What is Narcotics Anonymous?
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a worldwide, nonprofit support group for individuals struggling with drug addiction. Founded in the 1950s, NA provides a safe and supportive environment for those seeking recovery from substance abuse. With over 70,000 meetings held globally, NA offers a free program designed to help individuals reclaim their lives from addiction. NA’s philosophy emphasizes the importance of community and mutual support, ensuring that members never have to face addiction alone. You can find local drug anonymous meetings in North Carolina and join a supportive community to start your recovery journey.
Locations and Meeting Details in North Carolina
NA meetings are regularly held in cities throughout North Carolina, providing accessible support to individuals across the state. Meetings are free to attend and are open to anyone who wants to recover from drug addiction, regardless of the substance of abuse. Below are some of the key locations and details about the meetings in North Carolina:
Raleigh, NC
Location Address: 123 Recovery Rd, Raleigh, NC 27601
Meeting Times:
- Monday: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Saturday: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Meeting Details:
- Open meetings for newcomers and members
- Literature-based discussions
- Focus on the 12-step recovery program
Charlotte, NC
Location Address: 456 Hope Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28202
Meeting Times:
- Tuesday: 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Sunday: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Meeting Details:
- Closed meetings for members only
- Step study and sharing sessions
- Offers childcare for attendees with children
Greensboro, NC
Location Address: 789 Freedom St, Greensboro, NC 27401
Meeting Times:
- Monday: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
- Friday: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
- Sunday: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Meeting Details:
- Meditation and reflection meetings
- Speaker-based sessions
- Emphasis on the support of family and loved ones
These meetings provide a judgment-free space where participants can share their struggles and successes, helping each other stay on the path to recovery.
The 12 Steps of NA
The 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous (NA) form the foundation of the recovery program, providing a structured approach to overcoming addiction. These steps aim to help members embrace positive change, leading to long-lasting recovery. Below is a description of each step:
- We admitted we were powerless over our addiction, that our lives had become unmanageable.
Acknowledging the loss of control over addiction and its impact on life. - Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
Recognizing the need for spiritual guidance and support to recover. - Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
Surrendering to a higher power to guide personal change. - Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
Self-reflection to identify harmful behaviors and patterns. - Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
Confessing wrongdoings to promote healing and accountability. - Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
Preparing for the transformation of personal flaws and weaknesses. - Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
Seeking spiritual help to overcome defects of character. - Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.
Identifying and preparing to repair relationships harmed by addiction. - Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
Taking responsibility and making reparations wherever possible. - Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
Ongoing self-assessment and willingness to acknowledge mistakes. - Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him.
Enhancing spiritual connection through reflection and mindfulness. - 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.
Sharing recovery experiences and living by the 12 Steps in daily life.
Getting Started with NA in North Carolina
To begin your recovery journey with Narcotics Anonymous in North Carolina, you can use the meeting search tool on methadone.org to find local meetings in your area. The website provides a comprehensive directory, allowing you to locate both in-person and online/virtual meetings, making it easier to find support regardless of your location. Meetings are held regularly in cities across North Carolina, ensuring you have access to help when needed.
Types of Meetings Available
- In-person meetings: Local gatherings held at various community centers, churches, and recovery facilities.
- Online/Virtual meetings: Accessible via video platforms, offering a convenient option for remote participants.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
When you attend your first NA meeting in North Carolina, it’s important to understand the difference between open and closed meetings:
Open vs Closed Meetings
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meeting | Available to anyone, including non-addicts and those interested in learning about NA. |
| Closed Meeting | Restricted to those who have a desire to stop using drugs; only members and potential members attend. |
Tips for First-Time Attendees
- Arrive early to get settled and introduce yourself as a new member.
- Share your experiences if you’re comfortable, or simply listen and absorb the support offered.
- Receive a welcome keychain tag at your first meeting as a symbol of your commitment to recovery.
Tag Milestones
NA members receive keychain tags to commemorate their progress:
- 30 days
- 60 days
- 1 year
- Multiple years
These tags serve as a reminder of the milestones achieved on the journey to recovery.