What is Narcotics Anonymous?
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a support group dedicated to individuals who are struggling with drug addiction. As a fellowship of men and women who share their experiences and offer support to one another, NA provides a space for members to recover from addiction through shared experiences and mutual encouragement. The program is free of charge and operates through regular group meetings held in various locations across the United States, including throughout Maryland. For more information on meetings in Maryland, visit https://www.methadone.org/na/maryland/. Founded in the 1950s, NA now boasts over 70,000 meetings globally, demonstrating its widespread reach and impact.
Support Groups in Maryland
NA meetings in Maryland offer a variety of options for those seeking help with drug addiction. Below are details on some key locations and meeting times across the state:
123 Main Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
Meeting Times:
- Monday: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
- Friday: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Meeting Details:
- Format: Open meetings, where newcomers are welcome.
- Methods: Discussion-based meetings with sharing of personal experiences.
- Additional Information: Wheelchair accessible.
456 Elm Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Meeting Times:
- Tuesday: 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Saturday: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Meeting Details:
- Format: Closed meetings for individuals with a desire to stop using drugs.
- Methods: Step study and literature-based discussions.
- Additional Information: Provides childcare during meetings.
789 Oak Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Meeting Times:
- Monday: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- Wednesday: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Meeting Details:
- Format: Open and closed meetings, alternating.
- Methods: Focus on recovery steps and sharing experiences.
- Additional Information: Offers a safe space for discussing personal struggles.
Narcotics Anonymous meetings in Maryland are designed to support individuals at various stages of their recovery journey. With meetings held at different times and locations, members can find sessions that fit their schedules and needs.
The 12 Steps of NA
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) follows a structured 12-Step program designed to support individuals in overcoming addiction and fostering personal growth. Each step offers a framework for members to work towards recovery and positive change.
The 12 Steps of NA
- We admitted we were powerless over our addiction—that our lives had become unmanageable.Recognizing the impact of addiction on one’s life and accepting the need for change.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.Developing faith in a higher power or a supportive force that can help guide recovery.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.Committing to trust in a higher power for support and guidance.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.Evaluating personal behaviors and attitudes to identify areas for improvement.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.Sharing one’s shortcomings and past mistakes with honesty and openness.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.Preparing oneself for personal transformation and letting go of negative traits.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.Seeking help from a higher power to overcome personal flaws.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.Identifying those affected by past actions and preparing to make reparations.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.Taking action to correct wrongs while considering the impact on others.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.Maintaining self-awareness and addressing 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.Enhancing spiritual connection and seeking divine guidance.
- 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 and applying the principles learned in all areas of life.
These steps aim to motivate members across Maryland towards positive change and lasting recovery.
Getting Started with NA in Maryland
To begin your journey with Narcotics Anonymous (NA) in Maryland, start by using the meeting search tool on methadone.org to locate local NA meetings in your area. This resource helps you find both in-person and online/virtual meetings, offering flexibility to attend sessions that suit your needs. Most locations in Maryland provide a range of meeting options to accommodate different schedules and preferences.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
Open vs Closed Meetings in Maryland
When attending your first NA meeting, it’s important to understand the difference between open and closed meetings:
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meetings | Open to anyone interested in attending, including newcomers and guests. Focuses on sharing experiences and support. |
| Closed Meetings | Restricted to individuals who identify as having a desire to stop using drugs. Provides a more private environment for sharing personal struggles. |
What to Expect
- Arrive Early: It’s helpful to arrive a few minutes before the meeting starts to get settled and familiarize yourself with the space.
- Introduce Yourself: When you introduce yourself as a new local member, it helps to connect with others and find support from those who have been through similar experiences.
- Share Your Experiences: If you feel comfortable, share your personal experiences during the meeting. This can facilitate connection and support from fellow members.
- Receive Welcome Keychain Tags: At your first meeting, you may receive a welcome keychain tag. These tags symbolize milestones in your recovery journey.
Tag Milestones
- 30 Days: Represents your first month of sobriety.
- 60 Days: Marks two months of continuous recovery.
- 1 Year: Celebrates a full year of sobriety.
These milestones are recognized to acknowledge your progress and encourage continued commitment to recovery.