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What is NA?
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a nonprofit fellowship of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem, offering support and recovery through mutual help. It is available across many cities in the United States, including Minnesota, Dakota, and Lakeville, providing a free program with regular group meetings where recovering addicts support each other to stay clean.
The Minnesota Region of Narcotics Anonymous emphasizes the therapeutic value of “one addict helping another,” aiming to carry the message that any addict can stop using drugs, lose the desire to use, and find a new way to live.
Address: Minneapolis NA Meeting
Address: Grace University Lutheran Church, 324 4th St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
Meeting time: Wednesdays at 7:00 PM
Meeting details: This is an in-person open meeting where members share their experiences with addiction and recovery in a supportive environment. The meeting begins with a Reading of NA literature and allows time for open discussion and sharing by attendees.
Address: Dakota County NA Meeting
Address: Dakota County Community Services, 1 Mendota Rd W, West St Paul, MN 55118
Meeting time: Mondays at 6:30 PM
Meeting details: This closed NA meeting is for those who identify as addicts seeking recovery, focusing on the 12 Steps of NA and personal sharing. It provides a structured format with guided discussions and literature readings tailored to newcomers and long-term members alike.
Address: Lakeville Never Alone Group
Address: Lakeville United Methodist Church, 20195 Holyoke Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044
Meeting time: Thursdays at 7:00 PM
Meeting details: The Never Alone Group hosts an open, in-person meeting featuring speaker shares, followed by group discussion and fellowship. The meeting offers a welcoming atmosphere intended to create a strong community connection and encourage sustained sobriety.
The 12 Steps of NA
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We admitted we were powerless over our addiction – that our lives had become unmanageable. This step acknowledges the need for help and acceptance that addiction controls life.
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Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Members open themselves to hope and the possibility of recovery through spiritual awakening.
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Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. This involves commitment to the recovery process guided by spiritual principles.
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Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Honest self-examination helps identify attitudes and behaviors that need change.
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Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. Sharing weaknesses and mistakes fosters accountability and healing.
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Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. This step marks readiness to let go of harmful traits and embrace new ways.
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Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. Members seek spiritual help to overcome personal limitations.
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Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all. This develops responsibility and the intent to repair damaged relationships.
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Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Repairing harm builds trust and supports emotional recovery.
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Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. Ongoing self-awareness prevents relapse and promotes growth.
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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. Spiritual practice strengthens commitment to sobriety.
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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 give back by helping others and living by NA values.
Getting Started with NA in Minnesota, Dakota, Lakeville, USA
To find local NA meetings in Minnesota, Dakota, and Lakeville, the best resource is Methadone.org, where people can search for meetings by area. Most communities offer both in-person and online/virtual meetings to accommodate different needs.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
NA meetings in these areas come in two basic types: open and closed meetings. Understanding the difference helps newcomers choose what feels right for them.
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meeting | Open to anyone interested in learning about NA, including addicts, family members, and friends. Focuses on sharing and education about recovery. |
| Closed Meeting | Restricted to individuals who identify as addicts seeking recovery. Provides a confidential and safe environment for sharing personal experiences. |
- Arrive early to your first meeting and introduce yourself as a new local member.
- If comfortable, share your experiences with the group to engage in fellowship.
- Receive a welcome keychain tag at your first meeting to mark your commitment to recovery.
List of Tag Milestones
- 30 Days: Celebrates the first month of continuous sobriety and encourages perseverance through early recovery challenges.
- 60 Days: Marks sustained progress, reinforcing the commitment to remain drug-free.
- 1 Year: Commemorates a significant milestone representing one full year of clean living, symbolizing hope and stability.
- Other milestones include 6 months, 9 months, 18 months, 2 years, and longer terms, each reflecting continued dedication and growth.