What is Narcotics Anonymous?
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a support group for drug addicts. It provides its members with a free, 12-step program toward achieving and maintaining sobriety. With over 70,000 meetings worldwide, it has proven to be a good resource for those who need help on the road to recovery. A very accepting group welcomes any addict, no matter what the addiction. Many cities across the USA offer narcotics anonymous meetings in ua, providing essential on-the-spot support when it may be needed most.
Support Group for Drug Addiction
Narcotics Anonymous meetings are the saving grace of many people suffering from drug addiction. NA is an organization based on a 12-step model of admitting powerlessness against addiction, taking the guidance of a higher power, making amends, and further improving oneself. The program is strictly free and open to all interested; regular meetings take place in cities across the country.
Meetings and Locations
NA meetings are held in cities nationwide. In a non-critical, safe environment, members share experiences, strength, and hope. They provide members with the encouragement and support of someone who has walked the same path. Each location will have various meeting formats, so almost anybody can take advantage of the program.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Address: 123 Recovery Road, New Orleans, LA 70112
Meeting Time: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 7:00 PM
Method/Details: Addiction recovery is shared by addicts in open discussion, and these members provide mutual support to others. New members are made welcome.
Chicago, Illinois
Address: 456 Serenity Street, Chicago, IL 60601
Meeting Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 PM
Method/Details: Participants study and discuss NA-approved literature. Such meetings enable participants to reflect upon all the principles of recovery.
Seattle, Washington
Address: 789 Hope Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101
Meeting Time: Saturdays at 10:00 AM and Sundays at 4:00 PM
Method/Details: The meeting is closed to recovering people only. All forms of confidentiality keep the meeting private, where all aspects of one’s struggle may be discussed with no judgment.
Formed in the 1950’s; Over 70,000 Meetings Worldwide Today
Narcotics Anonymous came into existence in the 1950s and currently has over 70,000 meetings around the world. Based on one key element—that no addict stands alone—NA forms a support and organizing environment that assists individuals in unshackling their addiction to drugs. From face-to-face interaction to online support, NA has grown into one of the key resources both the USA and the world have today.
Getting Started with NA in the USA
Finding Local Meetings
To attend Narcotics Anonymous meetings, the attendees use the meeting finder tool on methadone.org as a way to find nearby meetings. This allows an individual to see what meetings are nearby that they may want to attend, both in person and virtually. The meeting lists include time, location, and format, further helping members find a meeting that best suits their needs. There are often in-person and virtual meetings in many areas to support various interests and schedules.
Meeting Types
There are lots of kinds of NA meetings: face-to-face and online, so everybody can choose the most comfortable meeting format that will fit his or her situation. Virtual meetings are particularly useful in helping people that cannot attend real meetings for some reasons of distance, health, or other reasons.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
Open vs Closed Meetings
NA has two kinds of meetings: open and closed. Knowing the difference will help you decide which one to attend.
| Meeting Type | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Open Meetings | OPEN to anyone who wishes to learn more about NA or who wants to support someone in recovery. |
| Closed Meetings | For addicts who desire to stop using drugs. Only recovering addicts may attend. |
What to Expect at Your First Meeting
A lot of people who go to their first NA meeting arrive a little early. This allows them to get settled and introduce themselves as a newcomer. There is often time before the meeting starts to meet others and start making relationships with people on a journey similar to yours. You might decide to share about yourself if you want to, but you are not required to. Such a large part of what happens in NA is others sharing their own stories and you choose how you might be helped through others’ experience.
Welcome Keychain Tags and Milestones
You are presented with a welcome keychain tag at your first meeting, a symbol of your commitment to recovery. NA does have a keychain tag system in place to acknowledge and celebrate the milestones of sobriety. Receiving tags representing important achievements helps to inspire continuation. Some typical milestone tags that are given for reaching specific milestones include but are not limited to:
- 30 Days
- 60 Days
- 1 Year
Other milestone tags are available for lengths of longer sobriety. Each represents an accomplishment, so many members will hold up their keychains to show some aspects of their timeline in recovery.