supportive. Members share their experiences and give helpful feedback to others. The group is based on the 12-step model but also utilizes specialized recovery tools such as affirmations, goal setting, and peer mentorship. Meetings are 60 minutes in length, allowing ample time for group sharing and reflection.
Chicago, IL
Address: 789 Healing Way, Chicago, IL 60601
Meeting Time: Sundays at 6:30 PM
Meeting Method/Details: This meeting is open discussion; individuals may share their story of recovery as they see fit. Long-term sobriety is emphasized and ways of maintaining triggers, cravings, and emotional states are discussed. The principles of the 12-step program are followed, but participants are also introduced to mindfulness and other tools that enhance emotional wellness. This is an inclusive group that creates a safe environment for all individuals, whether they are fresh to NA or continuing the recovery process.
NA: A Global Community
Narcotics Anonymous was started to be of help to people with addictions find their way into recovery. The organization, since its creation in the 1950s, has grown and spread into a global community of more than 70,000 meetings a year, held in over 130 countries. The accessibility and inclusivity of NA meetings have contributed to its success as an important support system for individuals seeking help in their recovery journey. Meetings are available in a variety of formats, from traditional in-person gatherings to online sessions, ensuring that anyone seeking support can find an option that works for their needs.
The 12 Steps of NA
The 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous are principles leading into a systematic recovery. Each step is meant to encourage personal growth, self-awareness, and connection with others in order for long-term sobriety to be achieved. The following steps serve as a guide for members to work through their addiction and move toward positive change:
- We admitted we were powerless over our addiction—that our lives had become unmanageable. Admitting the loss of control over addiction is the first step in the recovery process.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Recognizing the need for spiritual guidance and support in overcoming addiction.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. Surrender control to, and trust in a power above ourselves to show us the path.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. A searching and fearless search of one’s life and past behavior is done so as to achieve growth in any desired area of improvement.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. Sharing one’s personal struggles and mistakes with someone trusted to promote healing.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. Preparing to let go of negative traits and habits that hinder recovery.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. Asking for help in addressing personal flaws that contribute to addiction.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all. Admitted the harm done to others and started making things right.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Made specific efforts to repair relationships damaged by addiction.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. Constant self-reflection and accountability during one’s journey in recovery.
- 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. Deepen spiritual practice to maintain closeness to a higher power through which to seek 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 what we have learned through our own recovery and how we apply these principles in our daily life.
These 12 Steps are designed to inspire members to change for good – to rebuild their lives so that they can be a contributing force for the betterment of others throughout the United States.
Getting Started with NA in the USA
Finding Local NA Meetings
In order to get started with Narcotics Anonymous, simply use the meeting finder tool featured at methadone.org for finding local meetings near where you live. This resource tool will help you find a place to attend both face-to-face and online/virtual gatherings, which are now commonplace throughout most areas of the USA. NA meetings offer a platform where recovering addicts can share experiences and learn about the process of attaining sobriety. Whether you want to attend physical meetings or would find it more convenient to access meetings virtually, flexibility is available.
Types of Meetings
NA has in-person and online/virtual meetings to make sure no member is left out, wherever they may be.
How to Attend Your First Local NA Meeting
Open vs. Closed Meetings
When going to an NA meeting, one should know the difference between open and closed meetings. Most areas have both kinds, and each serves a different purpose.
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meetings | These are open to all, including non-addicts, family members, or friends who want to learn about the NA program. They are a great starting point for newcomers or those curious about the program. |
| Closed Meetings | These are for addicted people only. Their purpose is to provide a comfortable environment in which members can share their own experiences and work their program of recovery. |
What to Happen in Your First Meeting
It’s a good idea to get to your first NA meeting early and let the members know that this is your first time. This will help you get used to the group and meet other recovering addicts. Share your story if you feel comfortable; it helps in making you close to the group.
At your first meeting, you will be given a welcome keychain tag as a symbol of your dedication to the recovery process. The keychain is meant to remind you of how far you have come, and it is usually given to members when they join NA. The tags are used to commemorate your progress in sobriety, and each tag is an important step in your journey.
Tag Milestones
As you continue your recovery, you will receive milestone keychains at various stages. Some common milestones include:
- 30 days – The first major milestone, symbolizing one month of sobriety.
- 60 days – Marking two months of sustained recovery.
- 1 year – Celebrating a full year of sobriety and personal growth.
Additional milestones continue as you progress in your journey toward lasting recovery. Each keychain shows the hard work and dedication one has put into overcoming their addiction, which helps the individual stay motivated to move further in recovery.
