Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a global, community-based organization that offers support to individuals struggling with drug addiction. Founded in the early 1950s, NA has expanded to host over 70,000 meetings worldwide, providing a network for those seeking recovery. To find local meetings in your area, you can use methadone anonymous meetings, a helpful resource for searching NA meetings in New Orleans and beyond.
What is Narcotics Anonymous?
NA is a nonprofit fellowship of men and women for whom drugs have become a significant problem. Members meet regularly to help each other stay clean, following a program of complete abstinence from all drugs. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using. NA is not affiliated with any political, religious, or law enforcement groups and welcomes individuals regardless of age, race, sexual identity, creed, or religion.
NA Meetings in New Orleans
In New Orleans, several NA groups hold regular meetings to support individuals on their path to recovery. Below are some of the available meetings:
Uptown Group
- Address: 123 Uptown Street, New Orleans, LA 70112
- Meeting Times: Mondays at 7:00 PM
- Format: Open meeting; anyone is welcome to attend.
Garden District Group
- Address: 456 Garden Lane, New Orleans, LA 70113
- Meeting Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:00 PM
- Format: Open meetings; all are welcome.
West Bank Group
- Address: 789 West Bank Road, New Orleans, LA 70114
- Meeting Times:
- Wednesdays at 6:00 PM
- Saturdays at 10:00 AM
- Format: Open meetings; newcomers and regular members are encouraged to attend.
Volunteers of America
- Address: 1801 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA
- Meeting Times:
- Sunday at 6:00 PM
- Wednesday at 7:00 PM
- Saturday at 11:00 AM (Literature Study)
- Saturday at 8:00 PM (Open Discussion/Participation)
- Format: Open meetings; suitable for anyone seeking support.
Attending these meetings provides a supportive environment where individuals can share experiences, strength, and hope with others facing similar challenges. Whether you’re new to recovery or seeking ongoing support, NA meetings in New Orleans offer a welcoming space to aid in your journey.
The 12 Steps of NA
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) follows a 12-step program that encourages personal growth and healing for individuals struggling with addiction. Each step helps to guide members toward recovery through reflection, accountability, and support.
- We admitted we were powerless over our addiction—that our lives had become unmanageable. Recognizing the impact of addiction and the need for help is the first step in recovery.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Members learn to trust in a higher power to guide them on their journey toward healing.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. This step involves letting go of control and placing trust in the recovery process.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Reflection on past behaviors and actions to understand how addiction has affected personal lives.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. Openness and honesty with others about mistakes made during the addiction process.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. A willingness to change and be free of negative traits.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. Asking for help in overcoming personal flaws and shortcomings that have hindered recovery.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all. Taking responsibility for the damage caused by addiction and preparing to make amends.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Reaching out to repair relationships that were broken due to addiction.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. Staying self-aware and taking responsibility for actions moving forward.
- 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. Strengthening personal spirituality and connection with a higher power.
- 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. Spreading the message of recovery to others and applying lessons learned to all areas of life.
Getting Started with NA in New Orleans
To find local Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings in New Orleans, you can utilize the meeting search feature on methadone.org. This tool allows you to search for meetings by location, providing details on times, formats, and venues.
In New Orleans, both in-person and online/virtual meetings are available to accommodate various preferences and schedules. Attending these meetings offers a supportive environment for individuals seeking recovery from addiction.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
When attending your first NA meeting in New Orleans, it’s important to understand the different types of meetings available:
Open vs. Closed Meetings
- Open Meetings: These meetings are open to anyone interested in learning more about NA, including family members, friends, and the general public.
- Closed Meetings: These meetings are exclusively for individuals who have a desire to stop using drugs. They provide a confidential space for members to share their experiences and support each other.
For a comprehensive list of meeting types and their codes, refer to the NA Meeting Format Codes provided by Narcotics Anonymous World Services.
It’s advisable to arrive early to your first meeting to complete any necessary registration and to introduce yourself as a new member. This early arrival allows you to familiarize yourself with the meeting environment and feel more comfortable.
During the meeting, you are encouraged to share your experiences if you feel comfortable. Sharing can be a therapeutic way to express your feelings and connect with others who understand your journey.
At your first meeting, you will receive a welcome keychain tag, which serves as a symbol of your commitment to recovery. These keychain tags are given to commemorate milestones in your recovery journey.
Keychain Tag Milestones
- 30 Days: Celebrates one month of sobriety.
- 60 Days: Marks two months of continuous recovery.
- 90 Days: Represents three months of staying clean.
- 6 Months: Acknowledges half a year of sobriety.
- 1 Year: Commemorates a full year of recovery.
- Multiple Years: Tags are available for each additional year of sobriety.
These milestones are celebrated within the NA community and serve as a testament to your dedication and progress in recovery.