What is Narcotics Anonymous?

Narcotics Anonymous is for any person suffering from all types of addictions caused by drugs. It offers a free and non-judgmental venue for people who come for recovery and substance use disorder assistance. One of the best ways to find narcotics anonymous meetings near you is to use the meeting search tool at methadone.org. The search functionality on this page lets you find meetings by location, so you can easily find in-person or online meetings near your location.

Narcotics Anonymous started its functions in the 1950s and grew gradually into an international network comprising more than 70,000 groups all over the world. NA has a 12-step program directed at personal growth, accountability, and spiritual healing.

Their meetings follow the philosophy that people who struggle with addiction can be helpful to others who have gone through the same path. They do not affiliate themselves with any religious or political organization and welcome anyone willing to learn how to overcome addiction.

Local Narcotics Anonymous Meetings

Narcotics Anonymous meets at regular intervals in the cities all over the country. N.A. has no specific requirements for membership, and they have meetings both in-person and online. Some examples of the meetings and their characteristics are listed below:

Sacramento

Address: 101 Recovery Way, Sacramento, CA 95814

Meeting Times:

  • 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays
  • 11:00 am - 12:30 pm on Sundays

Meeting Details:

  • There will be closed meetings for recovering members.
  • There will be open meetings for family and friends who wish to know what is happening with the recovering loved one.
  • There will be closed discussion/step study formats of the meeting.
  • All meetings are free and anonymous: no strings attached, no judgments; just people sharing in each other's growth.

Columbus

Address: 202 Healing Ave, Columbus, OH 43215

Meeting Times:

  • 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays
  • 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm on Saturdays

Meeting Details:

  • Closed meetings reserved for members or anyone that desires recovery.
  • Open meetings: Family and friends are invited to join in.
  • Utilize the principles of the 12-Step recovery program.
  • Supportive community of people going through addictive diseases.

Denver

Address: 303 Hope Rd, Denver, CO 80202

Meeting Times:

  • Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Saturday: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

Meeting Details:

  • Closed meeting membership or help for addiction problems.
  • Open meeting family and friends to understand the recovery process.
  • Discussion groups, step studies, and speaker format of the meeting.
  • All meetings are anonymous to protect the privacy of people recovering from substance abuse.

The meetings are part of NA, and they give the recovering addict a sense of camaraderie and encouragement. They will also help to further a personal plan of recovery and keep the addict engaged and motivated as they progress through their journey. The system of Narcotics Anonymous continues to support recovering addicts throughout the country, thanks to a healthy number of meetings around the country.

The 12 Steps of NA

The 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous are a road by which addicts desiring recovery may achieve positive change. The steps are meant to make members reflect on their conduct, understand themselves better, and change their lives in a positive way. They are summarized below.

  1. We admitted we were powerless over our addiction—that our lives had become unmanageable. Members learn to realize that they have no control over the addiction and all the mess it has created in their lives.
  2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Members learn to have faith that one can get out of their addiction and become sane through a power greater than them—a higher power.
  3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. Members take a resolution that a higher power shall guide their recovery.
  4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Members honestly appraise themselves and in the process learn what things they need to change in themselves.
  5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. The members are sharing previous mistakes with each other as means of accountability for their actions.
  6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. This is where members begin to let go of negative behaviors and underlying attitudes within themselves.
  7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. Members seek thru a higher power to end their shortcomings.
  8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all. Members own up to who they have hurt & prepare to amend.
  9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Members take the actual steps where it is safe to amend relationships.
  10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. Members continue to be attentive to their actions & promptly admit any mistakes as soon as they occur.
  11. 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. Members develop a better spiritual relationship through prayer and introspection.
  12. 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 members share their experience in recovery with other people and follow the principles in each and every aspect of life.

Getting Started with NA in the USA

Getting started with Narcotics Anonymous to begin your journey of recovery, and finding local meetings is as easy as one, two, three. One of the best ways to find NA meetings near you is to use the meeting search tool at methadone.org. The search functionality on this page lets you find meetings by location, so you can easily find in-person or online meetings near your location. NA makes many different options available to make sure no one is ever left without support, no matter what city they call home.

Most locations offer both in-person and online/virtual meetings for members to take advantage of when it's most convenient for them and no matter where in the world they are. Virtual meetings keep those people who cannot attend local meetings connected with the NA community. Whether you want face-to-face contact or like attending meetings from the comfort of your own home, NA has what you need.

Attending Your First Local NA Meeting

Attending your first NA meeting can be a very overwhelming but empowering experience. It's helpful to know some important differences in the types of meetings and to prepare for what you will find if you choose to attend one. First and foremost, NA meetings are either open or closed.

Open vs. Closed Meetings

Meeting Type Description
Open Meetings Open meetings are open to everyone: members, prospective members, and those who want to learn about NA. They provide a place where addicted people can go for information about recovery from addiction in a non-threatening, non-judgmental atmosphere.
Closed Meetings Closed meetings are for members or those who have a desire to stop using drugs. The meeting would be more focused and private for those in recovery or wanting to start recovery.

When you go to your first meeting, it is a good idea to go in a little early and let someone know you are a new local member. That way you can meet people in the group and get settled in before the meeting starts. You will be invited to share if you would like to share, but generally, for those who are going to their first meeting, this is a time to listen and learn about the NA way. Many members actually find this helps them learn about the NA approach before they decide how they want to share their story.

Welcome Keychain Tags

You will get a welcome keychain tag when you go to your first meeting. Keychains are a symbol of your declaration to the recovering process and a motivational tool for further recuperation. Members are given keychain tags at specific times in their journey, times that celebrate strength and success. These key times are listed below:

  • 30 days
  • 60 days
  • 90 days
  • 6 months
  • 1 year
  • 2 years
  • 5 years
  • 10 years

Special anniversaries: These are valued and are part of the NA recovery process; it gives members a chance to reflect on their progress and continue to get motivated on this journey toward permanent recovery.