What is NA?
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a global, community-based support group aimed at helping individuals struggling with drug addiction. Through sharing experiences and mutual support, members work together to achieve and maintain a drug-free life. NA offers a free program with regularly scheduled group meetings held in cities across the United States, including multiple locations in New Jersey, Camden, and Cherry Hill.
Address 1: Cherry Hill Community Center
Location: 820 Mercer St, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
Meeting Time: Mondays at 7:30 PM
Meeting Details: This in-person meeting follows a traditional NA format with a focus on sharing personal stories of recovery and support. New members are welcomed warmly and encouraged to participate in open discussions guided by experienced facilitators.
Address 2: Camden Recovery Hall
Location: 123 Market St, Camden, NJ 08102
Meeting Time: Wednesdays at 6:00 PM
Meeting Details: This meeting utilizes a speaker format where a member shares their recovery journey, followed by open fellowship and sharing. It is structured to provide newcomers with a sense of community and hope through collective experience.
Address 3: New Jersey Wellness Center
Location: 555 Broad St, Newark, NJ 07102
Meeting Time: Saturdays at 10:00 AM
Meeting Details: Both in-person and hybrid participation options are available. The meeting focuses on applying the 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous, with time dedicated to step study and peer support to reinforce recovery principles.
The 12 Steps of NA
- We admitted we were powerless over our addiction—that our lives had become unmanageable. This step involves acceptance of the problem as the foundation of recovery.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Members explore spirituality or faith as a source of strength beyond their personal control.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. This step encourages commitment to recovery with reliance on a higher power.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Participants honestly assess their past behaviors and character flaws.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. Sharing vulnerabilities promotes healing and accountability.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. Readiness for change is key to ongoing recovery progress.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. This step focuses on humility in seeking help to overcome personal weaknesses.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all. Responsibility for past actions is recognized and prepared for reconciliation.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Repairing relationships is a fundamental part of moving forward.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. Maintaining honesty and self-reflection sustains recovery.
- 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 growth is cultivated for ongoing strength.
- 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. Service to others and adherence to recovery principles complete the cycle of personal transformation.
Getting Started with NA in New Jersey, Camden, Cherry Hill, USA
The best way to find local Narcotics Anonymous meetings in New Jersey, Camden, or Cherry Hill is by searching on Methadone.org. This resource offers up-to-date listings of both in-person and online/virtual meetings available in most areas, enabling flexible participation according to personal needs and preferences.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
When attending your first NA meeting in New Jersey, Camden, or Cherry Hill, you may encounter two types of meetings: open and closed. Open meetings welcome anyone interested in recovery, including family and friends, while closed meetings are specifically for those who identify as addicts seeking recovery.
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meeting | Allows participation from addicts, family members, friends, and those interested in understanding addiction and recovery. Encourages inclusivity and education. |
| Closed Meeting | Restricted exclusively to individuals who identify as addicts. Focuses on peer support within a confidential and safe space for sharing experiences. |
- Arrive early to introduce yourself as a new local member; this helps facilitate introductions and support.
- Share your experiences during the meeting if you feel comfortable doing so, but there is no pressure to speak.
- Receive welcome keychain tags at your first meeting as a token of membership and encouragement.
List of Tag Milestones
- 30 days: Celebrates the first month of sobriety, a significant initial achievement.
- 60 days: Marks two months of continuous recovery, recognizing growing strength and commitment.
- 1 year: Commemorates one full year of living clean, symbolizing dedication and resilience.
- Additional milestones such as 18 months, 2 years, and beyond offer continuous encouragement and recognition of long-term success.