What is NA?
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a nonprofit fellowship or society composed of recovering drug addicts who offer mutual support to help individuals stop using drugs. NA provides a free program consisting of regular group meetings across many cities in the United States, including multiple locations in San Diego, California, which can be found through narcotics anonymous groups in san diego.
The NA program focuses on peer support and the collective experience of members to foster lasting sobriety. It has grown since its founding in the 1950s to include over 70,000 meetings globally, serving as a vital resource for individuals seeking recovery.
Ocean Beach Recreation Center
Address: 4726 Santa Monica Ave, San Diego, CA 92107
- Monday – 8:00 pm (Topic Discussion): Members discuss various recovery topics relevant to the challenges faced in sobriety, encouraging shared learning and mutual support in a group setting.
- Tuesday – 7:00 pm (Topic Discussion): Similar to Monday, with a focus on open conversation where participants freely share experiences related to the discussed topic.
- Wednesday – 8:00 pm (Literature Study): The meeting revolves around NA literature, exploring principles, stories, and teachings that assist in understanding and practicing recovery steps.
- Friday – 8:00 pm (Speaker Meeting): A member who has achieved significant progress in recovery shares their journey, offering personal insights and inspiration.
- Saturday – 8:00 pm (Topic Discussion): Another opportunity to explore different recovery themes with an emphasis on active group participation.
- Sunday – 7:00 pm (Newcomer Meeting): Dedicated to individuals new to NA, this meeting explains the program’s purpose and structure, providing a welcoming environment for first-time attendees.
Pacific Beach Library
Address: 4275 Cass St, San Diego, CA 92109
- Sunday – 6:00 pm (Topic Discussion): A focused group conversation on selected topics relevant to recovery experiences, where members share insights and strategies for maintaining sobriety.
First Lutheran Church
Address: 1420 3rd Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
- Monday – 7:00 pm (Candlelight Meeting): Held in the evening with a calm, reflective atmosphere, this meeting uses candlelight to create a solemn environment conducive to sharing and contemplation on sobriety and recovery.
The 12 Steps of NA
- We admitted we were powerless over our addiction—that our lives had become unmanageable. This step involves acknowledging the problem and the need for change.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Members recognize that recovery involves seeking help beyond themselves.
- Made a decision to turn our will and lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. This step encourages spiritual surrender to a higher power.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Members honestly examine their behavior, thoughts, and emotions.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. This helps relieve guilt and builds accountability.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. This step signifies readiness for personal change and growth.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. Members ask their higher power for the strength to overcome flaws.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all. Taking responsibility for past actions is essential for healing relationships.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. This step promotes reconciliation without causing further harm.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. Ongoing self-awareness and humility are crucial to maintain sobriety.
- Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying for knowledge of His will and the power to carry it out. Regular spiritual practice supports continued recovery.
- 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 experience and helping others to recover fosters community and personal growth.
These steps guide NA members toward sustained recovery by fostering honesty, responsibility, spiritual growth, and community support throughout San Diego and beyond.
Getting Started with NA in California, San Diego, San Diego, USA
The most reliable way to find local NA meetings in San Diego, California, or elsewhere in the state is to use the meeting search tool on wfmh.org. This site provides updated information about both in-person and virtual meeting options available in most areas, making it easy to locate meetings that fit your schedule and preferences.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
NA meetings in San Diego typically come in two main formats: open and closed meetings. Understanding these meeting types can help new members choose the best fit for their comfort and needs.
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open | Welcomes anyone interested in the NA program, including addicts, family, friends, and those curious about recovery processes. |
| Closed | Restricted to individuals who identify as addicts seeking recovery, creating a confidential and focused environment. |
- Arrive early to introduce yourself as a new local member, which helps establish rapport with group members and organizers.
- Share your experiences if you feel comfortable; participation is voluntary, and listening is equally valued.
- Receive welcome keychain tags during your first meeting as a token to acknowledge your start in the program and to encourage milestones in recovery.
Below is a typical list of sobriety tag milestones awarded for periods of continuous abstinence:
- 30 days: Celebrates the first month of sobriety, a critical early achievement in recovery.
- 60 days: Marks the commitment to maintain sobriety and deepen involvement in the NA program.
- 1 year: A significant milestone symbolizing a full year of clean and sober living, reflecting dedication and progress.
- Other milestones: Tags may also be given for 6 months, 18 months, 2 years, and subsequent years to acknowledge ongoing recovery success.