What is NA?
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a nonprofit fellowship and a supportive community for individuals struggling with drug addiction. It hosts regular group meetings in cities across the United States, including California, Santa Clara, and San Jose, with more information available at san jose narcotics anonymous. NA is a free program that provides a safe environment for those seeking to overcome substance use disorders through a program of complete abstinence from all drugs.
First Baptist Church, San Jose
Located at 80 South 5th Street, San Jose, CA 95112, the First Baptist Church hosts several NA meetings. Meetings include a Discussion Meeting on Mondays at 7:30 PM, a Speaker Meeting on Tuesdays at 7:30 PM, and a Literature Study on Fridays at 7:30 PM. These meetings offer a supportive platform where members share experiences and discuss the NA literature.
Calvary Church, San Jose
Calvary Church, situated at 16390 Saratoga Ave, San Jose, CA 95129, offers NA meetings such as a Step Study Meeting on Wednesdays at 7:00 PM and a Speaker Meeting on Saturdays at 6:30 PM. These meetings help members delve into the NA program and hear from experienced speakers, fostering a sense of community and motivation.
Saint James Church, San Jose
Saint James Church, located at 370 Di Salvo Ave, San Jose, CA 95128, hosts NA meetings. There is a Topic Discussion meeting on Sundays at 6:00 PM and a Literature Study meeting on Thursdays at 7:30 PM. These meetings provide a space for members to explore specific topics and discuss NA literature, promoting personal growth and recovery.
The 12 Steps of NA
The 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous are foundational to the recovery process, guiding members toward positive change and sobriety.
- We admitted we were powerless over drugs — that our lives had become unmanageable.This step involves acknowledging the powerlessness over drugs and the unmanageability it brings to one’s life.
Members accept that they cannot control their drug use and that it has significant negative impacts.
- Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.This step introduces the concept of a higher power and the possibility of recovery through it.
Members begin to see that external forces can help them achieve sobriety.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.This involves a commitment to turn one’s life over to the care of a higher power.
Members make a conscious decision to let go of their addiction and seek help.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.This step involves a thorough self-examination, identifying personal flaws and behavior patterns.
Members take stock of their past actions to understand their addiction better.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.Members share their personal inventories with someone they trust, which can be a sponsor or another NA member.
This step helps in clearing the conscience and seeking forgiveness.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.This step involves a readiness to let go of one’s flaws and shortcomings.
Members prepare themselves to accept personal growth and change.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.Members humbly ask for the removal of their defects of character.
This step requires humility and a willingness to accept external help.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.In this step, members identify those they have harmed and become willing to make amends.
This involves taking responsibility for past actions and seeking to repair relationships.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.Members make amends to those they have harmed, provided it does not cause further harm.
This step fosters healing and reconciliation.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.This ongoing process involves regular self-reflection and immediate acknowledgment of mistakes.
Members continue to grow and maintain their sobriety by staying honest with themselves.
- 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 a deeper connection with their higher power through prayer and meditation.
This step helps in understanding and fulfilling one’s purpose in life.
- Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to drug addicts, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.After achieving a spiritual awakening, members share their recovery with others and practice the NA principles in daily life.
This final step involves spreading the message of hope and recovery.
Getting Started with NA in California, Santa Clara, San Jose, USA
For individuals seeking to join Narcotics Anonymous in California, Santa Clara, or San Jose, the best way to find local meetings is by visiting WFMH.org. Both in-person and online meetings are available in most areas, providing flexibility for those who wish to attend.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
When attending your first NA meeting, it’s helpful to arrive early and introduce yourself as a new member. If comfortable, you can share your experiences with the group. Upon attending your first meeting, you might receive welcome keychain tags, which mark milestones in your recovery journey.
Here are some key milestones and their descriptions:
– 30 Days: This milestone marks a month of sobriety and is a significant achievement for newcomers.
– 60 Days: Reaching two months without drug use is a testament to the progress made in the recovery journey.
– 1 Year: Completing a full year of sobriety is a major milestone, symbolizing long-term commitment to recovery.
– 5 Years: Reaching five years of sobriety is an impressive achievement, indicating sustained recovery and personal growth.
– 10 Years, 20 Years, etc.: These milestones represent significant long-term sobriety and commitment to the NA program.
Types of Meetings
NA meetings can be categorized into open or closed meetings. Below is a table explaining the differences:
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meetings | Open to anyone, including newcomers, family members, and friends. These meetings provide insight into the NA program for those considering joining. |
| Closed Meetings | Restricted to members only and those who have a desire to stop using drugs. These meetings are more intimate, allowing for deeper discussions among members. |
Attending an open meeting is a great way to observe the NA process and decide if it’s right for you. Closed meetings, on the other hand, offer a more private environment for those committed to recovery.