What is NA?
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a support group designed for individuals struggling with drug addiction. It is a free program that offers regular group meetings in various locations across the United States, including Oklahoma, Grady, and Chickasha. NA provides a safe and confidential environment for members to share their experiences, receive support, and work towards recovery. The organization emphasizes peer support and the 12-step program to help members overcome addiction.
Address: Oklahoma City
Meetings in Oklahoma City are held at multiple locations. For example, the Outsiders Group meets at 2145 SW 42nd Avenue at 12:00 PM and 7:00 PM, offering a space for members to share their experiences and receive support. Another meeting is the Newcomers Group, which takes place at 1401 NW 25th Street at 8:00 PM, providing a welcoming environment for new members to join the NA community.
Address: Nicoma Park
Meetings in Nicoma Park are available at 12226 Northeast 23rd Street. The Great News Group meets at this location at 12:00 PM and 7:30 PM, offering a supportive setting for members to focus on their recovery. These meetings are designed to foster a sense of community and provide ongoing support for those in the recovery process.
Address: Edmond
Meetings in Edmond are held at 915 East 33rd Street. The 33rd Street Group meets at this location at 6:30 PM, providing a structured environment for members to work through the NA program. This group supports members in applying the principles of NA to their daily lives, helping them achieve long-term recovery.
The 12 Steps of NA
The 12-step program of NA is a foundational aspect of the recovery process. It is designed to help members reflect on their past, acknowledge their addiction, and make changes to improve their lives. Below is a detailed description of each step:
- Step 1: We admitted that we were powerless over our addiction—that our lives had become unmanageable. This step involves recognizing the impact of addiction on one’s life and acknowledging the inability to control it. It is a crucial step in seeking help and support.
- Step 2: Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. This step encourages members to explore the concept of a higher power and how it can aid in recovery. It helps individuals understand that they are not alone in their struggles.
- Step 3: Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. Members are encouraged to surrender their will to a higher power, allowing them to move forward with humility and openness. This step is about letting go of control and trusting in a greater force.
- Step 4: Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. This step involves a thorough examination of one’s past actions and their consequences. It helps members identify patterns and behaviors that contributed to their addiction.
- Step 5: Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. Members share their moral inventory with someone they trust, often a sponsor or trusted friend. This step promotes honesty and accountability.
- Step 6: Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. This step is about being willing to let go of negative traits and behaviors. It involves a readiness to change and improve personally.
- Step 7: Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. Members ask their higher power to help them overcome their flaws and weaknesses. This step emphasizes humility and a willingness to accept help.
- Step 8: Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all. This step involves identifying those who have been hurt by one’s actions and being willing to make things right. It prepares members for the process of making amends.
- Step 9: Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Members take action to repair relationships and make amends, provided it does not cause harm to others. This step is about taking responsibility and making restitution.
- Step 10: Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. This step encourages ongoing self-reflection and immediate acknowledgment of mistakes. It helps members maintain a healthy perspective and continue growing.
- 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. Members engage in spiritual practices to deepen their connection with a higher power and seek guidance. This step is about cultivating a deeper sense of purpose and direction.
- 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. This final step involves sharing the message of recovery with others and integrating the principles of NA into daily life. It is about spreading hope and supporting others in their own recovery journeys.
Getting Started with NA in Oklahoma, Grady, Chickasha, USA
For those interested in joining NA, the best way to find local meetings is by visiting Methadone.org. This resource provides comprehensive information on NA meetings across different locations, including both in-person and virtual meetings. Both types of meetings are available in most areas, offering flexibility for members to choose the format that suits them best.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
When attending your first NA meeting, it is helpful to understand the types of meetings available. The table below distinguishes between open and closed meetings:
| Type of Meeting | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meetings | Open to anyone interested in attending, including non-addicts. These meetings can be a good introduction for newcomers to learn about NA. |
| Closed Meetings | Restricted to addicts or those who have a desire to stop using drugs. These meetings provide a safe space for members to share their experiences without judgment. |
When attending your first meeting, it is a good idea to arrive early and introduce yourself as a new member. If you feel comfortable, you can share your experiences with the group. Upon attending your first meeting, you will often receive a welcome keychain tag, which marks milestones in your recovery journey:
- 30 Days: This milestone indicates a month of sobriety and is a significant early achievement in recovery.
- 60 Days: Continuing to stay sober for two months demonstrates progress and commitment to the recovery process.
- 1 Year: Achieving one year of sobriety is a major milestone, marking substantial progress and a significant step towards long-term recovery.
- 2 Years, 5 Years, etc.: These milestones are celebrated as members continue to grow and sustain their recovery over time.
These tags serve as reminders of the progress you’ve made and encourage continued participation in NA meetings.