Narcotics Anonymous Meetings in the USA: Find Support and Community

What is Narcotics Anonymous?

Narcotics Anonymous is a nonprofit fellowship and support group organization dedicated to assisting people in drug addiction problems. NA was founded in the 1950s and has since grown to the extent that it holds more than 70,000 meetings around the world today. The program provides an atmosphere that is safe and supportive, where people share experiences, strength, and hope with one another. NA meetings are free and open to anyone who wants to stop using drugs and maintain long-term sobriety. For more information about addiction treatment, including medication-assisted treatment options like methadone, you can learn all about methadone.

Drug Addiction Support Group

Narcotics Anonymous is based upon the 12-step recovery program, which asks members to admit their powerlessness over their addiction and seek a higher power for guidance. Because these steps are of a non-denominational nature, the program is universal and can accept members of all walks of life. NA’s primary focus is to provide a space where people can connect with others who understand their struggles and work together to break free from addiction.

Meetings are usually led by members of the group who have recovered, thus making it a peer-led environment; people can share their journeys in comfort. Members are encouraged to be open, honest, and non-judgmental, which helps build trust and a sense of community. NA meetings are held regularly in cities across the United States, offering support to those in need.

NA Meeting Places and Time in the USA

Narcotics Anonymous meetings are held in various cities across the United States, offering multiple options for individuals to attend. Some sample locations and their meeting schedules are listed below.

New York City, NY

• Location: 123 Main Street, New York, NY 10001
• Meeting Times:
  • Monday – Friday: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
• Meeting Method/Details:
  • Open and closed meetings
  • Step study and discussion-based
  • Newcomers’ meetings available
  • Zoom meetings available

Los Angeles, CA

• Address: 456 Elm Street, Los Angeles, CA 90001
• Meeting Times:
  • Tuesday and Thursday: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
  • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
• Meeting Method/Details:
  • Speaker meetings and step study
  • Focus on recovery tools and strategies
  • Childcare provided upon request

Chicago, IL

• Address: 789 Oak Street, Chicago, IL 60601
• Meeting Times:
  • Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM
  • Sunday: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
• Meeting Method/Details:
  • Group discussion with sharing sessions
  • Literature study and 12-step work
  • Open to anyone, newcomers welcome

The 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous

The NA 12 Steps are designed to help the addict work through the recovery process from drug addiction. These steps can be a way to inspire positive change and long-term sobriety. Each step offers encouragement toward self-reflection, accountability, and the development of a healthy, supportive lifestyle. Below is a short summary of what each of the 12 steps entails:

1. Admit powerlessness: Admitting that addiction has taken control and that one is unable to handle this addiction themselves.
2. Believe in higher power: Accept that a higher power, whatever that may be and possibly not religious, could restore sanity through recovery.
3. Decide to turn control over: One decides to let go of personal control and hands this over to higher power guidance for recovery.
4. Moral inventory: A profound and honest reflection of past actions and behaviors that have led to the addiction.
5. Admitting wrongs to another person: This involves confessing past wrongs to a trusted individual; honesty and accountability are fostered.
6. Be ready for change: Willingness to let the higher power take away all personal defects of character that impede recovery.
7. Ask for help: This is an appeal to the higher power to remove one’s shortcomings and help in healing.
8. List those harmed: Making a list of all those who have been harmed by the individual’s actions during the addiction, with the view to making amends.
9. Make amends: Making direct amends wherever possible, except when it would cause harm to others.
10. Continue personal inventory: Making regular personal inventories, recognizing any wrongdoings as they occur.
11. Seek connection with the higher power: Developing a deeper relationship with the higher power through prayer or meditation, as understood by the individual.
12. Carry the message: Sharing the recovery experience and supporting others in their journey, while continuing to practice the principles of the 12 steps.

Getting Started with NA in the USA

The first step to getting started with NA is to find some local meetings that fit your schedule. One great resource for finding local meetings near you is the meeting search on methadone.org. On the website, you will find a complete list of NA meetings throughout the USA, including in-person and online meetings, so no matter where you are in the country, you can access one.

Meeting Options

• In-person meetings: Held at community centers, churches, and other venues.
• Online/virtual meetings: Available for members who prefer the flexibility of attending from home.

Attending Your First Local NA Meeting

When going to your first local NA meeting, it’s beneficial to know the difference between an open and closed meeting. An open meeting is open to all individuals, including family members, friends, and newcomers, while a closed meeting is reserved for those who define themselves as having a drug addiction and desire recovery.

Table of Meeting Types

First Meeting Experience

• Arrive Early: It gives good time for early arrival, time to get settled, and be comfortable in the meeting.
• Introduce yourself: You may want to introduce yourself as a new member, but don’t do it if you don’t want to.
• Share Your experience: You can relate personal experiences if you are willing to, although that’s optional.
• Get keychain tags with welcome: In your initial meeting, you will get a keychain tag for the NA program’s start.

Keychain Tag Milestones

• 30 days
• 60 days
• 1 year
• Several years