Narcotics Anonymous (NA): What to Expect & How to Find Meetings

Finding a support group can be an important part of recovery. If you are curious about Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and want to find out more about the 12 steps of Narcotics Anonymous or NA meetings, the following information will answer any questions you might have.

Narcotics Anonymous programs at a glance:

• Narcotics Anonymous is an alcohol and drug addiction recovery organization that was founded in 1953.¹
• There is no cost to attend and the program is open to anyone who wants to overcome any substance dependence.²
• The NA recovery model uses 12 Steps, which emphasize reliance on social support and a Higher Power in order to maintain sobriety.³
• Even though the Narcotics Anonymous 12 Steps use the Higher Power concept, the program is not affiliated with any religion.³
• Sharing at these substance recovery meetings is voluntary and participation is confidential.⁴

What Is Narcotics Anonymous (NA)?

Although the organization was originally founded to counter narcotic misuse and addiction, NA now welcomes anyone who is trying to overcome any type of dependence on drugs or alcohol. NA began as an offshoot of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).

The NA 12-Step program was designed to parallel that which was implemented by AA and was meant to serve as a recovery pathway, with all participants following a set of guidelines and supporting each other’s efforts to stay clean.^3,5

What Is the Purpose of Narcotics Anonymous?

The goal of NA is to help those suffering from addiction through the process of recovery and to spread the message that recovery is possible. Whether you are suffering from an addiction to marijuana, alcohol, heroin, or crystal meth, you can find long-term sobriety with the right help.

How Does an NA Program Work?

NA programs work through an anonymous 12-Step system. They offer a safe space where members do not have to give their name or any other identifying information. The program is open to people of all ages, races, sexual orientations, and religions.^2,3

NA has no fees, dues, or pledges. The only requirement for participation is the desire to quit using drugs. Narcotics Anonymous 12-Step programs are not affiliated with any other organizations or political, religious, or law enforcement groups.^2,3

What Are the 12 Steps of NA?

Similar to AA, Narcotics Anonymous helps participants recover by walking them through a process of 12 Steps. Followers of NA 12-Step programs complete step work and must work all the elements of their programs to maintain sobriety.

Although the 12 Steps of NA are meant to be explored in order, many people who are struggling with alcohol and drug addictions will visit and revisit various NA Steps over time. The 12 Steps include:^3,5

• Step 1–We admitted that we were powerless over our addiction; that our lives had become unmanageable.
• Step 2–We came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
• Step 3–We made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
• Step 4–We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
• Step 5–We admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
• Step 6–We were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
• Step 7–We humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
• Step 8–We made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.
• Step 9–We made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
• Step 10–We continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
• Step 11–We 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.
• Step 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.

Is Narcotics Anonymous Religious?

Similar to AA, NA is not affiliated with a particular religion. However, as is true of many 12-Step recovery programs, NA’s recovery program may be considered ‘spiritual’, since the NA 12 Steps refer to ‘God’ or a ‘Higher Power’.

Does My Higher Power Have to Be God?

No, your higher power doesn’t have to be God. Many people who don’t believe in God have found solace in following a different spiritual or existential path to recovery. A higher power is a force beyond yourself that can help you to get and remain sober.

What Alternatives Can I Consider to Be My Higher Power?

Your higher power can be anything that you believe in beyond yourself. It helps if you choose something you are passionate about. Higher powers other than God can include:

• Science.
• Philosophy.
• Nature.
• Love.
• The universe.
• Humanity.
• Reality.
• Narcotics Anonymous.

Non-Religious Alternatives to NA

Some individuals may already feel comfortable with the spiritual element of the NA recovery program. Some may feel indifferent about it but may find during the recovery process that they end up benefitting from this spiritual aspect.

Others may not feel comfortable with any level of spirituality in their recovery process. These individuals can seek out a secular 12-Step program or non-12-Step program that does not incorporate any level of spirituality.

However, the 12 Steps in NA provide a widely valuable means by which people are able to hand their problems over to the wider universe, relieve themselves of much of their internal suffering, and find lasting recovery.

What to Expect at NA Meetings

Because all Narcotics Anonymous groups act autonomously, the members at meetings may vary from group to group. Some 12-Step NA meetings are closed, accepting only recovering addicts. Other meetings may be open or welcoming of non-addicts who wish to attend in support of a loved one or gain knowledge and understanding.

At NA meetings, you’ll meet people who have been sober for different periods of time. People will support your quest to stop using drugs and remain sober for life. You will receive respect and encouragement as you listen and share your drug addiction experiences. You won’t be required to do or believe anything. But you may get suggestions as you work the 12 Steps.

If you are seeking recovery only from alcohol addiction, you may find greater understanding in NA groups with larger numbers of recovering alcoholics; alternatively, Alcoholics Anonymous is also open to you and may provide some more specific help for your needs.

Are There Rules at NA Meetings?

Regardless of the group type, there are rules and occurrences you can expect at NA meetings:

• Every attendee should be treated with respect.
• Personal sharing is voluntary.
• Some meetings may include speakers who can share their own insights.
• Only first names are used and attendance is kept private within the meeting.
• Meetings are free to attend; money is accepted by voluntary donation only.
• Meeting location does not necessarily indicate affiliation; meetings may be held in public spaces or religious buildings.

How to Find Narcotics Anonymous Meetings Near Me

The 12 Steps of NA have positively impacted people around the world by applying the same principles and traditions universally (these are outlined in the Big Book of AA). If you or a loved one are ready to start down the path to sobriety and are wondering where to find a Narcotics Anonymous meeting, find a Narcotics Anonymous meeting or organization in your area by visiting the NA Meeting search page. Meeting schedules may change, so it’s best to verify the information through the local chapter’s website or helpline.

Members of these chapters are making the same journey to sobriety that you are and you’ll benefit from continued support throughout your recovery with the 12 Steps of NA.

Other 12-Step Programs Near Me

Other 12-Step programs include:

• Cocaine Anonymous
• Crystal Meth Anonymous
• Marijuana Anonymous
• Sexaholics Anonymous
• Gamblers Anonymous
• Smokers Anonymous
• Nicotine Anonymous
• Codependents Anonymous
• Emotions Anonymous
• Neurotics Anonymous
• Nar-Anon

Articles Related to Narcotics Addiction Treatment Programs

• Alcoholics Anonymous FAQs
• The AA 12 Promises
• Inpatient Rehab Centers
• Outpatient Rehab Centers
• 30-Day Rehab Centers
• 60-Day Rehab Centers
• 90-Day Rehab Centers
• Holistic Rehab Centers
• Co-Occurring Disorder Rehab Centers
• Couples’ Rehab Centers
• Private Rehab Centers
• State-Funded Rehab Centers

Recovery.org is not affiliated with Narcotics Anonymous, NA World Services, Inc. or any of its subsidiaries. This information is provided as a resource for those seeking third-party information.