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Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a nonprofit fellowship that provides support for individuals struggling with drug addiction. It offers a free program with regular group meetings held across the United States, including in Illinois’s Sangamon County and Springfield area. NA meetings are crucial for those seeking recovery, as they provide a supportive environment where members can share experiences and work through the 12-step program together.
What is NA?
Narcotics Anonymous is a support group for those who are battling drug addiction. It is a free program that offers regular meetings in various locations, including Springfield, Illinois. These meetings are designed to provide a supportive environment where individuals can share their struggles and work towards recovery together.
Address 1: Harvard Baptist Church
Location: 2401 South 9th Street, Springfield, Illinois
Meetings and Details: Meetings at this location are open to all who wish to attend and are seeking support for drug addiction. The meetings provide a space for individuals to share their experiences and receive support from fellow members, following the NA program’s principles.
Address 2: 217 Group
Location: Details about the specific location of the 217 Group can be found on Narcotics.com, which provides information on NA meetings in Springfield, including times and directions.
Meetings and Details: The 217 Group offers meetings where members can discuss their recovery progress, share experiences, and receive support in a structured environment. These meetings are designed to help individuals stay committed to their recovery journey.
Address 3: General Location (Example)
Location: 5678 Oak Ave, Springfield, IL 62702 (Example location)
Meetings and Details: Meetings at this location are held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at noon. They follow the standard NA format, lasting about an hour, and are centered around the 12-step program, which guides members through the recovery process.
The 12 Steps of NA
The 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous are a set of principles designed to help individuals overcome drug addiction. These steps are the foundation of the NA program and are used to motivate members toward positive change in their lives. Here is a detailed look at each step:
- Step 1: Admitted to having a problem with our addiction and acknowledged that we were powerless over it. This step is about recognizing the need for change and accepting the reality of our situation.
- Step 2: Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. This step involves developing a belief in a higher power or a spiritual force that can aid in recovery.
- Step 3: Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. This step is about surrendering to the process and letting go of control.
- Step 4: Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. This involves a thorough examination of one’s past actions and their impact.
- Step 5: Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. This step is about honesty and accountability.
- Step 6: Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. This step involves preparing oneself for personal growth and change.
- Step 7: Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. This step is about humility and seeking help from a higher power.
- Step 8: Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all. This step prepares individuals for making restitution.
- Step 9: Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. This step involves taking action to repair relationships and make amends.
- Step 10: Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. This ongoing process helps maintain self-awareness and accountability.
- Step 11: 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. This step is about spiritual growth and seeking guidance.
- Step 12: Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to addicts, and to practice these principles in all our affairs. This step involves sharing the message of recovery with others and living by the principles learned.
Getting Started with NA in Illinois, Sangamon, Springfield, USA
For those interested in attending NA meetings in Springfield, Illinois, or any other location, the best way to find local meetings is by visiting Methadone.org. This site provides a comprehensive directory of NA meetings across Illinois, including Springfield. Both in-person and online/virtual meetings are available, offering flexibility for those seeking support.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
NA meetings are categorized into open and closed meetings. Here is a table explaining the differences:
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meetings | Open to anyone interested in attending, including non-addicts. These meetings are a great way for newcomers to get a feel for the NA program. |
| Closed Meetings | Restricted to addicts only. These meetings provide a safe space for members to share personal struggles without fear of judgment from non-addicts. |
When attending your first meeting, it is recommended to arrive early and introduce yourself as a new member. If you feel comfortable, you can share your experiences. Many meetings also offer welcome keychain tags to new members, which mark milestones in their recovery journey:
- 30 Days: This milestone is often celebrated with a chip or keychain tag. It marks the beginning of a successful recovery journey.
- 60 Days: Another milestone celebrated with recognition, acknowledging continued progress in recovery.
- 1 Year: A significant milestone marking a year of sobriety, recognized with a special commemoration or token.
These milestones are important markers of progress and serve as motivation for continued recovery.