Enjoying the Rewards of Sobriety with Narcotics Anonymous Meetings
March 15, 2023
Addiction is a daunting and debilitating problem that affects millions of people worldwide. Fortunately, there are organizations like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) that offer support to those suffering from addiction. Through NA meetings, members have the opportunity to connect with one another, discuss their struggles with addiction, and find hope in the recovery process. Let’s take a look at how NA meetings work and how they help individuals achieve freedom from addiction.
What is Narcotics Anonymous?
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is an international organization that provides support for people recovering from substance abuse disorders. It was founded in 1953 by Jimmy K., who had himself recovered from heroin addiction through the 12-Step program pioneered by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). The organization today consists of more than 60,000 local groups throughout the world, including over 100 countries.
How Do NA Meetings Work?
At NA meetings, participants have the opportunity to share their experiences with addiction in a safe space surrounded by understanding peers. Unlike AA meetings, which focus on alcohol use disorder specifically, NA meetings are open to anyone struggling with any form of substance misuse or dependency—including alcohol—as well as compulsive behaviors such as gambling or overeating. As opposed to professional therapy or counseling sessions which may be intimidating for some people, NA meetings provide a more informal setting for individuals to openly discuss their issues without fear of judgment or criticism. This type of peer support has been shown to be effective in helping people stay sober and cope with cravings. Additionally, members can gain practical advice about navigating daily life without using drugs or alcohol through shared stories and experiences from other members who have gone through similar situations.
The 12 Steps of Recovery
The cornerstone of many NA programs is its 12-Step program which serves as a framework for achieving sobriety and maintaining it long-term. At each meeting, participants recite these 12 Steps together as part of their recovery process:
1) We admitted we were powerless over our addiction;
2) We came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity;
3) We made a decision to turn our will and lives over to God;
4) We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves;
5) We admitted our wrongs;
6) We were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects;
7) We humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings;
8) We made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends;
9) We made direct amends when possible except when it would cause harm;
10) We continued taking personal inventory and promptly admitted when we were wrong;
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 it out;
12) Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we tried to carry this message into practice every day by helping others who suffer from addiction like us.
For those looking for freedom from addiction, Narcotics Anonymous (NA) offers an invaluable resource—a safe space where you can share your story without fear of judgment or ridicule while gaining valuable insight into the recovery process from peers who know what you’re going through first hand. With its network of supportive members around the world coupled with its comprehensive 12-Step program, NA provides an invaluable resource for individuals looking for freedom from addiction both now and in the future.
