What is NA?
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a nonprofit fellowship for individuals struggling with drug addiction, offering a free, peer-to-peer support program aimed at recovery. Founded in the 1950s, NA provides regular group meetings across cities in the United States, including Puerto Rico and the Loíza region, fostering a supportive community for those seeking freedom from addiction.
The program operates through a 12-step model designed to motivate positive change in members’ lives, facilitating personal growth and sustained abstinence from drug use. All meetings in Puerto Rico, including those in Loíza, are free to attend and emphasize confidentiality, acceptance, and mutual support.
Address 1
Location: Calle Loíza 1608, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00911
Meetings: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8:00 PM
These meetings follow the traditional NA format where participants share their personal experiences, strengths, and hopes, fostering a supportive and non-professional environment. Newcomers are warmly encouraged to attend and share stories, while seasoned members provide guidance and encouragement to help reinforce recovery strategies.
Address 2
Location: Calle Aponte 55, Ponce, Puerto Rico 00716
Meetings: Tuesday and Thursday at 7:30 PM, Sunday at 6:00 PM
The Ponce NA meetings accommodate a diverse group of individuals and maintain an inclusive atmosphere where all are welcome regardless of their background or stage in the recovery process. Meetings often feature guest speakers who share their personal journeys, providing additional insights and motivation for participants.
Address 3
Location: Calle Marginal 225, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico 00680
Meetings: Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 8:00 PM
NA meetings in Mayagüez promote open discussions, literature readings, and mutual support aimed at maintaining sobriety. These meetings are especially important for individuals in western Puerto Rico, offering community-based support tailored to their needs.
The 12 Steps of NA
- We admitted we were powerless over our addiction—that our lives had become unmanageable. This step establishes the foundation for recovery by acknowledging addiction’s control and the need for help.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Members recognize the possibility of personal transformation through faith or belief in a higher power.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. This step involves surrender and trust in spiritual guidance to overcome addiction.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Members reflect honestly on their past behaviors and character traits to understand how addiction affected their lives.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. This step encourages transparency and accountability to break the cycle of shame and secrecy.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. Members express willingness to change harmful patterns and embrace growth.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. This step is about actively seeking help for personal failings and commitment to improvement.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all. Recognition of past harms is necessary before making reparations.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Members take responsibility by making restitution while considering the wellbeing of others.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. Ongoing self-awareness and honesty help maintain sobriety and personal growth.
- Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him. Regular spiritual practice supports mental and emotional health.
- 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. Recovery is shared with others, promoting a supportive community throughout Puerto Rico and Loíza.
Getting Started with NA in Puerto Rico, Loíza, Loiza, USA
The best way to find local NA meetings in Puerto Rico, Loíza, and surrounding areas is to use the meeting search tool available on Methadone.org. This resource is updated and provides comprehensive listings of meetings by location and time.
Both in-person and online/virtual meetings are available in most areas, providing flexibility and accessibility for all members. Virtual meetings accommodate those who cannot attend physically, ensuring continuous support throughout the recovery journey.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
NA meetings in Puerto Rico and Loíza can be categorized as “open” or “closed,” each serving different participant groups and purposes:
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open | Open to anyone interested in learning about or supporting the NA program, including family, friends, and newcomers. |
| Closed | Restricted to individuals who identify themselves as addicts seeking recovery and support specific to NA members. |
- Arrive early and introduce yourself as a new local member to meet others and feel more comfortable in the setting.
- Share your experiences if and when you feel comfortable; participation is encouraged but not mandatory.
- At your first meeting, you can receive welcome keychain tags that mark your abstinence milestones as encouragement and recognition of progress.
Keychain tags mark important milestones in sobriety:
- 30 days: Celebrates one month of continuous abstinence, marking the initial commitment to recovery.
- 60 days: Acknowledges two months of maintaining sobriety and developing coping strategies.
- 90 days: The first quarter year milestone, showing sustained dedication and growing strength.
- 6 months: Half a year of recovery progress, often accompanied by deeper personal growth.
- 9 months: Recognition of continued perseverance and resilience.
- 1 year: A significant milestone symbolizing a full year of successful recovery and lifestyle change.
- 18 months and multiple years: Honors long-term commitment and ongoing support within the NA community.