What is NA?
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a support group designed for individuals struggling with drug addiction. It operates as a global, community-based association dedicated to helping recovering drug addicts maintain a drug-free lifestyle through mutual support and shared experiences. NA offers a free program with regular group meetings held in numerous cities across the United States, including New Jersey, Bergen, and Englewood.
The program emphasizes confidentiality, peer support, and the application of a structured recovery process based on shared values. Meetings serve as safe spaces where individuals can openly discuss their struggles with addiction and work toward lasting recovery.
Location 1: Bergen County NA Meeting
Address: Bergen Presbyterian Church, 207 Franklin Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Meeting Time: Mondays, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
- Meeting Type: Open discussion meeting where members share their experiences, challenges, and successes with addiction recovery in an informal and supportive environment.
- Method: The meeting begins with a Reading from NA literature, followed by group sharing. The focus is on honesty and mutual encouragement to foster a sense of community.
Location 2: Englewood NA Meeting
Address: Englewood Community Center, 45 Forest Ave, Englewood, NJ 07631
Meeting Time: Wednesdays, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Meeting Type: Closed step study meeting limited to individuals who identify as addicts seeking recovery.
- Method: The meeting focuses on working through the 12 Steps of NA with detailed Reading and member discussion aimed at deepening understanding and application of the recovery principles.
Location 3: New Jersey Bergen Area NA Meeting
Address: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 120 E. Ridgewood Ave, Paramus, NJ 07652
Meeting Time: Fridays, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Meeting Type: Speaker meeting featuring guest speakers who share their personal recovery journeys and insights into maintaining sobriety.
- Method: The meeting includes a speaker presentation followed by an open forum for questions and group sharing to inspire and motivate attendees.
The 12 Steps of NA
- We admitted we were powerless over our addiction—that our lives had become unmanageable. This step acknowledges the loss of control to drugs and sets the foundation for change.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. It introduces faith in a higher power as a source of strength in recovery.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. This step involves the commitment to trust and surrender control.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Members examine personal behaviors and attitudes honestly to identify defects and strengths.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. Sharing personal faults encourages accountability and humility.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. Readiness to change character defects is essential for growth.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. This step reflects the ongoing spiritual willingness to improve.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all. Recognizing the impact of addiction on others facilitates healing and reconciliation.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Taking responsibility through amends restores relationships.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. This step encourages continuous self-awareness and accountability.
- 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. It promotes spiritual growth and guidance.
- 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. The final step encourages service and ongoing application of NA principles.
This 12-step framework motivates NA members across New Jersey, Bergen, and Englewood toward positive life changes and lasting recovery.
Getting Started with NA in New Jersey, Bergen, Englewood, USA
Individuals looking to begin their recovery journey with Narcotics Anonymous in New Jersey, Bergen, or Englewood are encouraged to use Methadone.org as the premier resource to search for local NA meetings. This website offers the most accurate and up-to-date meeting listings across the area.
Most locations offer both in-person and online or virtual meetings, providing flexible options to accommodate different needs, schedules, or health considerations.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
Newcomers in New Jersey, Bergen, and Englewood can choose between open and closed NA meetings depending on their comfort and recovery stage.
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meeting | Open to anyone interested, including addicts, family, friends, and observers. These meetings provide a general introduction to NA and offer an open forum for sharing. |
| Closed Meeting | Restricted to individuals who identify themselves as addicts seeking recovery. These meetings provide a confidential space for more focused recovery work. |
- Arrive early to introduce yourself as a new local member.
- Participate and share your experiences if you feel comfortable; sharing is voluntary.
- Receive welcome keychain tags that symbolize your journey milestones in recovery.
Keychain Tag Milestones
- 30 days: Celebrates the first month of continuous sobriety; marks a critical early stage of recovery.
- 60 days: Acknowledges sustained progress and growing strength to resist relapse.
- 1 year: Represents a major achievement and commitment to a drug-free life, inspiring confidence and hope.
- Additional milestones continue beyond 1 year to encourage long-term sobriety.