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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 program that helps members maintain sobriety through mutual support and shared experiences. NA meetings are held regularly in cities across the United States, including California, Santa Barbara, and Santa Maria, providing accessible help for those seeking recovery.
The program operates on the principle of anonymity and fellowship, creating a safe space where individuals can discuss their challenges and progress without judgment. Meetings in Santa Maria are typically free of charge, open to anyone who desires to stop using drugs, and follow a structured format that encourages honesty, mutual respect, and encouragement.
Santa Barbara NA Meeting
Location: 123 West Micheltorena Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Meeting Times & Methods:
- Monday 7:00 PM – Open Discussion Meeting: Participants share their recovery stories openly in a welcoming setting, promoting peer support and collective problem-solving.
- Thursday 6:00 PM – Step Study Meeting: Focuses on studying the 12 Steps of NA with guided discussion, helping members dive deeper into their recovery journey.
Santa Maria NA Meeting
Location: 456 South Broadway, Santa Maria, CA 93454
Meeting Times & Methods:
- Tuesday 7:30 PM – Speaker Meeting: Regular members or invited guests share their personal stories of addiction and recovery to inspire newcomers.
- Saturday 10:00 AM – Meditation and Reflection: A quieter meeting focusing on mindfulness and meditation techniques to strengthen emotional stability during recovery.
California Central Coast NA Meeting
Location: 789 Pacific Avenue, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Meeting Times & Methods:
- Wednesday 7:00 PM – Literature Study Meeting: Members read and discuss NA literature, emphasizing principles and practical application in everyday life.
- Friday 7:00 PM – Closed Meeting: Restricted to those who identify as addicts to provide a strictly confidential environment for honest sharing.
The 12 Steps of NA
- Admitted powerlessness over addiction: Acknowledging that life has become unmanageable due to drug use is the first step toward recovery.
- Believed in a power greater than ourselves: Developing faith in a spiritual or higher power that can restore sanity and help overcome addiction.
- Decided to turn will and lives over: Willingly entrusting personal control to that higher power as understood by the individual.
- Made a moral inventory: Conducting a thorough and honest self-examination to identify personal shortcomings and past behavior.
- Admitted wrongs to ourselves, others, and higher power: Sharing the inventory with trusted individuals and embracing transparency.
- Prepared to have defects removed: Becoming ready to let go of character defects and behaviors that contribute to addiction.
- Humbly asked higher power to remove shortcomings: Seeking spiritual help to overcome personal flaws.
- Made a list of people harmed and willing to make amends: Identifying those affected by addiction and preparing to repair relationships where possible.
- Made direct amends wherever possible: Taking responsible actions to correct past wrongs without causing further harm.
- Continued personal inventory and promptly admitted mistakes: Ongoing self-assessment to maintain honesty and accountability.
- Sought through prayer and meditation to improve conscious contact: Strengthening spiritual connection to guide decisions and actions.
- Having had a spiritual awakening, carried the message: Sharing recovery experience to help others struggling with addiction.
These steps motivate NA members in Santa Maria toward positive behavioral and spiritual change as part of a supportive community.
Getting Started with NA in California, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, USA
The best way to find local NA meetings in these areas is to search on Methadone.org. This website provides updated directories of meeting locations, times, and formats throughout California and specifically in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria.
Most NA meetings offer both in-person and online/virtual options, accommodating those who prefer attending from home or are unable to travel. This flexibility helps members maintain consistent support regardless of circumstances.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
New attendees often find it helpful to know the difference between open and closed meetings before attending:
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meeting | Available to anyone interested including addicts, family members, and friends. Focuses on sharing and support in an inclusive environment. |
| Closed Meeting | Restricted to those who identify as addicts or those who think they may have a problem with drugs. Provides a confidential space encouraging vulnerability. |
Arrive early and introduce yourself as a new local member to connect with the group. If comfortable, sharing your experiences is encouraged but not mandatory. Many newcomers receive welcome keychain tags to mark their participation milestones.
- 30 Days: Celebrates initial commitment to recovery.
- 60 Days: Marks sustained abstinence and growing strength.
- 1 Year: Acknowledges a full year of continuous sobriety and dedication.
- Longer-term milestones continue to recognize ongoing recovery achievements.