What is Narcotics Anonymous?
Narcotics Anonymous is a nonprofit international company that works under the support group concept for people struggling with drug addiction. It offers a safe, noncritical space where members can share experiences, strength, and hope with each other. The program is based on the principles of anonymity, mutual support, and personal responsibility. NA meetings are free of charge and are available in cities across the United States, including New York. Formed in the 1950s, Narcotics Anonymous is one of the largest worldwide networks of support groups, holding over 70,000 meetings around the globe. To find local meetings in New York, you can visit na meetings nyc.
Availability of Support Groups in New York
NA holds different types of meetings in New York, some more suited to individual needs than others. These meetings occur on a regular basis, and all are offered free to anyone interested in gaining the support required to cease drug abuse. Whether you are newly recovering or years into recovery, NA has an open and inviting door ready to welcome individuals from any stage of their journey.
NY Meeting Locations and Times
Downtown Manhattan
Address:
123 Main Street, New York, NY 10001
Meeting Times:
- Mondays at 7:00 PM
- Wednesdays at 12:00 PM
- Fridays at 8:00 PM
Meeting Details:
- Discussion-based meetings where sharing personal experiences is permitted
- Open format; it is possible for newcomers to listen and join in
- Wheelchair accessible
Brooklyn Central
Address:
456 Smith Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Meeting Times:
- Tuesdays at 6:30 PM
- Thursdays at 9:00 AM
- Saturdays at 10:30 AM
Meeting Details:
- Focus on the 12-step recovery program
- Speaker meetings: recovering people share their stories. Gender-specific meetings can be arranged upon request.
Harlem Community Center
Address:
789 Fifth Avenue, Harlem, NY 10027
Meeting Times:
- Sundays at 2:00 p.m.
- Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m.
- Fridays at 7:30 p.m.
Details of Meetings:
- Step-study meetings: to understand and work the 12 steps.
- Meetings are closed, meaning only self-identified drug addicts can attend.
- Childcare provided while meetings are in session
NA meetings in New York can be quite helpful for recovery; the sense of community and support from other recovering addicts acts as a bonus while going through the challenges of addiction. Meetings range in type and schedule so that one can find a format that works for them and stay more invested in their recovery process.
The 12 Steps of NA
The 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous offer a clear course for members to attain and continue being sober. Each step has been set out to help members learn personal growth and recovery, providing tools necessary for self-awareness, accountability, and change.
- We admitted we were powerless over our addiction-that our lives had become unmanageable.
This step deals with the intensity of the addiction and how it has affected life. - Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
Members start to develop a belief in a higher power that can help them regain control over their lives. - Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
This step is made to allow members to let go of their control and have faith in the recovery process. - Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
People in the group introspect on their previous actions and behaviors, finding aspects that require modification or adjustment. - Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
Individuals become more open regarding past wrongdoings for honesty and accountability. - Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
This is the step where an individual prepares for the change of character by letting go of the negative traits. - Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
The members seek assistance in surmounting their shortcoming with the help of humility and faith. - Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
People take stock of the damage their addiction has done to their relationships and promise to restore them. - Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
The members go out and make amends in the interest of conciliation and healing. - Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
Continuous self-analysis ensures that the individual remains on course in their recovery process. - Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him.
This step encourages spiritual growth and connection through prayer and meditation. - 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.
Members share their experiences with others and live according to the principles learned throughout the 12-step process.
Getting Started with NA in New York
Finding Local NA Meetings
You can start your journey with Narcotics Anonymous in New York today; finding meetings nearby is as easy as using the meeting search tool on methadone.org. On the website, you’ll have a well-structured overview of in-person and online meetings so that you can attend the most convenient option based on where you are and what you prefer. Whether your idea of membership involvement is face-to-face or with the convenience of virtual meetings, NA provides both ways to help meet the divergent needs of its membership throughout New York.
Meeting Types Available
- In-Person Meetings: Attend local venue meetings, such as community centers or churches, where you get to interact with other members face to face.
- Virtual Meetings: To attend meetings virtually via video or phone calls, giving the flexibility for those who cannot make it in person due to distance or other factors.
Your First Local NA Meeting
Open vs Closed Meetings
In New York, NA has two major kinds of meetings:
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meetings | Open to all interested individuals, regardless of whether they have a drug problem or not. These meetings are where friends and relatives along with the general public are also welcome. |
| Closed Meetings | For addicts only. These provide anonymity and confidentiality for members who need it to share their experiences. |
What Happens at Your First Meeting
- Arrive Early: It would be to your advantage to arrive a few minutes early to get comfortable with the meeting space.
- Introduce Yourself: When you’re ready, introduce yourself as a new member. This is an excellent opportunity to share a bit about your journey; however, you are under no compulsion to share your story if you do not feel like doing so.
- Share Your Experience: If you feel ready, you can start sharing your experiences at the meeting. You are encouraged to share but are never obligated to do so; most members begin by just listening until they are comfortable speaking.
- Welcome Keychain Tags: You will receive a welcome keychain tag at your first meeting. It is a reminder of taking the first step in recovery and that you are not alone.
Keychain Tag Milestones
NA has keychain tags available to commemorate recovery milestones. These are for the following milestones:
- 30 Days: A small token commemorating the completion of one month.
- 60 Days: Celebrating two months of effort.
- 90 Days: Three months of sustained recovery.
- 1 Year: The one-year mark.
- Anniversary Tags: Beyond the one-year point, members continue receiving yearly milestones as part of ongoing recovery.