What is Narcotics Anonymous?
Narcotics Anonymous is a nonprofit, community-based organization that offers a free, peer-led support network for people who struggle with drug addiction. Founded in the 1950s, the program follows a 12-step model similar to Alcoholics Anonymous and aims to help individuals overcome their addiction and lead a healthier life. With an emphasis on mutual support and shared experiences, NA meetings are held regularly across the United States and worldwide. As of today, NA has more than 70,000 meetings worldwide, providing a safe place for substance abusers to seek assistance and gain insight. For more details on how many drug addicts in the US, visit the referenced page In the United States, there are significant numbers of individuals affected by substance abuse, as seen in statistics about drug addiction. .
Free Program with Regular Group Meetings
Narcotics Anonymous works on the principle of providing its services without any cost to the sufferer. The program is free, and no charges are levied on the member at any point in time. NA meetings in the USA are regularly organized and open for all those who intend to cease using drugs and remain clean. The basis of the program is in its anonymity, where people share experiences and struggles in confidentiality and a non-judgmental environment. Meetings can be found in most major cities and many smaller communities across the country, providing a vital support network to those who need it.
Address and Locations of Narcotics Anonymous Meetings
New York City, NY
Location Address:
123 Recovery Ave, New York, NY 10001
Meeting Times:
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:00 PM
Saturday at 10:00 AM
Methods/Details:
Meetings held in New York City are based on the 12-step program and are led by individuals in recovery. It is a place of safety where members share experiences, struggles, and successes. Meetings can be either open or closed: closed meetings are for those who define themselves as being affected by addiction, while open meetings welcome anyone interested in learning about the program. The meeting place is wheelchair accessible, and refreshments are available. It is suggested that the participants attend the meetings regularly for continued support.
Los Angeles, CA
Location Address:
456 Freedom Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Meeting Times:
Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 8:00 PM
Friday at 6:00 PM
Methods/Details:
The meetings in Los Angeles are both discussion-based and step-focused. In these meetings, the 12 steps are discussed in a group environment where both practical and emotional support is provided. Some of the meetings are literature study in nature, where NA literature is read and discussed among the participants. The meetings are non-judgmental and are open to anyone desiring to cease using drugs. The availability of childcare and wheelchair accessibility adds more convenience to the meeting facility.
Chicago, IL
Location Address:
789 Hope Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607
Meeting Times:
Monday at 12:00 PM
Wednesday and Friday at 7:30 PM
Saturday at 5:00 PM
Methods/Details:
Narcotics Anonymous meetings in Chicago come in different forms; speaker meetings, where members share about their personal lives, are complemented by discussion meetings focusing on a particular topic, usually related to addiction or recovery. These meetings will be centered on spiritual development, personal responsibility, and the power of a community supporting one another toward the common end of staying sober. Here, a group is open without judgment, and all can make their contributions of thoughts and life experiences. Additionally, NA offers a telephone support line for those in need of immediate assistance.
The 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous
Overview of the 12 Steps
The 12 steps of Narcotics Anonymous are the foundation of the program, leading members through the process of recovery. The steps are based on self-reflection, personal growth, and spiritual awakening, which help members stop their addiction and work on rebuilding their lives. Each step is designed to inspire positive change, encourage accountability, and build community among participants. Below are the 12 steps, with a brief description of each.
The 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous
- We admitted we were powerless over our addiction—that our lives had become unmanageable.
This is the first step of recovery and healing: admitting the inability to control their addiction. - Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
This would cover an individual’s belief in some kind of higher power in which guidance and strength from that power may be reached during the process of recovery. - Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
Members commit themselves to trust and give control unto a higher power. - Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
It means reflection of self-identity, personal flaws, and their improvements. - Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
Sharing personal admissions of past wrongdoings with another person promotes accountability and healing. - Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
Members become fully ready to let go of their defects in character and their negative actions. - Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
A call for spiritual intervention to help one conquer personal weaknesses and shortcomings. - 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 preparing to repair relationships. - Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
Taking actions to repair damage caused by past behavior in a way that avoids further harm. - Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
Maintaining regular self-reflection to ensure ongoing personal growth and honesty. - 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.
Strengthening spiritual practice to maintain connection with a higher power. - 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.
Members share their recovery with others and practice the principles of the 12 steps in their lives.
Getting Started with Narcotics Anonymous in the USA
Finding Local Meetings
To find Narcotics Anonymous in the USA, one can easily look for local meetings using the meeting search feature on methadone.org. You can search for physical and online/virtual meetings in your area. The NA program is flexible so that those seeking help can easily find available times and locations in their neighborhood, either face-to-face or virtually.
- In-Person Meetings: Most cities and towns in the USA have meetings.
- Online/Virtual Meetings: Convenient for members who wish to participate from home. You can use the search tool to find a list of meeting times, locations, and formats that work for you, whether you are new to NA or already involved in the program.
How to Attend Your First Local NA Meeting
Open vs. Closed Meetings
When going to your first Narcotics Anonymous meeting, there are some things you need to know: the difference between open and closed meetings. That way, you will set yourself up for the kind of environment you are most likely to experience and thus ensure that you go to the right meeting for your needs.
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meetings | Open to all, including non-addicts, friends, relatives, and the merely curious on NA. These are generally informational meetings. |
| Closed Meetings | Limited to people who believe they have a drug problem and want to stop, as well as those seeking addiction help. This allows for the sharing of experiences in greater confidence and supportiveness. |
What to Expect at Your First Meeting
- Arrive Early: Arriving early gives you the chance to settle in and feel more comfortable before the meeting begins. You’ll also have the chance to meet others who will be able to offer support.
- Introduce Yourself: One is encouraged to introduce themselves as a new member, but only if they feel comfortable. Many people will offer an understanding and welcoming environment.
- Share Your Experiences: While you are not obliged to speak, sharing your experiences during the meeting may be helpful in building connections and gaining insight. Share what you are comfortable with.
- Welcome Keychain Tags: You will receive this keychain tag at the initial meeting to mark your decision for recovery.
Key Chain Tag Milestones
The milestones for the keychain tags provided to members signal achievement within their journey. Tags represent progress and a demonstration of commitment to the recovery process.
- 30 Days
- 60 Days
- 1 Year
- 18 Months
- 2 Years and beyond
Each one of those milestones marks important moments in sobriety, and the receipt of such tags reminds a person of how far one has come through hard work and determination.