What is Narcotics Anonymous?
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a nonprofit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. For more information about NA meetings in Boston, visit https://www.methadone.org/rehabs/massachusetts/suffolk/boston/. It is:
- A support group for those struggling with drug addiction, available in cities across the United States
- A free program with regular group meetings held in Boston City
- Founded in the 1950s, now with over 70,000 meetings globally
NA is a community-based organization that provides a recovery process and support network for those seeking to overcome drug addiction. The program is based on complete abstinence from all drugs and focuses on the disease of addiction rather than any particular drug.
Meeting Locations in Boston
Lindemann Mental Health Center
Address: 25 Staniford Street, Boston, MA 02114
Meeting Time: Mondays at 7:00 PM
Meeting Details:
- Open discussion meeting
- Wheelchair accessible
- Literature available for purchase
Boston Medical Center
Address: 85 East Concord Street, Boston, MA 02118
Meeting Time: Wednesdays at 6:30 PM
Meeting Details:
- Newcomers meeting
- Speaker meeting on the last Wednesday of each month
- Masks required
Church of the Covenant
Address: 67 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116
Meeting Time: Saturdays at 10:00 AM
Meeting Details:
- Women's meeting
- Closed meeting (for addicts only)
- Childcare available
Narcotics Anonymous meetings in Boston provide a safe, judgment-free environment where individuals can share their experiences, strengths, and hopes with others who are facing similar challenges. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using drugs. There are no dues or fees for NA membership; the program is supported entirely by voluntary contributions from its members.
Meetings typically last 60 to 90 minutes and follow a structured format that may include readings from NA literature, personal sharing, and group discussions. Newcomers are always welcome, and many meetings offer special sessions or resources for those attending for the first time.
For those seeking support in their journey to recovery, Narcotics Anonymous in Boston offers a community of individuals who understand the challenges of addiction and are committed to helping one another maintain a drug-free lifestyle. With multiple meeting locations and times throughout the city, NA provides accessible support for anyone looking to overcome drug addiction and build a new way of life.
The 12 Steps of NA
The 12-Step Program
The 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous provide a structured path to recovery for individuals struggling with drug addiction. These steps aim to motivate members toward positive change across Boston City and beyond. Here is a brief overview of each step:
- We admitted we were powerless over our addiction, that our lives had become unmanageable.
- We came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
- We made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
- We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
- We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
- We were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
- We humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
- We made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
- We made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
- We continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
- We 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.
- Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to addicts, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
The 12 Steps of NA provide a comprehensive framework for personal growth and recovery. By working through these steps, members in Boston City and around the world find support, guidance, and a path to lasting change. The program encourages individuals to take responsibility for their actions, make amends for past wrongs, and develop a spiritual connection that supports their ongoing recovery.
Each step builds upon the previous ones, creating a holistic approach to overcoming addiction and rebuilding one's life. The emphasis on personal inventory, making amends, and helping others fosters a sense of community and mutual support among NA members. This structured approach has helped countless individuals in Boston City and beyond achieve and maintain sobriety, rebuild relationships, and create meaningful lives free from drug addiction.
Getting Started with NA in Boston City
To begin your journey with Narcotics Anonymous in Boston City:
- Use the meeting search feature on methadone.org to find local meetings in your area
- Both in-person and online/virtual meetings are available in most places
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
Open vs Closed Meetings in Boston City
| Meeting Type | Description | Who Can Attend |
|---|---|---|
| Open Meetings | General meetings open to the public | Anyone interested in NA, including family, friends, and the general public |
| Closed Meetings | Meetings for those directly affected by addiction | Only individuals who identify as having a drug problem or those unsure if they have a problem |
Tips for Your First Meeting:
- Arrive early and introduce yourself as a new local member
- Share your experiences if you feel comfortable doing so
- Receive welcome keychain tags at your first meeting
Keychain Tag Milestones:
- Welcome (first meeting)
- 30 days clean
- 60 days clean
- 90 days clean
- 6 months clean
- 9 months clean
- 1 year clean
- 18 months clean
- Multiple years clean (2, 3, 4, 5, etc.)
Attending your first Narcotics Anonymous meeting in Boston City can be a significant step towards recovery. The welcoming atmosphere and support from fellow members can provide comfort and encouragement as you begin your journey. Open meetings allow anyone interested in NA to attend, including family members or friends who want to learn more about the program. Closed meetings are specifically for individuals who are dealing with drug addiction or are unsure if they have a problem.
When you attend your first meeting, it's helpful to arrive a few minutes early. This gives you time to settle in and perhaps introduce yourself to a few people. While sharing during the meeting is encouraged, it's not mandatory. You can simply listen if that makes you more comfortable. Many newcomers find it beneficial to listen and absorb the experiences of others during their first few meetings.
One of the traditions of NA is the distribution of keychain tags to celebrate milestones in recovery. You'll receive your first tag, often called a "welcome tag," at your very first meeting. As you progress in your recovery, you'll receive additional tags to mark your achievements. These tangible symbols of progress can be powerful motivators and reminders of your commitment to recovery.
Remember, everyone at the meeting has been where you are now. The NA community in Boston City is there to support you on your journey to recovery, offering understanding, encouragement, and practical strategies for living drug-free.