Narcotics Addiction is not a choice. For nearly seven decades, Narcotics Anonymous (NA) has provided a lifeline for those grappling with drug addiction, offering a supportive environment where individuals can focus on their recovery. With over 70,000 meetings held in more than 140 countries, NA has created a global network that helps members maintain their sobriety and rebuild their lives.
What Is Narcotics Anonymous?
Narcotics Anonymous is a non-denominational, twelve-step program designed to support individuals recovering from drug addiction. While Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) primarily addresses alcohol addiction, NA caters specifically to those dealing with substance use disorders (SUD). NA meetings provide a supportive space for anyone who has struggled with drug abuse, offering guidance and encouragement to help them on their journey to recovery.
How Did NA Get Started?
Narcotics Anonymous was founded in 1953 by Jimmy Kinnon, known as “Jimmy K.” Inspired by the success of Alcoholics Anonymous, Jimmy sought to create a similar program for individuals struggling with drug addiction. The principles of AA provided a foundation, but NA expanded the scope to address a broader range of substances. Today, NA operates as a nonprofit fellowship under the name NA World Services, Inc., with the primary purpose of helping individuals stop using drugs and find support in their recovery.
NA Goals and Principles
NA follows a Twelve Step program similar to Alcoholics Anonymous, promoting personal growth, self-reflection, and spiritual development. Members share their experiences and support each other through regular meetings, creating a network of accountability and encouragement. Key literature, such as the NA Basic Text, guides members through their recovery journey, providing insights and practical advice.
The NA Basic Text
The NA Basic Text is a cornerstone of the Narcotics Anonymous program, offering guidance, support, and inspiration for those recovering from drug addiction. It includes personal stories from NA members, detailed explanations of the Twelve Steps, and the core principles of NA. This book is often used in meetings for readings, discussions, and study sessions, helping members understand and apply the Twelve Steps in their lives.
The Twelve Steps of NA
Although similar to the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, the Twelve Steps of Narcotics Anonymous are tailored to address the specific experiences and challenges of drug addiction. Here are the steps as outlined by NA and explained in detail:
Admit Powerlessness: Acknowledge that you’re powerless over your addiction to drugs. This step marks the first crucial acknowledgment of your struggle, paving the way for a commitment to recovery.
- Recognizing the loss of control over drug use is essential to seeking help and beginning the recovery process.
Embrace Hope: Recognize the presence of a higher power that can aid you in your journey toward sobriety. (This higher power doesn’t have to be “god” or adhere to specific religious beliefs.)
- Believing that a greater force can provide strength and guidance helps build a foundation for recovery.
Surrender: Surrender yourself to your chosen higher power, understanding that you’ll rely on it for guidance throughout your recovery.
- Trusting in a higher power to guide your actions and decisions can help you navigate the challenges of recovery.
Take Inventory: Conduct an honest self-assessment, examining where things may have gone wrong and/or led you to drug addiction.
- Self-reflection allows you to identify behaviors and patterns that contributed to your addiction, paving the way for change.
Confess and Share: Share your newfound insights and reflections with others, opening up about your struggles and experiences.
- Opening up to others about your journey helps build a supportive network and fosters accountability.
Introspection: Reflect on your past and future, preparing yourself mentally and emotionally for the challenges of your recovery journey.
- Regular self-examination keeps you focused on your recovery goals and prepares you for potential setbacks.
Seek Higher Assistance: Ask for assistance from your higher power in navigating your recovery journey.
- Seeking guidance from a higher power helps maintain your spiritual connection and provides ongoing support.
Compile Amends List: Reflect on how your actions while abusing drugs may have harmed others, and compile a list of those you may have wronged.
- Acknowledging the impact of your actions on others is crucial for repairing relationships and healing.
Make Amends: Apologize and make amends to each person on your list, understanding that not everyone may be receptive to your efforts.
- Taking responsibility and making amends wherever possible helps rebuild trust and promotes personal growth.
Continuous Self-Reflection: Remain vigilant in taking stock of yourself throughout your recovery journey and promptly address any mistakes or missteps.
- Ongoing self-reflection ensures you stay on track and quickly correct any deviations from your recovery path.
Prayer and Meditation: Stay connected to your higher power and spiritual self through prayer and meditation, finding comfort and guidance in these practices.
- Regular spiritual practices help maintain your connection to a higher power and provide inner peace and strength.
Pay It Forward: Share your experiences and support others struggling with addiction, embodying the spirit of recovery by helping those in need.
Helping others in their recovery journey reinforces your own commitment and contributes to the NA community.
What to Expect at an NA Meeting
NA meetings are designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals in recovery. Meetings typically last between 60 and 90 minutes and follow a structured format. Upon arrival, participants are often greeted warmly, and newcomers are acknowledged and welcomed.
Meetings usually begin with a reading from the NA Basic Text or other NA literature, followed by personal sharing. Members take turns discussing their experiences, challenges, and successes in their recovery journey. While sharing is encouraged, it is not mandatory; participants can choose to listen and absorb the experiences of others.
Types of NA Meetings
NA offers a variety of meeting types to cater to different needs and preferences. Here are some common formats:
Speaker Meetings: In these meetings, one member shares their story of addiction and recovery in detail, offering inspiration and insight to others. The speaker may then open the floor for questions and discussion.
Open Discussion Meetings: These meetings allow participants to share their experiences and thoughts in a roundtable format. This open dialogue fosters a sense of community and mutual support.
Step Study Meetings: These meetings focus on exploring the Twelve Steps in depth. Members discuss their personal experiences with each step, offering guidance and support to one another.
Beginners Meetings: Tailored for newcomers, these meetings provide an introduction to NA and its principles. Experienced members offer support and answer questions, helping new participants feel comfortable and informed.
At the end of each meeting, tokens may be distributed to celebrate milestones in sobriety, reinforcing a sense of achievement and progress.
Who Can Attend Narcotics Anonymous Meetings?
The only requirement for attending an NA meeting is a desire to stop using drugs. NA meetings are open to anyone seeking help with addiction, including those in recovery and their loved ones. Meetings are typically categorized as either open or closed:
Open Meetings: These meetings are accessible to anyone interested in learning about NA, including family members, friends, and professionals. Open meetings provide an opportunity to gain insight into the NA program and offer support to loved ones in recovery.
Closed Meetings: Reserved for individuals who have a desire to stop using drugs, closed meetings provide a confidential and supportive space for members to share openly without fear of judgment.
How to Find an NA Meeting Near You
Finding an NA meeting is simple with the help of the NA Meetings Locator. The website provides a comprehensive directory of in-person, virtual, and phone meetings, making it easy to find support wherever you are. You can search for meetings by location, time, and type, ensuring you find a meeting that fits your schedule and needs.
Get Help for a Drug Addiction Problem
If you or someone you know is struggling with drug addiction, attending an NA meeting can be a crucial step toward recovery. However, it’s important to remember that additional resources are available. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a free online treatment locator to help you find nearby detox programs, inpatient and outpatient treatment centers, and addiction counselors. You can also seek advice from your doctor or healthcare provider to find the best treatment options for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions About NA
Does attending NA meetings cost money?
No, there are no fees or dues associated with attending an NA meeting. While members often make voluntary contributions to cover meeting expenses, donations are not required.
Is NA religious?
NA is non-denominational and welcomes individuals of all beliefs. While the Twelve Steps reference a higher power, this concept is open to personal interpretation. Your higher power can be anything that provides strength and support, whether it’s a traditional deity, nature, or the collective wisdom of the group.
Who can attend an NA meeting?
NA meetings are open to anyone who wants to stop using drugs. This includes individuals currently struggling with addiction, those in recovery, and their loved ones. Before attending, check if the meeting is open or closed to ensure it meets your needs.
What is the difference between NA and AA?
While both NA and AA follow similar twelve-step principles, NA focuses on recovery from drug addiction and substance use disorders, whereas AA is specifically oriented around recovery from alcohol addiction.
How can I find an NA meeting?
You can use the NA Meetings Locator website to find a meeting near you. The site offers a detailed directory of in-person, virtual, and phone meetings, making it easy to find support wherever you are.
Why Should You Use NA Meetings Locator?
The NA Meetings Locator website is a valuable resource for anyone seeking support in their recovery journey. It offers up-to-date information on meeting times and locations, ensuring you can easily find a meeting that fits your schedule. The site also provides detailed information on the Twelve Steps and Traditions of NA, personal recovery stories, and practical tips for navigating addiction. By using NA Meetings Locator, you gain access to a wealth of resources and a supportive community that can help you achieve and maintain sobriety.