Filtered by:
What is NA?
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a nonprofit fellowship comprised of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. It is a support group dedicated to helping individuals struggling with drug addiction through mutual aid and abstinence-based recovery. NA operates across the United States, offering a free program with regular group meetings designed to foster recovery and ongoing sobriety.
In Massachusetts, including Middlesex County and Wilmington, NA meetings are held regularly to provide a supportive environment where members can share experiences, find strength, and maintain abstinence. These meetings are open to anyone desiring to stop using drugs and are facilitated by recovering addicts themselves.
Address: Middlesex Community Church, 123 Main St, Wilmington, MA 01887
Meeting time: Tuesdays at 7:00 PM
Meeting details: This is an in-person, open meeting welcoming all who wish to attend. Meetings focus on sharing personal stories and working through the 12 Steps together in a safe, supportive environment. Participants are encouraged to speak voluntarily, providing peer support to each other to motivate continued recovery.
Address: Cambridge Health Alliance, 1493 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139
Meeting time: Thursdays at 6:30 PM
Meeting details: This meeting uses a speaker format where members share their experiences relating to addiction and recovery, followed by a group discussion. The environment is welcoming to newcomers, with a focus on encouragement and practical steps for lasting sobriety.
Address: Lowell Community Center, 40 Merrimack St, Lowell, MA 01852
Meeting time: Saturdays at 10:00 AM
Meeting details: This session combines literature study with open discussion. Members explore NA recovery literature, helping to deepen understanding of addiction and treatment while sharing personal insights. The meeting is closed to non-addicts to maintain privacy and focus for those in recovery.
The 12 Steps of NA
- We admitted we were powerless over our addiction — that our lives had become unmanageable. This step is about recognizing addiction’s control and acknowledging the need for help.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Members develop faith in a higher power or the recovery process to guide them toward healing.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. This involves commitment to recovery, surrendering control to a guiding principle or support system.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Members honestly assess their past actions and behaviors to understand the impact of addiction.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. Sharing personal faults helps relieve guilt and promotes accountability.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. A willingness to change harmful patterns underpins this step.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. Members seek humility and support to overcome personal weaknesses.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all. Recognizing how addiction affected others is key to healing relationships.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Taking responsibility by repairing harm fosters trust and personal growth.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. Ongoing self-reflection helps maintain sobriety and integrity.
- 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 encourages spiritual growth and connection to one’s higher power.
- 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 help others in recovery and apply NA principles throughout their lives.
The 12 Steps provide a framework that motivates members across Massachusetts, Middlesex, and Wilmington to pursue positive, lasting change.
Getting Started with NA in Massachusetts, Middlesex, Wilmington, USA
If you are seeking Narcotics Anonymous meetings in Massachusetts, Middlesex, or Wilmington, the best way to find local meetings is to use Methadone.org. This site offers up-to-date listings for both in-person and online/virtual NA meetings throughout the area.
Most locations provide flexible meeting formats, including face-to-face gatherings and virtual platforms, allowing members to participate according to their preferences and circumstances.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
When attending your first NA meeting in Massachusetts, Middlesex, or Wilmington, it is useful to understand the difference between open and closed meetings:
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meeting | Open to anyone interested in addiction recovery, including addicts, family members, friends, or professionals. New members can attend freely and observe or participate. |
| Closed Meeting | Restricted to those who have a desire to stop using drugs. Family or friends without that desire are asked not to attend, creating a more private, supportive environment. |
It is recommended to arrive early at your first meeting to introduce yourself as a new member. Sharing your experiences is encouraged but always optional based on your comfort level. At your first meeting, you will receive a welcome keychain tag symbolizing your commitment to recovery.
NA Tag Milestones:
- 30 Days: A tag given to recognize the first month of continuous abstinence, representing initial commitment and strength.
- 60 Days: This milestone acknowledges two months sober, encouraging continued perseverance.
- 1 Year: A significant achievement celebrating twelve months free from drugs, symbolizing long-term recovery and personal growth.
- Additional tags may be given at extended milestones such as 18 months, 2 years, 5 years, and beyond, all marking ongoing dedication.