What is NA?
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a nonprofit fellowship and support group designed for individuals struggling with drug addiction. Founded in the 1950s, it now operates worldwide, providing a peer-to-peer recovery program that is free of charge. NA offers a safe, non-judgmental, and inclusive environment where members share experiences and support one another in achieving and maintaining sobriety.
Across the United States, including Puerto Rico and the city of Lares, NA holds regular group meetings that anyone seeking recovery can join. These meetings are open to all individuals affected by addiction, and provide important community backing and structure for recovery.
Address 1: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Location: Calle Loíza 1608, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00911
Meeting Times: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8:00 PM
These meetings follow the traditional NA format, emphasizing candid sharing of personal stories, strengths, and hopes within a supportive, peer-led environment. New attendees are encouraged to participate and find encouragement through collective experience.
Address 2: Ponce, Puerto Rico
Location: Calle Aponte 55, Ponce, Puerto Rico, 00716
Meeting Times: Tuesday and Thursday at 7:30 PM, Sunday at 6:00 PM
Meetings in Ponce foster an inclusive atmosphere welcoming individuals of all backgrounds and recovery stages. Many sessions feature guest speakers who share insights on addiction and recovery, enriching the support dynamic.
Address 3: Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
Location: Calle Marginal 225, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, 00680
Meeting Times: Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 8:00 PM
Mayagüez meetings encourage open discussion, Reading of NA literature, and mutual support aimed at maintaining sobriety, providing crucial resources for people in western Puerto Rico.
The 12 Steps of NA
- We admitted we were powerless over our addiction — that our lives had become unmanageable. This step encourages acceptance of addiction’s control, a first move toward recovery.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Members find hope by acknowledging the possibility of external help beyond self-will.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. This involves surrendering control and trusting in a higher power for guidance.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Members critically examine their past behaviors and character defects honestly and thoroughly.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. This step brings transparency and relief through confession.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. Members prepare to let go of personal flaws and destructive behaviors.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. This step invites spiritual transformation and humility.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all. It requires recognition of the impact of one’s actions on others.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Members take responsibility through concrete reparations.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. This encourages ongoing 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. This fosters 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. Members embrace helping others and living the NA principles continuously.
These 12 Steps motivate NA members throughout Puerto Rico and the USA, including Lares, toward lasting positive change.
Getting Started with NA in Puerto Rico, Lares, Lares, USA
The best way to find local Narcotics Anonymous meetings in Puerto Rico and Lares is by searching on Methadone.org. This resource provides up-to-date listings of both in-person and virtual meetings available throughout the region.
Most locations offer a combination of both in-person and online meetings to accommodate various needs and preferences, making recovery support accessible wherever you are.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
NA meetings in Puerto Rico and Lares are typically classified as either open or closed:
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open | Anyone interested in the NA program is welcome to attend, including friends and family of addicts. |
| Closed | Only individuals who identify themselves as addicts may attend for focused peer support. |
- Arrive early to introduce yourself as a new member.
- Share your experiences if you feel comfortable doing so.
- Receive a welcome keychain tag to celebrate your abstinence milestones.
NA tags symbolize progress and encouragement, marking key abstinence periods including:
- 30 days – Celebrates initial commitment to sobriety.
- 60 days – Marks continued dedication and progress.
- 90 days – Represents sustained early recovery efforts.
- 6 months – Reflects half a year of ongoing recovery.
- 9 months – Shows consistent commitment as recovery deepens.
- 1 year – Celebrates a full year free of drug use.
- 18 months and beyond – Commemorates long-term sobriety achievements.