What is NA?
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a nonprofit fellowship or society of recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean. This free program, founded in the 1950s, now has over 70,000 meetings worldwide. NA is a support group specifically designed for those struggling with drug addiction and is available in cities across the United States, including MethadOne in Erie, Pennsylvania.
The program offers a judgment-free environment where members can share their experiences and receive support from others who understand the challenges of addiction recovery. NA operates on the principle of complete abstinence from all drugs, with only one requirement for membership: the desire to stop using. There are no initiation fees, dues, pledges, or promises required to join, making it an accessible resource for anyone seeking help with substance abuse.
In Erie, Pennsylvania, there are multiple NA meeting locations throughout the community, offering both in-person and virtual options to accommodate different schedules and preferences. The free program holds regular group meetings where members can connect with others on similar recovery journeys and gain the support needed to maintain sobriety.
First United Methodist Church
Address: 707 Sassafras Street, Erie, PA 16501
Meeting Times and Details: The 12 Step Spiritual Thang group meets on Monday evenings from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM, running for 1.5 hours. This is an open, discussion-participation meeting that welcomes both addicts and observers, providing a welcoming environment for newcomers to learn about the 12-step program while participating in structured spiritual discussions. The meeting is non-smoking and includes literature and discussion components, allowing members to engage at their comfort level while supporting one another through shared experiences.
Holy Trinity Church
Address: 643 West 17th Street, Erie, PA 16502
Meeting Times and Details: The Good Orderly Direction group meets on Sunday evenings from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM for 1.5 hours and offers discussion and participation format. This open meeting welcomes both newcomers and experienced members, creating an inclusive space where individuals can share their recovery journey and support others in their path to sobriety. The Inner Peace Group also meets at this location on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, offering another opportunity for members to connect and reinforce their commitment to recovery through discussion and mutual support.
Kingsley United Methodist Church
Address: 913 Cranberry Street, Erie, PA 16502-1153
Meeting Times and Details: The Journey Continues group meets on Sunday from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM for one hour, providing an open meeting format with discussion, literature, and closed components. This meeting offers flexibility for members at different stages of recovery, allowing both newcomers and long-term members to participate in meaningful conversations about their experiences and challenges. Additionally, the I Am a Survivor group meets at the same location on Friday evenings from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, featuring discussion and participation elements that empower members to share their personal stories of triumph over addiction.
The 12 Steps of NA
The 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous form the foundation of the recovery program, guiding members toward sustained sobriety and personal transformation. Each step builds upon the previous one, creating a comprehensive pathway for individuals to address their addiction and rebuild their lives. These steps are designed to motivate members toward positive change across Pennsylvania, Erie, and beyond.
- We admitted that we were powerless over our addiction, that our lives had become unmanageable. This step requires members to acknowledge the reality of their addiction and accept that they cannot control it through willpower alone. Recognition of powerlessness is the foundation for seeking help and beginning the recovery journey.
- We came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. This step encourages members to develop faith in a higher power, which may be interpreted according to individual beliefs and spirituality. For many, this power provides the strength and guidance necessary to overcome addiction.
- We made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. Members commit to surrendering control and trusting in their higher power to guide their recovery. This decision represents a turning point toward accepting help and embracing the recovery process.
- We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. This step requires members to honestly examine their past actions, character defects, and behaviors that contributed to their addiction. The detailed self-assessment helps identify patterns and areas requiring personal growth.
- We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. By sharing their moral inventory with a trusted sponsor or mentor, members release shame and gain perspective on their actions. This vulnerability strengthens their connection to the recovery community and to their higher power.
- We were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. Members prepare themselves mentally and spiritually to address their character flaws and negative behaviors. This readiness reflects commitment to personal transformation and spiritual growth.
- We humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. Members request divine assistance in overcoming their character defects, demonstrating humility and faith in their higher power. This step acknowledges that lasting change requires both personal effort and spiritual support.
- We made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all. Members identify individuals affected by their addiction and prepare to repair those relationships. This process promotes accountability and healing within their personal and family connections.
- We made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Members take action to reconcile with those they have harmed, demonstrating genuine remorse and commitment to change. This step requires careful judgment about when and how to approach those individuals.
- We continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it. Members establish ongoing self-reflection and accountability practices to maintain their recovery. Regular inventory prevents relapse by addressing emerging issues before they become problematic.
- We 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. Members develop spiritual practices that strengthen their connection to their higher power and provide guidance for daily living. These practices support long-term sobriety and emotional stability.
- 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 share their recovery experience with others struggling with addiction, supporting newcomers through their journey. This final step completes the cycle by transforming personal recovery into service to the community.
Getting Started with NA in Erie, Pennsylvania
To find local NA meetings in Erie, Pennsylvania, the most effective resource is Methadone.org. The website provides a comprehensive meeting search function that allows individuals to locate meetings in their specific area, view detailed information about each group, and identify meetings that best fit their schedule and preferences. Using Methadone.org ensures access to current, accurate meeting information and helps newcomers find communities suited to their recovery needs.
Both in-person and online or virtual meetings are available in Erie and the surrounding areas, providing flexibility for those beginning their recovery journey. In-person meetings offer direct connection with other members and the opportunity to build relationships within the recovery community. Virtual meetings accommodate those with scheduling conflicts, transportation limitations, or preferences for initial anonymity while exploring NA.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
NA offers both open and closed meeting formats in Erie, Pennsylvania, each serving different purposes within the recovery community. Understanding the distinction helps newcomers choose meetings that align with their needs and comfort level.
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meetings | Anyone can attend, including non-addicts seeking information about NA or supporting a loved one in recovery. These meetings welcome family members, friends, and individuals curious about the program. |
| Closed Meetings | Only those with a desire to stop using drugs may attend. These meetings provide a more private space specifically for individuals in active recovery or struggling with addiction. |
When attending your first local NA meeting, arrive early to familiarize yourself with the location and meet other members. Introducing yourself as a new local member helps the group welcome you and provides opportunities for connections with sponsors or mentors. Share your experiences if you feel comfortable doing so, but remember that participation is always voluntary—many newcomers listen during their first meetings while observing group dynamics.
Upon attending your first meeting, you will receive welcome keychain tags that mark important sobriety milestones. These tokens serve as tangible reminders of your commitment to recovery and celebrate your progress through various stages of sobriety.
- 30 Days: Represents the first month of continuous sobriety, a significant achievement demonstrating commitment to the recovery process and successful navigation of early withdrawal challenges.
- 60 Days: Marks two months clean, reflecting sustained effort and growing confidence in maintaining abstinence from all drugs.
- 90 Days: Celebrates three months of sobriety, a meaningful milestone that often corresponds to noticeable improvements in physical health, mental clarity, and emotional stability.
- 6 Months: Recognizes half a year of recovery, demonstrating long-term commitment and the development of solid recovery habits and coping strategies.
- 9 Months: Reflects three-quarters of a year in recovery, showing sustained dedication and deeper integration into the NA community.
- 1 Year: Celebrates a full year of sobriety, a major milestone representing fundamental life changes and renewed hope for continued recovery.
- 18 Months: Marks one and a half years clean, reflecting established recovery routines and strengthened relationships within the NA fellowship.
- Multiple Years: Represents continued long-term recovery beyond two years, celebrating sustained sobriety and the transformation possible through the NA program and community support.
The NA program emphasizes judgment-free support for all members regardless of their background, past actions, or personal circumstances. Attending meetings regularly helps members strengthen their commitment to recovery and develop meaningful connections with others who understand the challenges of addiction and the rewards of sobriety.