What is Narcotics Anonymous?
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a global, community-based organization that provides support to individuals struggling with drug addiction. This fellowship is a free program with a mission to help those seeking recovery from substance abuse. Meetings are held regularly across various cities in Texas NA, offering a space for participants to share their experiences and support one another in their journey to sobriety.
Narcotics Anonymous was founded in the early 1950s and has grown to encompass over 70,000 meetings worldwide. It follows a 12-step program similar to Alcoholics Anonymous, focusing on self-improvement, spiritual growth, and peer support. Meetings are open to anyone with a desire to stop using drugs, regardless of the type of substance they are struggling with. NA provides a safe and non-judgmental environment where individuals can seek guidance and encouragement from others who have faced similar challenges.
NA Meetings in Texas
Across Texas, NA groups hold regular meetings in many cities, offering various meeting formats to suit different preferences, including in-person, online, and hybrid meetings. Below are some examples of locations where meetings are held, along with details on how to participate.
Austin, TX
- Address: Austin State Hospital, 4110 Guadalupe St., Building 635, Austin, TX 78751
- Meeting Times:
- Monday: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Wednesday: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Meeting Methods: In-person group discussions, focused on sharing personal experiences and offering mutual support.
Houston, TX
- Address: Trinity Episcopal Church, 1015 Holman St., Houston, TX 77004
- Meeting Times:
- Tuesday: 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Meeting Methods: In-person meetings, using a speaker format where individuals share their stories and struggles. Emphasis is placed on personal growth through shared learning.
Dallas, TX
- Address: First United Methodist Church, 1928 Ross Ave., Dallas, TX 75201
- Meeting Times:
- Saturday: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
- Meeting Methods: Group discussions and literature-based meetings, focused on reading and discussing NA-approved texts.
How to Participate in NA Meetings
NA meetings in Texas are open to anyone seeking recovery from drug addiction. There are no fees or membership dues, and participants are encouraged to attend meetings as often as needed to maintain their sobriety. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using drugs, and all meetings are confidential.
Key Features of NA Meetings:
- Free and open to all
- Confidential environment
- Available in various formats (in-person, online, hybrid)
- No formal membership required
By providing consistent support through group discussions, peer sharing, and encouragement, Narcotics Anonymous meetings across Texas offer a vital resource for those on the path to recovery.
The 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous
The 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous (NA) form the foundation of the program and are designed to help members achieve long-term recovery by fostering personal growth, accountability, and spiritual development. These steps are practiced by individuals across Texas, guiding them toward positive change.
The 12 Steps
- We admitted we were powerless over our addiction—that our lives had become unmanageable.Acknowledging that addiction has taken control is the first step toward recovery.
- We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.Accepting that outside help is necessary for overcoming addiction.
- We made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.Entrusting the recovery process to a higher power, however one may define it.
- We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.Taking a deep, honest look at personal behaviors, faults, and resentments.
- We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.Confessing past mistakes and accepting responsibility for them.
- We were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.Preparing to let go of harmful traits and behaviors.
- We humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.Seeking the strength to overcome personal flaws.
- We made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.Identifying those affected by our actions and being willing to set things right.
- We made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.Repairing relationships where possible without causing further harm.
- We continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.Maintaining accountability by regularly reflecting on actions.
- We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him.Strengthening the connection to a higher power through spiritual practices.
- 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 and living by these principles daily.
Getting Started with NA in Texas
To begin your journey with Narcotics Anonymous (NA) in Texas, use the meeting search tool available on methadone.org to find local meetings near you. Meetings are available in both in-person and online formats, making it easy to access support wherever you are in the state. Whether you prefer face-to-face interaction or virtual meetings from the comfort of your home, NA offers flexible options to meet the needs of those seeking recovery from addiction.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
NA meetings in Texas are typically categorized as open or closed. Understanding the difference between these meeting types will help you choose the right one for your needs.
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meetings | Open to anyone, including non-addicts such as friends, family, or those curious about NA. |
| Closed Meetings | Exclusively for individuals who identify as addicts and are seeking recovery. |
When attending your first meeting, it’s recommended to arrive early and introduce yourself as a new member. This allows you to get comfortable, meet the facilitator, and ease into the group. If you feel ready, you can share your experiences, but participation is entirely voluntary.
Welcome Keychain Tags and Milestones
NA offers welcome keychain tags to new members at their first meeting as a symbol of their commitment to recovery. As you continue attending meetings, you will receive additional keychain tags to mark important milestones in your recovery journey:
- 30 days
- 60 days
- 90 days
- 6 months
- 1 year
- 18 months
- Multiple years
These tags serve as physical reminders of your progress and the support available through the NA community.