Last Updated:
May 16th, 2025
Local Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Meetings
What is Narcotics Anonymous?
Narcotics Anonymous began in 1953 in California, growing out of the model established by Alcoholics Anonymous. While AA was helping many people recover from alcohol addiction, it became clear that people struggling with other substances needed a space of their own. Jimmy Kinnon, one of NA’s founding members, helped shape the early meetings, which focused on offering the same kind of peer-based support but with language and guidance that made space for all types of drug addiction.
From those small beginnings, NA has grown into a global fellowship with thousands of meetings in dozens of countries.
At its core, NA is a 12-step programme that offers peer support to people in recovery from drug addiction. It doesn’t focus on one substance and it doesn’t ask for a label. Whether you’ve been struggling for years or only just started to realise things are slipping, NA is open to you.
What types of substances does NA cater for?
Some people hear the name “Narcotics Anonymous” and assume it’s only for those addicted to hard drugs like heroin or crack. But that’s not the case. NA doesn’t discriminate based on the substance used or how long someone’s been using. If any drug has become a problem in your life, you’ll find a place here.
Yes, you’ll meet people who’ve used cocaine, meth, heroin and other well-known drugs. But you’ll also hear from people who have struggled with substances that don’t often get talked about, like Ritalin, Adderall, Xanax or over-the-counter painkillers. Some people come in after years of using prescription medication in a way that started out harmless and eventually spiralled. Others may have misused substances for a short time but quickly saw the damage it caused.
The focus in NA isn’t on the drug. It’s the effect it’s had on your life. If your use has created harm, chaos or distance between you and the person you want to be, then that’s enough. There’s no threshold of suffering you have to hit to belong.
What happens at an NA meeting?
If the thought of walking into your first meeting makes you nervous, that’s perfectly normal. Many people feel the same way before their first time. But the atmosphere in most NA meetings is surprisingly low-key. You’ll usually be greeted at the door or in the chat if it’s online, and someone might hand you a format or let you know how things usually run.
Meetings begin with a few readings from NA literature. These include the Twelve Steps, the NA Preamble and excerpts from the NA Basic Text. These set the tone and gently remind everyone what the meeting is about: honesty, support and shared experience.
After that, members begin to share. They might talk about something that happened in their recovery this week, a challenge they’re facing or a turning point they’ve reached. It’s not scripted or polished, just real people being honest about what they’re going through.
No one will ask you to speak, and you won’t be put on the spot. You can just sit, listen and see what resonates. Many people attend their first few meetings without saying a word—and that’s completely okay.
The tone of the room is supportive and non-judgemental. You might hear difficult things, but you’ll also hear a lot of hope.
Do I need to be clean before I go to an NA meeting?
You don’t have to be perfectly clean or have a certain number of sober days to attend a meeting. If you’ve used recently, you’ll still be welcomed. What matters is your willingness to explore recovery.
That said, NA meetings are spaces where everyone’s safety and comfort matter. If you’ve used just before a meeting, you’re still welcome, as long as your behaviour doesn’t put others at risk or disrupt the meeting. The goal is to create a space where everyone feels safe, including those in early recovery.
There’s no judgement if you slip or relapse. You’ll meet plenty of people who’ve walked that road. But showing up with respect for the group is key. If you’re unsure, listen first. Learn how the meetings work, and when you feel ready, step forward.
What are the benefits of NA?
People come to NA for all kinds of reasons. Some are desperate. Some are unsure. Some are just curious. But the reason people stay often comes down to one thing: connection.
Being around people who understand
It’s hard to explain addiction to someone who hasn’t lived it. But in NA, you don’t have to explain much. People just get it. You can speak freely and people won’t flinch or back away. They’ll nod because they’ve been there, too.
Clarity and structure
Addiction brings chaos. NA brings rhythm. The steps, the literature, and the regular meetings all help provide something steady when everything else has felt unsteady for so long. It gives you a way to check in with yourself and a place to come back to if things get tough.
Support without pressure
Nobody’s tracking your progress or expecting perfection. You’ll be encouraged, not pushed. If you disappear for a while, you can always come back, and if you stumble, the group will still be there, offering a seat and a warm welcome.
How do I find a Narcotics Anonymous meeting?
Finding a meeting is simple, and there’s probably one closer than you think. You can visit the official NA website at www.na.org and use their search tool to find in-person meetings near you. There are also many online meetings if you prefer to log in from home or if there aren’t local options available.
Meetings happen in all sorts of places; community centres, libraries, church halls or even online through Zoom or phone.
There’s no sign-up, no commitment and no cost. Just show up, listen and see if it feels like a place where you could belong.
Not sure where to begin? Addiction Helper is here for you
If this all feels like a lot to take in, we understand. The first steps into recovery are often the hardest ones. You might have questions, you might be afraid of being judged or you might not know if NA is the right fit.
That’s where Addiction Helper comes in. Our team is here to offer guidance, not pressure. We’ll listen to your situation and help you figure out what kind of support you need, whether that’s an NA meeting near you, a detox service or just someone to talk to about where you’re at.
We know that reaching out isn’t easy. But if you’re here, you’ve already started. Let us help you take the next step and reach out today.
Our compassionate team are ready and available to take your call, and guide you towards lasting the lasting addiction recovery you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Click here to see works cited)
- Lewis CE (2017) The History of Narcotics Anonymous. J Addict Med Ther 5(2): 1036.
