What is NA?
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a global support group dedicated to helping individuals struggling with drug addiction achieve and maintain sobriety. It operates as a free, peer-supported program with regular group meetings held in cities across the United States, including Pennsylvania and Philadelphia.
The program offers a safe and confidential environment where members share their experiences, strength, and hope to support one another’s recovery journey.
Winchester Recreation Center
2336 North Fifteenth Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19130
Meeting Times: Saturdays at 1:00 PM
Meeting Details: The “Room for Recovery Group” hosts weekly discussions focusing on participation and sharing personal experiences among members. The meetings emphasize the NA Traditions and provide a non-smoking environment to foster a healthy recovery atmosphere.
Greater Philadelphia Regional Area – Montco Area Subcommittee
Location varies (check local announcements)
Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Meeting Times: Mondays 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM (Hybrid Meetings)
Meeting Details: This group offers hybrid meetings which combine in-person attendance with online participation, allowing flexibility for members. Emphasis is placed on sharing stories of strength and hope while maintaining anonymity for all participants.
Downtown Area NA Group
Location details provided upon request, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Meeting Times: Wednesdays at 7:00 PM
Meeting Details: These meetings are discussion-based and cater to newcomers and seasoned members alike. The group maintains an open and inclusive approach, encouraging members to engage in supportive dialogue regarding their recovery processes.
The 12 Steps of NA
- We admitted that we were powerless over our addiction—that our lives had become unmanageable. This step acknowledges the need for help and acceptance of addiction’s impact.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Members open themselves to hope and healing through a higher power concept.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. This involves surrendering control and trusting in the recovery process.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Self-reflection and honesty about patterns and behaviors are central to this step.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. Sharing vulnerabilities reduces shame and builds support.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. Readiness for change is a crucial milestone.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. This step reinforces humility and commitment to self-improvement.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all. Accountability and empathy guide this preparation.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Practical restitution supports healing relationships.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. Ongoing self-assessment helps prevent relapse.
- Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him. Spiritual growth and mindfulness are encouraged.
- 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. Members become sponsors and active supporters of recovery within their communities.
These steps motivate members throughout Pennsylvania and Philadelphia towards positive, sustained change.
Getting Started with NA in Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
The best resource for finding local Narcotics Anonymous meetings in Pennsylvania and Philadelphia is methadone.org. This site provides up-to-date information on group meeting times, locations, and formats.
Both in-person and online/virtual meetings are available throughout the region, offering accessible support regardless of physical location or time constraints.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
In Pennsylvania and Philadelphia, NA meetings are categorized as either open or closed:
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meetings | Anyone interested in Narcotics Anonymous, including members, family, and friends, may attend. These meetings provide an introduction to the NA program and offer general support. |
| Closed Meetings | Restricted to individuals who identify as addicts or those who think they may have a drug problem. This environment fosters confidentiality and open sharing among peers. |
When attending your first meeting, it is advisable to arrive early and introduce yourself as a new local member. Participation in sharing experiences is optional but encouraged if you feel comfortable.
Members traditionally receive welcome keychain tags at their first meeting as a symbol of commitment to recovery. These tags mark important milestones in sobriety:
- 30 days: A tag recognizing the first month of continuous sobriety, symbolizing the initial commitment to change.
- 60 days: A tag celebrating two months free from addiction, encouraging perseverance.
- 1 year: A significant milestone symbolizing sustained recovery and dedication to the NA program.