What is Narcotics Anonymous?
Narcotics Anonymous is an international peer support organization that seeks to help people struggling with addictions to begin and maintain recovery, providing a milieu of support and community. Beginning in the 1950s, NA grew to have more than 70,000 meetings worldwide. A free program, it relies on a self-help environment where members can share their common experiences in the process of recovering and maintaining sobriety. Meetings are held in cities nationwide; Georgia is no exception, as there are numerous locations statewide. If you’re looking to get started with recovery in Georgia, you can also find resources on how to get into a methadone clinic in Georgia, which can complement the support provided by NA meetings.
NA meetings give members an atmosphere safe and free from judgment as a place to discuss their experiences and successes and offer some type of support for those there. The program in no way is professional nor leans toward any particular faith or organization. It looks for its 12 steps in recovery to function.
Benefits of NA Meetings
- Free; Open to anyone at any point during the recovery process.
- Anonymous; peer-driven care builds trust.
- Completion available in in-person, virtual, and hybrid meeting formats.
Narcotics Anonymous Meeting Places in Georgia
Atlanta Area NA
Location Address: 123 Recovery Road, Atlanta, GA 30303.
Meeting Times:
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM.
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM.
Meeting Details:
- The meetings here are open discussions and speaker meetings.
- Newcomers and old-timers welcome.
- Handicap accessible, parking available.
- Masks and social distancing for in-person meetings.
Savannah Serenity NA
Location Address: 456 Recovery Lane, Savannah, GA 31401.
Meeting Times:
- Tuesday and Thursday: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM.
- Sunday: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM.
Meeting Details:
- Provides step study meetings and topic-focused group discussions.
- Virtual attendance options via Zoom.
- Childcare is provided during sessions.
- A warm, supportive environment for those seeking long-term recovery solutions.
Augusta Hope NA
Location Address: 789 Serenity Street, Augusta, GA 30901.
Meeting Times:
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM.
Details of the Meeting:
- Features newcomers’ meetings and literature-based sessions.
- Members share personal experiences and coping strategies.
- Coffee and refreshments are available.
- The venue has accessible accommodations for people with disabilities.
These NA meetings in Georgia will provide a great opportunity for people in addiction to take a crucial step toward recovery among others who understand their journey.
The 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous
What are the 12 Steps of NA?
The 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous serve as a guideline to achieve and maintain recovery for those suffering from drug addiction. These steps bring the member closer to recovery through personal growth, responsibility, and change. The system is used all over Georgia to treat people in need of recovery.
12 Steps of NA
- Admitting Powerlessness: Admitting one is powerless over their addiction, and that life has become unmanageable.
- Belief in a Higher Power: Came to believe that a power greater than oneself could restore sanity.
- Surrendering Control: Made a decision to turn one’s will and life over to the care of this higher power as one understands it.
- Self-Inventory: Made a fearless and searching moral inventory of oneself, looking for areas that need change.
- Admitting Wrongs: Admitting the nature of personal wrongs to self, higher power, and another person.
- Readiness for Change: Being completely ready to have the higher power remove defects in character.
- Humbly Asking for Help: Humbly asking the higher power to remove shortcomings.
- Making Amends List: Making a list of all persons harmed and becoming willing to make amends.
- Making Amends: Making direct amends wherever possible, except when doing so could injure others.
- Continuous Self-Examination: Taking constant inventory and admitting mistakes instantly.
- Spiritual Growth: Improvement in relationship with higher power through prayer and meditation and gaining knowledge and strength.
- Helping Others: Carrying the message of recovery to others and practicing the principles in all affairs.
Benefits of the 12-Step Program
- Promotes self-awareness and accountability.
- Enhances spiritual growth and emotional healing.
- Provides community support for recovering individuals.
- Presents a reproducible framework that allows personal beliefs and values.
Through these steps, GA members in Georgia are enabled to work toward permanent life adjustments to positively benefit themselves and others.
Getting Started with NA in Georgia
How to Find a Local NA Meeting
Finding Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings in Georgia is quite easy and can be through dependable sources such as the meeting search tool provided on methadone.org. This page enables one to find the places where such meetings take place in one’s vicinity based on the city or zip code provided.
Meeting Options
In-Person Meetings:
- Available in most cities and towns in Georgia.
- Held at community centers, churches, and special recovery locations.
- Often held at different times of the week to accommodate schedules.
Online/Virtual Meetings:
- Those who cannot attend in person or who prefer remote options.
- Access through video conferencing platforms like Zoom.
- Typically listed alongside in-person meetings in the search tool.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
Open vs. Closed Meetings in Georgia
NA offers two main types of meetings, each serving different purposes and audiences. Understanding the difference helps individuals choose the most appropriate option:
| Meeting Type | Who Can Attend | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Open Meetings | Anyone, including family or friends. | Educating attendees about addiction and recovery. |
| Closed Meetings | Only individuals seeking recovery. | Providing a safe space for personal sharing. |
Tips for Attending Your First Meeting
- Arrive Early: Arriving 10–15 minutes before the meeting starts allows you to meet other members and get a feel for the environment.
- Introduce Yourself: Let the group know you’re a new member. Most participants will warmly welcome you and offer guidance.
- Share If Comfortable: While sharing personal experiences is encouraged, it is entirely voluntary. Feel free to listen and observe during your first meeting.
Welcome Keychain Tags
NA members often receive welcome keychain tags as a token of encouragement and celebration of their commitment to recovery. These tags are distributed during milestones in the recovery journey:
- Newcomer Tag: Given during the first meeting to welcome new participants.
- 30-Day Tag: Celebrates one month of recovery.
- 60-Day Tag: Recognizes two months of sustained commitment.
- 90-Day Tag: Marks three months of progress.
- 1-Year Tag: Acknowledges a significant achievement in sobriety.
- Annual Tags: Distributed for each subsequent year of recovery.
Each tag serves as a reminder of the member’s journey and ongoing progress. By participating in NA meetings across Georgia, individuals can connect with a supportive community and take meaningful steps toward recovery.