Narcotics Anonymous Meetings in the USA: Connecting You to Recovery

What is Narcotics Anonymous?

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is an international support group available for people with drug addiction problems. The program provides members with a free, unpressuring environment to share experiences, strengths, and hopes about how to overcome addictive diseases. NA is based upon the 12-step format where community support, personal responsibility, and spiritual development have important roles. Narcotics Anonymous is an organization that was established during the 1950s, having grown from its original infancy to over 70,000 meetings worldwide, many of these held throughout the United States. To find local meetings, you can use the methadone clinics locator for an easy search of nearby NA support groups.

Narcotics Anonymous is a safe place for substance abuse victims. The main purpose is to achieve recovery from drug addiction by instilling a sense of belonging, support, and personal growth in the individuals. NA meetings are open to all those who struggle with addiction and are led by fellow members who understand the struggles of recovery.

Free Program with Regular Group Meetings Held in the USA

One of the most important aspects of Narcotics Anonymous is that it offers its services completely free of charge. There are no fees to attend meetings, and all literature is available for free or at minimal cost. Meetings are held regularly in cities across the United States, providing ample opportunities for individuals to seek help at their convenience.

Common Details about NA Meetings:

• Free attendance: No cost to participate.
• Open to everyone: For anyone struggling with drug addiction.
• Regularly held meetings: Meeting schedules vary by location.
• 12-step program: Based on a time-tested method of addiction recovery.
• Peer-led support: Meetings are led by fellow members who have experienced addiction and recovery firsthand.

NA Meeting Locations and Schedules

Narcotics Anonymous has meetings in several cities across the USA. Below are a few examples of locations with specific information about the meeting times and formats:

New York, NY

Address: 123 Recovery Street, New York, NY 10001

Meeting Times:

• Mondays at 7:00 PM
• Wednesdays at 12:00 PM
• Saturdays at 5:00 PM

Meeting Details:

• The New York meeting is a closed group—a meeting only for people who have a drug problem and feel they may have.
• Meetings are led by different members each time, which encourages people to share their struggles and listen for support.
• The format is 12-step, although it is encouraged for newcomers to introduce themselves as well.

Los Angeles, CA

Address: 456 Hope Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90001

Meeting Times:

• Tuesdays - 8:00 PM
• Thursdays - 6:00 PM
• Sundays - 10:00 AM

Additional Meeting Information:

• This meeting includes both open and closed formats mixed.
• Open meetings are open to all, even those who are not affected by addiction but wish to learn more about the program. The meeting is based on group discussions, and members share personal stories of recovery.

Chicago, IL

Address: 789 Unity Blvd, Chicago, IL 60601

Meeting Times:

• Mondays at 6:30 PM
• Wednesdays at 2:00 PM
• Fridays at 9:00 AM

Meeting Details:

• The meeting is based on a step study format: each week, participants read and discuss one of the 12 steps. This is a closed meeting, and only those who wish to stop using drugs may attend.
• Emphasis is placed on personal recovery, with a group sharing thoughts and difficulties.

Founded in the 1950s, Now Over 70,000 Meetings Globally

Narcotics Anonymous was founded in the 1950s in the United States as a way to support people recovering from addiction. It has since expanded globally, with over 70,000 meetings in more than 130 countries. The NA program has reached people from all walks of life, and the availability of local meetings has made it easier for individuals to find help in their recovery process.

Such is a testament to the strength of its peer-led support model and the 12-step recovery process. In cities both in the United States and abroad, NA remains one of the best-kept secrets for many recovering addicts desperate to break free from addiction's deadly cycle.

The 12 Steps of NA

Narcotics Anonymous uses a 12-step program. The 12 steps inspire personal growth, accountability, and spiritual awakening. Each step plays an important role in recovering from addiction and finding permanent freedom from substance abuse. Here is a short overview of what each of the steps entails:

We admitted we were powerless over our addiction – that our lives had become unmanageable.

This first step is about recognizing that addiction has taken over one's life.

Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.

Recognizing that spiritual help is necessary in recovery.

Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.

Committing self to a higher power for guidance and support to lead one through recovery.

Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.

Taking a searching and honest moral inventory of ourselves, our actions, and the consequences of addiction.

Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

Share struggles with others to release guilt and shame.

Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.

Open to change and spiritual growth.

Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.

Actively seeking transformation through humility and prayer.

Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.

Recognizing restitution and healing relationships.

Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

Taking action to repair relationships and correct wrongdoings.

Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.

Commitment to ongoing self-reflection and accountability.

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.

Develop a more profound relationship with the Higher Power through spiritual practices.

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.

The sharing of the message of recovery with others and living life according to the principles that govern the program.

These steps guide members towards positive change and give them the impetus to fight against addiction in American cities.

Getting started with NA in the USA

You can find a local Narcotics Anonymous meeting by accessing the meeting search tool on methadone.org. This resource allows individuals to easily locate nearby meetings, making it convenient to begin the recovery process.

In-Person and Online Meetings Available

NA has in-person and virtual meetings throughout the United States, so finding a meeting is not an issue, no matter where one is located. Most cities have in-person meetings in community centers, churches, or other public places. Virtual meetings, which have become very popular, are found on several online platforms and allow people to participate from the comfort of their own homes.

Attending Your First Local NA Meeting

Open vs. Closed Meetings

When attending your first NA meeting, it is helpful to understand the distinction between open and closed meetings.

Open Meetings:

• Open to all who wish to learn about NA, including non-addicts or family members.
• These meetings offer the chance for the community at large to learn about addiction and the recovery process.

Closed Meetings:

• Limited to addicts who have a desire to stop using drugs.
• Closed meetings offer a smaller, more personal setting for recovering addicts to share experiences and offer support to others.

Meeting Type Description

First Meeting Tips

This means that going to the first local NA meeting, one is usually encouraged to reach the place a bit in advance to get oriented with the surroundings. One is introduced as a new member and let people know that it is your first time there, thus creating a friendly atmosphere.

If you wish, please share your story with others in the group. Please remember, you are never obliged to speak—a lot of times, simply listening can be just as important to one's recovery.

Welcome Keychain Tags and Milestones

You are also given a keychain welcome tag on the first day of your meeting, symbolizing the start of recovery. Keychains are a way to celebrate your milestones as you move forward in your recovery. These milestones usually include:

• 30 Days: First major step towards recovery.
• 60 Days: A very significant milestone, reflecting growing stability in sobriety.
• 1 Year: A significant achievement, demonstrating long-term commitment to the recovery process.

These keychain tags serve as a reminder of your achievements and the continued support of the NA community.