What is Narcotics Anonymous?
Narcotics Anonymous is a worldwide, nonprofit fellowship of people known for being addicted to drugs. It was founded in the 1950s and has since then grown to be among the largest and most respected recovery support networks around the globe, with over 70,000 weekly NA meetings held worldwide. Its 12-step program helps people establish a new life without addiction and builds camaraderie, responsibility, and shared experiences. Whoever wants to quit addiction is welcome at NA meetings, and these meetings are absolutely free. For those in Santa Rosa, you can find local meetings and resources through santa rosa rehab, which offers a comprehensive list of available support options.
Support Group for Those Struggling with Drug Addiction
Narcotics Anonymous is such a place where people in recovery get to share with others who understand the struggle. Meetings are led by fellow participants who share experience, strength, and hope. Each meeting intends to provide an opportunity for people to talk about their challenges and the guidance and encouragement received from people who have been in similar situations. NA meetings usually have a certain structure: reading from NA literature, group discussions, and sharing personal experiences. The approach is non-judgmental and based on mutual respect.
NA's primary aim is to help individuals stay clean from drugs, regain control of their lives, and eventually build healthier, drug-free futures. In addition to the 12-step recovery process, the meetings provide education about addiction, coping strategies, and resources for ongoing support.
Narcotics Anonymous Meetings in Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa, California, has numerous NA meetings open to anyone in need of recovery. Some of these meetings occur every day of the week, although not all the meetings happen every single day. Here are the major meeting locations in Santa Rosa and a description of the important details regarding each:
Santa Rosa Fellowship Hall
Location: 1311 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Meeting Times:
- Monday to Friday: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Meeting Details:
- Open to newcomers and existing members.
- Focus on group sharing and 12-step discussions.
- The fellowship provides both in-person and virtual options for those unable to attend physically.
- A welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds.
First United Methodist Church
Location: 1551 Montgomery Dr, Santa Rosa, CA 95405
Meeting Times:
- Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Meeting Information:
- 12-step oriented program: discussion-based meeting some days and literature-based some days.
- All phases of recovery are welcomed, including newcomers.
- Safe, confidential atmosphere for people to share experiences.
- Meeting type will be gender-based some days to accommodate individuals who feel uncomfortable sitting with the opposite gender.
Burbank Heights Community Center
Address: 3525 Burbank Dr, Santa Rosa, CA 95407
Meeting Times:
- Tuesday and Thursday: 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Meeting Information:
- Open to people of all ages and walks of life.
- Discussion open; sharing of experiences and opinions is encouraged.
- There is child care available for parents while attending the meetings.
- Other resources include step work discussion, sponsorship, and recovery information.
Methods and Information about Meetings
Each NA meeting follows the core principles of the 12-step program, focusing on creating a supportive and understanding space for people to share their experiences and work toward recovery. Here are some key elements you can expect at Narcotics Anonymous meetings in Santa Rosa:
- Confidentiality and Support: All members are encouraged to respect confidentiality, ensuring that participants feel safe sharing their personal stories and struggles.
- 12-Step Program: Meetings normally concern the 12 steps and are meant to lead to long-term recovery and growth.
- Literature and Readings: Most meetings include some reading from NA literature, such as Narcotics Anonymous or It Works: How and Why, which serves as a framework for discussion.
- Group Sharing: The members share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences openly with the group, promoting healing among themselves.
- Mentorship: Many groups offer sponsorship programs where experienced members guide newcomers through their recovery journey.
Be it a newcomer in recovery or one who has been around the process for some time, Narcotics Anonymous offers community-oriented recovery space where one can seek understanding, support, and inspiration to continue onward into sobriety. The Santa Rosa meetings are part of a worldwide network of NA gatherings, with the same basic principles and support being given anywhere around the world.
The 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous
The 12 Steps of NA are the basis of the recovery process, offering a clear direction toward personal growth, healing, and long-term sobriety. These steps are designed to help individuals address the underlying causes of addiction, foster self-awareness, and build a supportive community. Each step represents a process of reflection, action, and growth, and together they guide members toward positive change. Below is a summary of each of the 12 steps.
- We admitted we were powerless over our addiction—that our lives had become unmanageable. Admitting the loss of control over substance use is the first step toward recovery.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Acknowledging the need for external help, whether spiritual or otherwise, to regain balance.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. Surrendering control and entrusting a higher power to guide the recovery process.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Reflecting on past actions and identifying areas in which the person needs to grow up, resolving issues that may not be resolved.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. Openness about mistakes and shortcomings in safety and confidence.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. Gearing up for letting go of negative traits and behaviors which feed the addiction.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. Taking positive steps toward releasing personal flaws and letting go of hurts from past mistakes.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all. Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Taking action to repair relationships and right past wrongs, whenever possible.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. Maintaining self-awareness and humility, acknowledging mistakes as they occur.
- 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. Nurturing spiritual growth through continued reflection and awareness.
- 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 experience of recovery with others and applying learned principles in daily life.
These 12 steps serve as a road map to lasting transformation and spur positive changes in Santa Rosa and beyond. On this path, one tries not only to overcome addiction but to become a healthier, more balanced person.
Getting Started with NA in Santa Rosa
Use the meeting search tool on methadone.org to find local meetings in your area to begin the process of NA in Santa Rosa. This website allows you to search in real-time for NA meetings-in-person and virtual-within proximity to you, enabling you to decide which one works best for your needs. Whether you prefer to attend in person or virtually, there are so many meeting options available that you can participate in the program regardless of your schedule or comfort level.
In-Person and Virtual Meetings
Many locations in Santa Rosa offer in-person and online meetings. This will ensure that whatever the circumstances are, you can keep working on your recovery. Online meetings work great for people who might have mobility issues, like to stay at home, or aren't comfortable attending in-person meetings just yet. In-person meetings, on the other hand, give the opportunity to interact with other members face-to-face, which may be an important part of recovery.
How to Attend Your First Local NA Meeting
Open vs Closed Meetings in Santa Rosa
When seeking an NA meeting for the first time in Santa Rosa, an important understanding is the meeting format being used because some meetings will be defined as either "open" or "closed.
Open Meetings:
Open meetings are open for any attendance: for non-members, curious onlookers, visitors. They are good and the best way for any new-comer to observe and thereby gain better knowledge about the NA fellowship. Here they open an atmosphere where people can generally relate and listen to other people share valuable experiences of what the whole process entails.
Closed Meetings:
For members of NA or those who are committed to seeking recovery, these meetings share personal stories and experiences with addiction and recovery. These meetings are usually smaller and more personal; thus, they are safer and more confidential for people who are seriously working the 12-step program.
Meeting Type Comparison
| Meeting Type | Who Can Attend | Purpose | Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Meeting | Anyone, including non-members | Introduction to NA and the recovery process | Welcoming, open for observation and sharing |
| Closed Meeting | NA members and potential members | Focused discussions on addiction and recovery | Confidential, supportive environment for active members |
Arrival and First Impressions
When attending your first meeting, try to get in a little early to get settled in. This will give you a chance to sign in and ask questions, get accustomed to the setting. Introduce yourself as a newcomer, and don't feel afraid to let others know that you're just starting recovery. The members of the group will more than likely offer you support, and many are understanding of how nervous or insecure you might be feeling.
Share Your Experience (If Comfortable)
You are encouraged to share your personal experiences during the meeting if you feel comfortable doing so. Sharing can be a major step in the healing process, helping you connect with others and gain insight into your own situation. You are never required to speak, however, and many newcomers simply listen during their first few meetings before they feel ready to share.
Receiving Your First Welcome Keychain Tag
During the first meeting, you may be given a welcome keychain tag to symbolize your dedication towards recovery. The keychain is a reminder of the choice you have made in the direction of change and a sober life. These keychains come tagged with milestones that are attained as one progresses in their journey. Below are the key milestones that are recognized with a tag:
- 30 Days: The first big milestone, marking one month of sobriety.
- 60 Days: This represents two months of progress and growth in recovery.
- 1 Year: A very important marker of long-term sobriety and continued recovery.
- Beyond: Additional milestones are awarded at various points in your recovery for continued commitment to the program.
The keychain milestones will remind you of your commitment and the strength it takes to keep sober, encouraging you to continue forward in your recovery.