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What is NA?
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a support group designed for individuals struggling with drug addiction. It offers a free and confidential program that encourages recovery through peer support and shared experiences. NA groups are available in many cities across the United States, including extensive networks in California, San Diego, and La Jolla, providing regular meetings for those seeking help.
The program is based on mutual aid, where participants come together to support one another in maintaining sobriety and living drug-free lives. NA meetings are open to anyone who desires to stop using drugs, and there are no fees or dues required to participate.
San Diego Central Library
330 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
Meeting Time: Wednesdays, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Meeting Details: This meeting follows a speaker/discussion format where a member shares their experience, strength, and hope for the first 20 minutes, followed by an open discussion. It is an inclusive meeting where newcomers can ask questions and share their stories if comfortable.
La Jolla YMCA
4040 Morena Blvd, San Diego, CA 92117
Meeting Time: Saturdays, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Meeting Details: This meeting uses a step study format focusing on the 12 Steps of NA. Members work through each step together in weekly sessions, fostering a deeper understanding of recovery principles and personal growth.
North Park United Methodist Church
3009 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104
Meeting Time: Mondays, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Meeting Details: A closed meeting conducted as a topic discussion where only addicts or those who desire to stop using are allowed to participate. The group emphasizes confidentiality and mutual respect, encouraging honest sharing in a safe environment.
The 12 Steps of NA
- We admitted we were powerless over our addiction—that our lives had become unmanageable.
This step encourages members to accept their addiction’s severity and recognize their need for help. - Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
Members open themselves to the possibility of change through spiritual or personal growth. - Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
This step involves surrendering control to a higher power or principle that guides recovery. - Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
Members reflect honestly on their past behaviors and patterns contributing to addiction. - Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
Transparency and accountability are established to foster healing and humility. - Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
Members express willingness to change negative traits and improve themselves. - Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
This step embodies humility and trust in personal transformation. - Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
Members acknowledge the impact of their actions and prepare to repair relationships. - Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
Taking responsibility by apologizing and correcting past mistakes is emphasized here. - Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
Ongoing self-assessment helps maintain honesty and prevent relapse. - Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him.
This step promotes spiritual growth and self-awareness in daily life. - 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 commit to helping others recover and living by the principles of NA in every aspect of life.
Getting Started with NA in California, San Diego, La Jolla, USA
Individuals looking for NA meetings in California, San Diego, and La Jolla are encouraged to use the website Methadone.org to find local meetings in their area. This resource provides up-to-date listings of available in-person and online NA meetings, ensuring accessibility and convenience for those seeking support.
Most areas in California offer both traditional in-person gatherings and virtual meetings, providing flexibility to accommodate personal circumstances and preferences during recovery.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
Understanding the distinction between open and closed meetings is important when attending NA for the first time.
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meeting | Anyone interested in the NA program can attend, including addicts, family members, friends, and professionals. These meetings provide an introduction to NA’s recovery program. |
| Closed Meeting | Only individuals who have a desire to stop using drugs may attend. These meetings provide a safe, confidential environment for sharing and recovery. |
- Arrive early to find a seat and introduce yourself as a new member.
- If comfortable, share your experiences during the meeting to connect with others.
- Receive welcome keychain tags that mark personal recovery milestones.
List of Keytag Milestones
- 30 days: Celebrates initial sobriety achievement and commitment.
- 60 days: Marks continued perseverance and increasing strength in recovery.
- 1 year: Represents a significant milestone symbolizing a full year of abstinence and renewed life.
- Additional milestones: NA also offers tags for 18 months, 2 years, 5 years, and longer durations, recognizing ongoing dedication and growth in sobriety.