What is Narcotics Anonymous?
Narcotics Anonymous is an international organization that provides support to active drug abusers. The program is free and available to any individual who desires to seek substance use disorder treatment. NA was founded in the 1950s and has grown since then, holding more than 70,000 meetings across the globe. It offers a safe environment where people come together, share experiences, and support one another in recovery. If you’re looking for additional resources, you can find methadone clinics in the United States to further assist in your journey to recovery.
Support for Drug Addiction in Cities Across the US
Narcotics Anonymous functions in most towns and cities in the US, offering many support facilities through local group meetings. Meetings are freely available to any person struggling with a drug addiction and will offer individuals a friendly, non-judgmental setting in which to pursue recovery. Narcotics Anonymous works off a 12-step program where the focus is personal growth, shared experiences, and mutual support.
Meetings are free and open to all sets of people; no one is barred because of their financial position, so people can get the assistance they require. This is a setting based on anonymity and confidentiality, where sharing struggles openly among the members does not put one in a vulnerable position.
Places and Timing of Meetings
NA meetings occur at different places in the country. Community centers, churches, libraries, among other accessible places, host the meetings. The frequency of meetings is different from one area to another, but each city usually has several timings in a week.
Information about the Meetings and Their Modes
- Group Sessions: NA meetings are usually conducted by the members of the group so that the approach can be peer-oriented.
- Sharing Circle: A place where participants share their personal experiences with addiction and recovery.
- Step Work: Many meetings are based on going through the 12 steps of recovery, which is a cornerstone in the NA program.
- Sponsorship: The members often find support through sponsorship wherein the more experienced guide the less experienced through the recovery process.
- Closed and Open Meetings: Some meetings are closed to members only, dealing with addictions, while others allow anyone in for general awareness.
Example Locations in the USA:
Los Angeles, CA
- Address: 1234 Recovery Rd, Los Angeles, CA
- Meeting Times: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:00 PM
- Methods/Details: Closed meetings with a focus on step work and sharing experiences.
New York, NY
- Address: 5678 Support Ave, New York, NY
- Meeting Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 PM
- Methods/Details: Open discussion format including a speaker and group sharing session.
Chicago, IL
- Address: 9102 Hope St, Chicago, IL
- Meeting Times: Sunday at 4:00 PM and Saturday at 9:00 AM
- Methods/Details: Mixed format with guest speakers and step study.
The 12 Steps of NA
Narcotics Anonymous is based on a 12-step program to help a drug addict in recovery through personal growth and mutual support. These are steps to lead one out of addiction and into positive ways of life. The steps are as follows:
- We admitted we were powerless over our addiction, that our lives had become unmanageable.
Admitted powerlessness over addiction is actually the first step towards recovery. - Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
This step now calls for belief in a Higher Power to lead the process of recovery. - Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
It means having faith in the will of a higher power to assist in overcoming addiction. - Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
This step encourages looking into one’s self and finding past mistakes and areas where growth is needed. - Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
It means being forthright with oneself and others regarding past actions and personal shortcomings. - Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
This step prepares individuals to let go of harmful behaviors and attitudes. - Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
Seeking humility and guidance from a higher power to overcome personal limitations. - Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
Acknowledging the impact of addiction on others and the importance of making amends. - Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
Assuming responsibility for actions in the past and undertaking restorative work to bring people together. - Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
Making ongoing inventory and keeping accountability current by admitting one’s wrongs immediately 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.
Nurturing spiritual growth through reflection and a connection to a Higher Power via prayer. - 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 learned to daily life.
Getting Started with NA in the USA
Finding Local Meetings
To start attending Narcotics Anonymous meetings within the USA, you first need to find one. You can do this by using the meeting search tool on methadone.org. This website is a complete directory of in-person and online/virtual meetings that you can attend in your area. With so many meetings to choose from nationwide, you can attend in a way that feels most comfortable: in person or from your own home. The search tool will help you find meetings by city, state, or ZIP code to get the support you need.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
When attending your first Narcotics Anonymous meeting, it’s important to understand the difference between open and closed meetings:
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meetings | Open to all, including non-addicts and those interested in learning more about NA. |
| Closed Meetings | For those who have an addiction problem and need a closer environment. |
Getting Ready For Your First Meeting
- Arrive Early: This will help you get used to the environment and be at ease with your surroundings.
- Introduce Yourself: Upon entry into the meeting, you can introduce yourself as a new member; though this is not necessary.
- Share Your Story: You can share your story, if you wish, at a meeting and relate to others.
Welcome Keychain Tags
At the first meeting, you will often be given a welcome keychain tag. Some of these tags mark important events that happen while you are recovering and serve as a symbol of your progress.
- 30 Days
- 60 Days
- 1 Year
- Anniversaries – 18 months, 2 years