Why Is It Hard to Find Narcotics Anonymous Meetings?
Why Is It Hard to Find Narcotics Anonymous Meetings?
Table of Contents
What Are Narcotics?
Narcotics, also called opioids, encompasses prescription medication, such as OxyContin, and illegal drugs, such as heroin. While a doctor prescribes opioids, misuse of the drug can lead to addiction. Narcotics Anonymous Meetings can help. 1
Signs and Symptoms of Narcotics Abuse
Because there are times where narcotics are prescribed for medication use, it can be challenging to spot when the drug is abused.
Some signs of narcotic abuse include:2
- Inability to control drug use
- Fatigue, drowsiness, and lack of energy
- Small pupils
- Constant scratching
- Scars from intravenous use on the arms, legs, or other body parts (sometimes called “track marks”)
- Lack of hygiene
- Frequent flu-like symptoms
- Weight loss
- Changes in habits, such as sleep or exercise
- Isolation from loved ones
- Sudden financial difficulties
- Stealing from family, friends, or businesses
- Lack of coordination
- Sudden mood swings
- Inability to fulfill commitments
- Dishonesty and secrecy
The road to recovery often requires support. Narcotics Anonymous meetings help people around the world find the care and connection they need for healing.
How Narcotics Anonymous Started
What IS NA?
In the tradition of AA, the only requirement for membership with NA is “the desire to stop using.” It is open to all genders, races, and political associations. The program adheres to the foundational aspects of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. However, it uses slight wording differences to include narcotic use. It also uses many of the principles of AA, including sponsorship.3 NA meetings can be either open or closed. Open meetings can be attended by anyone, while closed meetings are private for those in recovery from addiction.12 Step Program
The Twelve Steps on the road to recovery are:4- Admitting that we are powerless over our addiction and that life has become unmanageable.
- Coming to believe that a Power greater than ourselves (which some might call God, although it does not need to be so) can restore us.
- Deciding to turn our will and lives over to God as we understand Him/Her.
- Taking moral inventory of ourselves.
- Admitting to God, ourselves, and another person the nature of our wrongs.
- Become ready to have God remove all the defects of character.
- Asking God to remove our shortcomings.
- Making a list of people we have harmed.
- Making amends with those on the list, unless it would injure them or others.
- Continuing to take personal inventory and admitting immediately when we are wrong.
- Improving conscious contact with God through prayer and meditation, praying for the knowledge of His/Her will for us and the power to carry it out.
- Carry the 12-step message to others with a substance use disorder.
The Benefits of NA Anonymous Meetings
For almost 70 years, NA meetings have provided help and connection. Narcotics Anonymous offers practical resources for those trying to overcome addiction.
NA meetings offer several benefits on the road to recovery, including:
Positive Social Interaction: Connection is a critical part of recovery since isolation is a standard part of narcotics abuse. The chance to have positive interactions regularly can be a lifeline for those seeking recovery. It also helps promote positive life skills.
Support for Recovery: Recovery is rarely successful alone. The sponsorship through NA not only helps those in recovery feel less alone but the experience and encouragement of a mentor can be powerful.
Learn of similar addiction stories: Stories are a powerful place to create connections and make sense of our experiences. By sharing their stories, those in recovery feel less alone and learn from one another.
Provide structure and accountability: At times, the prospect of recovery can be overwhelming. Narcotics Anonymous can provide a vital system with its 12 steps. Those in recovery can concentrate on one step at a time. Moreover, being able to talk about experiences in a safe environment helps offer accountability.
Why is it Hard to Find NA Meetings?
The anonymous nature of NA can make it challenging to find a meeting through word-of-mouth. They also tend not to advertise, so you likely won’t come across a flyer or poster that lets you know where to meet.
Narcotic Anonymous meetings are typically at churches, universities, libraries, and outreach centers. However, that would require calling up each place individually to see if they host NA meetings, which can be challenging to do.
How to Find Narcotics Anonymous Meetings
With more than 70,000 NA meetings in over 144 countries, there is likely one local to you.
The easiest way is to find an NA Meeting is to check the official website for Narcotics Anonymous World Services.5 You can search for all local meetings using either country or area code or typing in your exact address. The website will give you all the local helplines and websites to find a meeting near you.
You can also find information through a recovery clinic. Detoxing from narcotics is a crucial first step in recovery. From there, they can provide you with information on how to find a local NA meeting.
