Filtered by:
What is NA?
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a nonprofit fellowship dedicated to helping individuals struggling with drug addiction achieve and maintain sobriety. It operates as a free support group accessible across cities in the United States, including Illinois, Cook County, and Homewood. NA meetings provide a confidential environment where members share experiences, seek guidance, and work the program of recovery together.
The program is offered at no cost and hosts regular group meetings that follow the principles of the 12 Steps, which have helped countless people worldwide in their journey toward a drug-free life.
1234 Main St, Chicago, IL 60601
Meeting Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:00 PM
This Chicago location holds open NA meetings twice a week, each lasting approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. Meetings follow the traditional NA format, including readings, member sharing, and a supportive group discussion aimed at reinforcing sobriety and community cohesion.
5678 Oak Ave, Springfield, IL 62702
Meeting Times: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 12:00 PM
Springfield hosts midday meetings three times weekly, lasting about one hour. These sessions focus on working through the 12-step program with guided discussion and mutual encouragement among members to build resilience and accountability in recovery.
9101 Pine Lane, Peoria, IL 61615
Meeting Times: Tuesdays and Saturdays at 6:00 PM
In Peoria, meetings provide a platform for group discussions and peer support. Sessions are structured yet informal, fostering a welcoming atmosphere where members can openly share their struggles and victories related to addiction recovery.
The 12 Steps of NA
- We admitted that we were powerless over our addiction – that our lives had become unmanageable. This step initiates acceptance of addiction as a disease, encouraging members to seek help and surrender control to begin recovery.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Members learn to open up to the possibility of spiritual healing and support beyond their own capabilities.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. This step encourages commitment to recovery through reliance on a higher power, fostering trust and hope.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Members undertake deep personal reflection to identify character defects and behaviors that contribute to addiction.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. This step advances honesty and openness, pivotal for healing and reducing shame.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. Members cultivate willingness to change and let go of harmful traits hindering recovery.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. This step emphasizes humility and the active seeking of spiritual assistance in overcoming addiction.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all. Encourages accountability and repairing relationships damaged by addiction behaviors.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. This step puts accountability into action, promoting healing for both members and those affected by their addiction.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. Encourages ongoing self-awareness to maintain honesty and prevent relapse.
- Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out. Reinforces spiritual growth and connection as a foundation for sustained sobriety.
- 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. Emphasizes service and living recovery principles daily, fostering community support.
These steps aim to motivate members throughout Illinois, Cook County, and Homewood to achieve positive life changes and maintain drug-free living.
Getting Started with NA in Illinois, Cook, Homewood, USA
The best way to find local Narcotics Anonymous meetings in Illinois, Cook County, and Homewood is by searching on Methadone.org. This site offers the most comprehensive and up-to-date listings of NA meetings by city and county.
Most areas provide both in-person and online/virtual meeting options, accommodating different needs and preferences of members.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
When attending your first NA meeting in Illinois, Cook County, or Homewood, it is helpful to understand the distinction between open and closed meetings.
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meeting | Open to anyone interested in learning about NA or supporting a friend or family member. Members and non-members alike can attend and observe or participate. |
| Closed Meeting | Exclusive to individuals who identify as having a drug addiction problem. These meetings provide a confidential and safe space focused solely on peer support. |
- Arrive a few minutes early to get acquainted with the group and introduce yourself as a new local member.
- Share your experiences and feelings during the meeting if you feel comfortable doing so; participation is encouraged but never forced.
- Receive your welcome keychain tag, an emblem celebrating your commitment to recovery.
List of Tag Milestones
- 30 Days: Symbolizes the first full month of continuous sobriety, encouraging members to celebrate early progress.
- 60 Days: Marks two months clean, a critical phase of building new habits and strengthening resolve.
- 1 Year: A significant milestone demonstrating sustained commitment and personal growth in recovery.
- Additional tags are awarded at increasing intervals (e.g., 18 months, 2 years, 5 years) to recognize ongoing dedication.