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What is NA?
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a support group for individuals struggling with drug addiction. It offers a free program designed to help members achieve and maintain sobriety through mutual support and shared experience. NA meetings are held regularly across various cities in the United States, including numerous locations within California, Ventura, and Ojai.
The meetings provide a confidential and non-judgmental environment where addicts can come together, share their struggles, and support each other on the path to recovery. NA operates on a group fellowship model and welcomes all individuals who desire to stop using drugs, regardless of the type of addiction.
Address: Ventura County Behavioral Health
1911 Williams Drive, Ventura, CA 93003
- Meeting Time: Tuesdays at 7:00 PM
- Method/Details: This in-person meeting employs the traditional NA format, including a Reading of the 12 Steps and personal sharing. The meeting starts with a moment of silence followed by members sharing their stories of recovery, fostering a supportive atmosphere that encourages openness and honesty.
Address: Ojai Valley Community Center
111 W Santa Ana St, Ojai, CA 93023
- Meeting Time: Thursdays at 6:30 PM
- Method/Details: The Ojai meeting incorporates a speaker format where a member shares their recovery journey in detail, followed by a group discussion. Emphasis is placed on confidentiality, respect, and mutual aid, helping newcomers feel comfortable in their first steps toward sobriety.
Address: Ventura Alano Club
522 E Main St, Ventura, CA 93001
- Meeting Time: Saturdays at 10:00 AM
- Method/Details: This location offers a candlelight meeting, providing a calm and reflective environment. The meeting consists of step-study and meditation, allowing members to explore the spiritual aspects of recovery while supporting each other’s progress.
The 12 Steps of NA
- We admitted that we were powerless over our addiction—that our lives had become unmanageable. This step marks the beginning of recovery, acknowledging the need for help beyond self-will.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Members develop faith in a higher power, which does not necessarily have to be religious, to aid their healing.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. This involves surrendering control and trusting in the recovery process guided by this higher power.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Members reflect honestly on their past behaviors and the impact of addiction on themselves and others.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. Confession is a critical step towards healing and accountability.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. Readiness to change harmful behaviors is essential for growth.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. This step focuses on humility and spiritual willingness to improve.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all. Taking responsibility for past harms is necessary for repair and forgiveness.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Practical steps are taken to restore relationships without causing further harm.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. Ongoing self-awareness prevents relapse and promotes honesty.
- Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying for knowledge of His will and the power to carry that out. This maintains spiritual growth and commitment.
- 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 give back by helping others and living by example.
Getting Started with NA in California, Ventura, Ojai, USA
Individuals seeking to begin their recovery journey with Narcotics Anonymous in the California, Ventura, and Ojai areas can find local meetings by searching on Methadone.org. This website offers the best and most up-to-date directory of available NA meetings in both in-person and online formats. Many locations provide both options to accommodate members’ preferences and circumstances.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
In California, Ventura, and Ojai, NA meetings can be either open or closed, depending on the format and intent:
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meeting | Open to anyone interested in recovery, including addicts, family, friends, and observers. These meetings encourage newcomers to learn about NA. |
| Closed Meeting | Reserved for those who have a desire to stop using drugs. This setting provides a more private and focused environment for active members. |
- Arrive early to introduce yourself as a new local member; this helps facilitators guide you through the meeting process.
- Share your experiences only if you feel comfortable with doing so; participation is encouraged but never mandatory.
- Receive welcome keychain tags during your first meeting as symbols of your commitment and milestones in recovery.
List of Tag Milestones
- 30 days: Celebrates the first month of sobriety, symbolizing the courage to start the recovery journey.
- 60 days: Marks sustained effort and growing strength in maintaining drug-free living.
- 1 year: Represents a significant achievement, reflecting dedication and resilience in recovery.
- Multiple years: Additional tags are awarded at yearly intervals, each symbolizing continued success and commitment to a sober lifestyle.