What Happens At An NA Meeting
When anyone, anywhere reaches out for help, NA offers free support.
The primary service provided by Narcotics Anonymous is the NA group meeting. NA meetings provide an environment of recovery in which anyone wanting to stop using drugs can share their experiences. Each group runs itself based on principles common to the entire organisation, and as expressed in NA’s literature. Most groups rent space for their meetings in buildings run by public, religious, or civic organisations. Individual members lead the NA meetings, while other members participate by sharing about their experiences in recovering from drug addiction.
Newcomers are encouraged to identify themselves so they can be welcomed, and be offered support. In all face-to-face meetings and online meetings the Serenity Prayer is said. Narcotics Anonymous is a spiritual, not religious programme and welcomes and respects people from any religious denomination or background: we do not discriminate against, nor advocate any specific belief system. The NA program of recovery introduces each
member to spiritual principles through the 12 Steps, and members apply these principles to their everyday life.
The journey of recovery begins with abstinence from all drugs. Sometimes people come to NA meetings while still using drugs, while detoxing from drugs, or on drug replacement therapy. We welcome anyone who feels that they need to stop using substances and find a new life in recovery. There are no fees or dues to join NA. The programme of Narcotics Anonymous is underpinned by the value of addicts working together with other addicts.
If you’re an addict or think you might have a drug problem, we suggest attending a meeting every day for at least 3 months to get to know other NA members and more about our programme. If you are not an addict, please have a look for an open meeting – these welcome non-addicts.
NA has no affiliation to any other organisations, including corporate and social service entities. NA does not employ professionals, and it does not offer financial, legal, psychiatric, or medical support. Face-to-face meetings are often held in churches, treatment centres, or other facilities, because these places tend to be affordable, available, or convenient.
NA is entirely self-supporting and does not accept financial contributions from non-members. All donations are entirely voluntary and given by members who are able to contribute.