What is Narcotics Anonymous?

The road to recovery from substance addiction is different from one individual to another.

Looking for support is one way to make the process a little easier for an individual. You may turn to your loved ones or a support group. Support groups usually consist of people who are also recovering from addiction. This is a gathering where people may share their thoughts, challenges, and success stories.

However, with the COVID-19 pandemic, the world seems to have come to a halt. This makes it difficult for recovering addicts to find the support they need. The good thing is that there are NA meetings that are done virtually. This is to keep up with the new normal. Here’s everything you need to know about Narcotics Anonymous:

What Is Narcotics Anonymous?

Narcotics Anonymous was established around the 1950s. Since then, it has shown great promise in helping recovering addicts. It is an international organization — a branch of AA (Alcoholics Anonymous). Over the years, thousands of local meetings and conventions have been organized across the globe. The main goal here is to help recovering addicts in their journey to recovery.

Narcotics Anonymous has similar philosophies, practices, and principles to Alcoholics Anonymous. NA is open to any individual regardless of age, gender, race, religious affiliations, and class status–all are welcome. The only thing that NA will require you is to have the desire to live a substance-free life.

What Can You Expect From an NA Meeting?

Narcotics Anonymous follows the same 12-step methods and traditions as AA. It’s only natural to feel intimidated or nervous about going. Keep in mind that the people you’ll meet there also face the same problems you do. All the members of NA are recovering addicts who are seeking support and are interested in helping others to recover.

You can rest easy knowing that the group will provide a warm, welcoming, non-judgmental environment. NA meetings are either speaker or discussion meetings. When it comes to speaker meetings, one or a few individuals are asked to share with the group, while discussion meetings are where individuals will have their turn to share their stories in recovery.

New members are not required to share details of their addiction and recovery unless they’re comfortable with it. As mentioned, everyone will get their turn. Commenting on other people’s experiences is discouraged. You may approach and have conversations with other members during breaks or after the meeting is over.

What Are Narcotics Anonymous Zoom Meetings?

With the pandemic still affecting the world, NA online meetings are a way to help recovering addicts get the support they need. Although there are significant differences between physical and virtual NA meetings, online meetings are effective in helping people maintain their sobriety.

With the limited capacities of rehab facilities and restrictions on gatherings, virtual NA meetings are the key to keeping up with your recovery progress. NA meetings can be held on different platforms such as chat rooms and video conferences.

NA Online Meetings: How Do They Look?

Since physical and virtual meetings are entirely different, knowing what to expect in Narcotics Anonymous zoom meetings, chat rooms, forums, or online classes will put your mind at ease. There are different types of NA meetings, depending on your preference. Here are some of them:

• Closed Virtual Meetings – This consists of specific people who were invited by an administrator.
• Specific NA Online Meetings – These are like closed virtual meetings but with more specific restrictions like demographics and other factors.
• Open Meetings – Any individual is welcome to participate in this type of online meeting.
• NA Speaker Meetings – With this type of meeting, a speaker is invited to share their experiences related to addiction recovery. This can either be an open or closed meeting.
• Big Book Study – For this type, the attendees should have a copy of the book. A part of a passage from the book will be read and discussed among the participants.
• 12-Step Approach – These online meetings are often divided into different steps. You will attend the NA meeting, which focuses on the step you’re currently at.
• Topic Meetings – For this, different topics related to substance abuse and recovery will be discussed. Each member is urged to participate and share their sentiments.

There are also Narcotics Anonymous apps that you can download on your phone. It is compatible with Android and IOS. This will help you find online NA meetings no matter where you are. You may also read reviews and see other people’s experiences.

Reach Out to Haven House Recovery Center Today!

If you feel like joining online NA meetings will work for you, then feel free to participate in it. Choosing a recovery program and support group to join will depend on how comfortable you are with it.

If you are keeping your options open, Haven House is a recovery center near Nashville. We have a 12-step, Christian-based addiction recovery program aimed to help men find their way back to an addiction-free life. Reach out to us today!