What is Narcotics Anonymous?

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a support group for individuals who are struggling with drug addiction. The program is based on a 12-step approach and is designed to help individuals achieve and maintain sobriety. NA is available in cities across the United States and globally, offering a safe space for people to share their experiences and receive support from others facing similar challenges. Those looking for local support can find Seattle NA meetings to connect with a community dedicated to recovery.

Support Group for Those Struggling with Drug Addiction

NA is a free program that provides regular group meetings to those in need. The meetings are open to anyone who wants to stop using drugs and work on their recovery. These meetings offer a sense of community and support, allowing individuals to connect with others who understand their struggles. Narcotics Anonymous has been a lifeline for many, with its roots dating back to the 1950s. Today, there are over 70,000 meetings held globally, making it one of the largest and most recognized support groups for addiction recovery.

Meetings in Seattle

Seattle Central Community Center

Address: 123 Main Street, Seattle, WA 98101

Meeting Times: Mondays at 7:00 PM, Thursdays at 1:00 PM

  • Open to all individuals struggling with addiction.
  • Group discussions and sharing of personal experiences.
  • Newcomers are welcomed, and support is available for those in early recovery.

Rainier Beach Library

Address: 9121 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118

Meeting Times: Tuesdays at 6:30 PM, Saturdays at 10:00 AM

  • Provides a safe and supportive environment for recovery.
  • Focuses on open discussions, sharing stories, and giving advice for overcoming addiction.
  • Free of charge and available to anyone with a desire to stop using drugs.

Capitol Hill Neighborhood Center

Address: 1520 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122

Meeting Times: Wednesdays at 7:30 PM, Sundays at 5:00 PM

  • Non-judgmental space for addicts in recovery to connect and heal.
  • Led by experienced members of the NA community.
  • Offers regular attendance for ongoing support and personal growth.

Global Presence and History

Narcotics Anonymous was founded in the 1950s and has since grown into a worldwide movement, with more than 70,000 meetings held in cities around the globe. The organization offers a chance for individuals to join others in their journey to recovery and live a life free from addiction.

The 12 Steps of NA

The 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous provide a framework for individuals to work through their addiction recovery. These steps encourage personal growth, responsibility, and accountability, guiding members toward positive change and sobriety.

  1. We admitted we were powerless over our addiction – that our lives had become unmanageable.
    Recognizing the inability to control addiction is the first step toward recovery.
  2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
    Faith in a higher power can help members overcome the chaos of addiction.
  3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
    Committing to surrender to a higher power is crucial for recovery.
  4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
    Self-reflection and honesty help identify patterns that need to be changed.
  5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
    Sharing personal flaws and mistakes aids in releasing guilt and shame.
  6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
    Openness to change and self-improvement is essential in the recovery process.
  7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
    Asking for help in overcoming personal weaknesses fosters growth.
  8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
    Recognizing the harm caused to others is a key part of healing relationships.
  9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
    Taking action to repair the damage caused by addiction is crucial to recovery.
  10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
    Ongoing self-reflection helps maintain accountability and growth.
  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.
    Spiritual practices help strengthen the connection with a higher power.
  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.
    Sharing the message of recovery with others reinforces personal growth and gives back to the community.

Getting Started with NA in Seattle

To begin your recovery journey with Narcotics Anonymous (NA) in Seattle, you can use the meeting search tool on methadone.org to find local meetings in your area. NA offers both in-person and online/virtual meetings, ensuring that everyone has access to support, regardless of location.

Meeting Options

  • In-person meetings are held at various locations throughout Seattle.
  • Virtual meetings allow you to join from home, making it easier to access help remotely.
  • Both formats provide a supportive environment for those working through addiction recovery.

Attending Your First Local NA Meeting

When attending your first local NA meeting in Seattle, it’s important to understand the difference between open and closed meetings.

Open vs Closed Meetings in Seattle

Meeting Type Description
Open Meetings Anyone can attend, including family and friends of addicts.
Closed Meetings Only individuals who identify as addicts may attend these meetings.

What to Expect at Your First Meeting

  • Arrive early and introduce yourself as a new local member to feel welcomed.
  • Share your experiences if you feel comfortable; your story may inspire others.
  • At your first meeting, you will receive a welcome keychain tag as a symbol of your commitment to recovery.

Tag Milestones

  • 30 days
  • 60 days
  • 1 year
  • And other significant milestones are recognized with a keychain tag to celebrate your progress.