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Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a support group designed for individuals struggling with drug addiction. It is a free program that holds regular meetings in various locations across the United States, including New York, Erie County, and Depew. These meetings provide a supportive environment where members can share their experiences and work through their recovery journey together.
What is NA?
Narcotics Anonymous is a well-established support group for those seeking recovery from drug addiction. NA is available in cities across the U.S. and offers a structured program to help members overcome their addiction challenges. The program is free and is based on the principle of anonymity, allowing members to feel comfortable sharing their stories without fear of judgment.
Address: Depew, NY
One of the NA meetings in Depew is the Harvest Group, which takes place at 5087 Broadway. This meeting occurs at 6:45 PM and provides a space for members to share their experiences and receive support from fellow attendees. The group meetings are designed to be welcoming and inclusive, creating a safe space for new members to join and participate.
Address: Buffalo, NY
In Buffalo, the Morning After Group meets at 230 Moselle Street at 9:00 AM. This early morning meeting is excellent for those who prefer starting their day with a supportive community. Another meeting in Buffalo is the Hope for the Hurting Group, located at 28 Edison Avenue and convenes at 12:00 PM, offering mid-day support for those who need it.
Address: West Seneca, NY
In West Seneca, the We Are Responsible Group meets at 1345 Indian Church Road at 7:30 PM. This evening meeting is ideal for individuals who prefer to attend after work or other daytime commitments. The group provides a supportive environment where members can share their recovery experiences and receive encouragement from others.
The 12 Steps of NA
The 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous are a core part of the recovery program. These steps are designed to motivate members toward positive change and help them maintain their sobriety. Here is a list of the 12 Steps with brief descriptions:
- Step 1: We admitted we were powerless over our addiction—that our lives had become unmanageable. This step involves acknowledging the powerlessness over addiction and the unmanageability of life. It is a crucial first step toward recovery.
- Step 2: Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Believing in a higher power helps members find strength beyond their own abilities, which is essential for recovery.
- Step 3: Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. This step involves handing over one’s life to a higher power, which helps in maintaining sobriety and personal growth.
- Step 4: Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Conducting a thorough self-assessment helps members identify their strengths and weaknesses, which is crucial for personal growth.
- Step 5: Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. Sharing one’s mistakes with others helps in healing and building trust within the community.
- Step 6: Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. Being ready to let go of negative traits is a significant step toward personal improvement.
- Step 7: Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. Asking for help in overcoming one’s flaws is a humbling experience that aids in personal growth.
- Step 8: Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all. Identifying those harmed and being willing to make amends helps in healing relationships.
- Step 9: Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Making amends to those harmed is a crucial part of the recovery process and helps in rebuilding relationships.
- Step 10: Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. Continuously reflecting on one’s actions and admitting mistakes helps in maintaining personal integrity.
- Step 11: 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. Engaging in prayer and meditation helps members connect with a higher power and find guidance.
- Step 12: 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. Sharing the message of recovery and living according to the principles learned helps in spreading hope and support within the community.
Getting Started with NA in New York, Erie, Depew, USA
To find local NA meetings in New York, Erie County, and Depew, visit Methadone.org or similar resources. Both in-person and online/virtual meetings are available in most places, making it easy for everyone to participate.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
When attending your first NA meeting, it’s helpful to understand the difference between open and closed meetings.
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meetings | Open meetings are available to anyone interested in attending, including non-addicts. They are a great way for newcomers to learn more about NA. |
| Closed Meetings | Closed meetings are restricted to addicts only, providing a safe space for members to share their stories without fear of judgment. |
When attending your first meeting, it’s a good idea to arrive early and introduce yourself as a new member. You can choose to share your experiences if you feel comfortable doing so. New members often receive welcome keychain tags at their first meeting, which serve as milestones in their recovery journey.
Here are some common milestones marked by keychain tags:
- 30 Days: This milestone marks a month of sobriety and is often celebrated with a keychain tag.
- 60 Days: Two months of sobriety is another significant milestone, showing progress in recovery.
- 1 Year: One year of sobriety is a major achievement, demonstrating long-term commitment to recovery.
- 5 Years, 10 Years, etc.: These tags commemorate even longer periods of sobriety, marking significant milestones in a member’s recovery journey.
These milestones serve as reminders of progress and motivation for continued sobriety.