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What is NA?
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a support group for individuals struggling with drug addiction. It is a global fellowship available in cities across the United States, including Maryland, Howard County, and Laurel. NA offers a free, confidential program based on shared experiences to help members achieve and maintain sobriety.
Regular group meetings are held in Maryland, Howard, and Laurel, providing a safe space for recovering addicts to share, learn, and support one another through their recovery journey.
Address: Freestate Service Center, 217 N. Warwick Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21223
Meeting Time: 1st Saturday of each month, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
This long-established meeting at the Freestate Service Center offers an extended session designed for in-depth sharing and fellowship. It encourages members to engage actively in group discussions, providing a comprehensive support environment.
Address: Christ Episcopal Church, 106 West Dorsey Road, Hanover, MD 21076
Meeting Time: Every Tuesday, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
This weekly meeting follows a speaker-discussion format, where members share personal recovery stories followed by group reflections. It’s a welcoming space for newcomers and experienced members alike to connect and grow.
Address: Laurel United Methodist Church, 12219 Tulip Grove Drive, Laurel, MD 20708
Meeting Time: Every Thursday, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Held in a quiet, supportive church environment, this meeting focuses on the 12-step recovery program with open discussions and literature study. Members are encouraged to support one another through accountability and encouragement.
The 12 Steps of NA
- Admitting powerlessness: We admitted we were powerless over our addiction and that our lives had become unmanageable. Recognizing this is the first step toward recovery as it opens the Door to change.
- Believing in a higher power: Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. This empowers members to seek spiritual support beyond their personal control.
- Turning over to the higher power: Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. This step fosters trust and commitment to the recovery process.
- Conducting a moral inventory: Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. This encourages honesty about personal flaws and behaviors contributing to addiction.
- Admitting wrongs: Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. This builds accountability and humility.
- Ready for change: Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. This step symbolizes readiness for personal growth and transformation.
- Asking for removal of shortcomings: Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. It involves surrender and acceptance of help.
- Making amends list: Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all. This helps restore relationships and self-respect.
- Making amends: Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. This promotes healing and reconciliation.
- Continuing personal inventory: Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. This supports ongoing self-awareness and responsibility.
- Seeking spiritual connection: Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him. This deepens spiritual growth and guidance.
- Helping others: Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to addicts and practice these principles in all our affairs. This step emphasizes the importance of service and community contribution.
The 12 Steps motivate members throughout Maryland, Howard, and Laurel to achieve sustained recovery and improved quality of life.
Getting Started with NA in Maryland, Howard, Laurel, USA
Individuals seeking to start their recovery journey can search for local meetings on Methadone.org, the preferred resource for finding Narcotics Anonymous meetings in Maryland, Howard County, Laurel, and beyond. This site provides detailed, up-to-date information about meeting locations, times, and formats.
Most areas offer both in-person and online/virtual meetings, accommodating different comfort levels and needs.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
When attending your first NA meeting in Maryland, Howard, or Laurel, it’s important to understand the distinction between open and closed meetings:
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meeting | Open to anyone interested in learning about NA, including addicts, family members, and friends. These meetings welcome newcomers and provide an introduction to NA principles. |
| Closed Meeting | Restricted to those who identify as addicts or who have a desire to stop using. These meetings focus on sharing personal experiences and recovery among members only. |
- Arrive early to settle in and introduce yourself as a new local member to meeting facilitators or sponsors.
- Share your experiences only if you feel comfortable; participation is voluntary and respected.
- Receive welcome keychain tags at your first meeting, marking your progress in recovery.
List of Keychain Tag Milestones:
- 30 Days: Celebrates the first month of continuous sobriety and commitment to the program.
- 60 Days: Marks two months of recovery, symbolizing growing strength and resolve.
- 1 Year: A significant milestone representing sustained abstinence and transformation.
- Additional tags are available for longer periods such as 18 months, 2 years, 5 years, and beyond, encouraging ongoing dedication.