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What is NA?
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a nonprofit fellowship dedicated to helping individuals struggling with drug addiction achieve and maintain recovery. NA offers a supportive community where members share their experiences and strength to overcome addiction together. This free program operates across cities in the United States, including numerous locations in Illinois, DuPage County, and Woodridge, providing regular group meetings for those seeking help.
1234 Main St, Chicago, IL 60601
Meeting Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:00 PM
This Chicago location hosts open NA meetings twice weekly. Each session lasts approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, following the standard NA format where participants share their personal journeys with addiction and recovery, fostering a strong communal atmosphere of healing and support.
5678 Oak Ave, Springfield, IL 62702
Meeting Times: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 12:00 PM (Noon)
Springfield offers thrice-weekly meetings focused on working through the 12-Step program in a group setting. These hour-long meetings provide members with an opportunity to engage deeply in the NA recovery process and build connections with others committed to sobriety.
9101 Pine Lane, Peoria, IL 61615
Meeting Times: Tuesdays and Saturdays at 6:00 PM
The Peoria meetings emphasize group discussions and peer support. Held twice a week in the early evening, these sessions facilitate open sharing, encouragement, and collective problem-solving among recovering addicts.
The 12 Steps of NA
- We admitted we were powerless over our addiction—that our lives had become unmanageable. This step recognizes the need for help and acceptance of addiction’s impact.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Members develop faith in recovery and a supportive higher power.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. This step involves commitment to recovery and surrendering control.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Members reflect honestly on their behaviors and attitudes.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. This promotes accountability and openness to support.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. Members become willing to change harmful patterns.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. This step involves seeking help to overcome personal flaws.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all. Recognizing the impact on others is key to healing relationships.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Members actively repair damage where appropriate.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. Ongoing self-reflection prevents relapse into old behaviors.
- Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will and the power to carry that out. Members strengthen their spiritual foundation for recovery.
- 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. This final step encourages giving back and living a principled life.
These steps aim to motivate members across Illinois, DuPage, and Woodridge toward lasting positive change and recovery.
Getting Started with NA in Illinois, DuPage, Woodridge, USA
Individuals seeking local NA meetings in Illinois, DuPage, or Woodridge can find the most accurate and up-to-date information by searching on Methadone.org. This website offers a comprehensive directory of both in-person and online/virtual meetings, making it the best resource for locating support nearby.
Most areas provide a mix of meeting formats, including face-to-face gatherings and virtual sessions, ensuring accessibility for all members regardless of their circumstances.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
When attending your first NA meeting in Illinois, DuPage, or Woodridge, it is helpful to understand the difference between open and closed meetings and how to navigate your initial experience.
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meeting | Open to anyone interested in the NA program, including newcomers, family members, and the general public. These meetings welcome new attendees and often include informational segments. |
| Closed Meeting | Restricted to individuals who identify as addicts or those with a desire to stop using drugs, providing a private space for members to share openly without outside observers. |
- Arrive early to introduce yourself as a new member and get oriented.
- If comfortable, share your experiences during the meeting to connect with others.
- Receive welcome keychain tags as a symbol of your progress and support.
Common Tag Milestones:
- 30 days: Celebrates the first month of continuous sobriety, symbolizing commitment and the initial phase of recovery.
- 60 days: Marks two months free from drug use, highlighting growing strength and resilience.
- 1 year: A major milestone indicating sustained recovery and significant personal growth.
- Further milestones continue annually and beyond, encouraging long-term commitment.