Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a nonprofit fellowship of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. It is a free program with regular group meetings held in Laredo, Webb, Texas, USA, and cities across the United States. The organization provides a supportive environment for individuals struggling with drug addiction, offering a structured program to help them stay clean and transition to a healthier lifestyle. More details about meetings in this area can be found at https://www.wfmh.org/na/texas/webb/laredo.
What is NA?
NA is a self-help organization that provides support to individuals recovering from drug addiction. It operates on the principle of anonymity, allowing members to share their experiences without fear of judgment. The organization is based on a set of principles known as the 12 Steps, which guide members toward positive change and recovery. NA meetings are available in various locations across Laredo, Webb, Texas, providing a convenient and supportive environment for those seeking recovery.
2300 Lane Street, Laredo, Texas, 78043-2711
At 2300 Lane Street, NA meetings are held twice a week. Meetings occur on Monday and Wednesday at 7:00 PM. These gatherings offer a space for individuals to share their experiences and receive support from fellow members in a structured environment. The meetings are typically led by a chairperson who facilitates the discussion and ensures the meeting stays on track.
6202 McPherson Road Suite 2, Laredo, Texas, 78041
The New Beginnings Group Laredo offers a more frequent schedule of meetings. Meetings are held from Monday to Thursday at 8:00 PM, and on Saturday at 8:00 PM, with an additional meeting on Sunday at 12:00 PM. These meetings provide a consistent opportunity for members to gather, share, and support each other in their recovery journey. The diverse schedule allows members to attend meetings at times that suit their lifestyle.
108 Cactus Street, Laredo, Texas, 78041
The Pathways to Recovery Group meets at 108 Cactus Street. Meetings are held on Tuesday and Saturday at 7:00 PM. This group focuses on creating a supportive community where members can openly discuss their experiences and challenges. The meetings are designed to foster a sense of camaraderie and understanding among members.
The 12 Steps of NA
The 12 Steps of NA are a set of principles designed to guide individuals toward recovery and a healthier lifestyle. Here is a detailed description of each step:
- We admitted we were powerless over our addiction—that our lives had become unmanageable. This step involves acknowledging the control that drugs have over one’s life and accepting the need for help. It is a crucial step in recognizing the severity of addiction and seeking support.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. This step encourages members to seek a higher power or spiritual guidance to help them recover. It is about finding a source of strength beyond personal control.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God, as we understood Him. Here, members commit to relying on a higher power to guide their recovery. This step involves surrendering control and trusting in a power greater than oneself.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. This involves reflecting on past actions and behaviors to understand patterns and areas for improvement. It is a process of self-reflection and acknowledgment.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. Members share their moral inventory with a trusted individual, which helps in clearing past mistakes and beginning the healing process.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. This step involves preparing oneself to let go of past defects and flaws that have hindered recovery. It is about being open to change and improvement.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. Members humbly seek help from their higher power to overcome personal shortcomings. This step is about acknowledging the need for help and seeking guidance.
- 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 harmed and becoming willing to make amends. It is about taking responsibility for past actions and seeking forgiveness.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Members take action to make amends to those they have harmed, provided it does not cause further harm. This step is about healing relationships and making restitution.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. This step involves ongoing self-reflection and acknowledgment of mistakes. It is about maintaining a growth mindset and being open to learning and improvement.
- 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 seek spiritual growth through prayer and meditation, seeking guidance and strength to follow their higher power’s will.
- Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others, and to practice these principles in all our affairs. The final step involves sharing the message of recovery with others and applying the principles learned in daily life. It is about giving back to the community and living a life of service.
Getting Started with NA in Laredo,Webb,Texas, USA
Getting started with NA in Laredo, Webb, Texas, USA, is straightforward. You can use the meeting search feature on methadone.org to find local meetings in your area. Both in-person and online/virtual meetings are available, allowing flexibility for those who may face obstacles in attending physical meetings.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
When attending your first NA meeting, it is helpful to understand the difference between open and closed meetings:
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meetings | Open to anyone interested in learning about NA, including non-members. These meetings are often a good starting point for newcomers. |
| Closed Meetings | Restricted to those who have a desire to stop using drugs. These meetings provide a safe space for members to share their experiences and receive support. |
It is recommended to arrive early and introduce yourself as a new member. If comfortable, you can share your experiences with the group. Many groups offer a welcome keychain tag at your first meeting, which serves as a symbol of your commitment to recovery.
These keychain tags often commemorate milestones in your recovery journey:
- 30 Days: This milestone celebrates a month of sobriety and is a significant marker of progress in the recovery journey.
- 60 Days: Representing two months of sobriety, this milestone is crucial as it signifies a continued commitment to recovery.
- 1 Year: A year of sobriety is a major achievement, marking a full cycle of recovery and a strong foundation for long-term sobriety.
- Multiple Years: Each additional year of sobriety is celebrated as a testament to the effectiveness of the NA program and the dedication of its members.
These milestones serve as reminders of the progress made and the support received through the NA community.