What is Narcotics Anonymous?
Narcotics Anonymous is an international organization that brings together people with drug addiction problems. It is a support program, based on a 12-step recovery process, with the purpose of abstaining from drugs and providing members with a safe, non-judgmental place to share their experiences and receive emotional and social support. Founded in the 1950s, NA today has more than 70,000 meetings worldwide and is thus one of the most accessible resources for people in recovery. It is open to all those who want help with drug addiction, no matter what drug of choice an addict uses. For those seeking assistance in Dallas, resources like dallas addiction treatment are available to support individuals on their recovery journey.
The NA program does not charge entry fees; it only includes regular group sessions where people in similar dilemmas share companionship. NA meetings are held in most major cities in the nation, including various locations in Dallas, where a member participates in support given to their fellows, sharing personal experiences and gaining from others as well.
It is ensured that the meetings follow the principles of respect and thus confidentiality, thereby creating an environment of acceptance.
Narcotics Anonymous Meetings in Dallas
Dallas, Texas, has a lot of NA meetings throughout the week, so people can find times that work for them. Here are some of the places, times, and information about the meetings:
Dallas Area Narcotics Anonymous Central Office
Address:
2805 W. 15th Street, Suite 8, Dallas, TX 75090
Meeting Times and Methods:
- Mondays: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Closed Discussion Meeting)
- Wednesdays: 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM (Open Discussion Meeting)
- Fridays: 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM (Step Meeting)
Discussion meetings are open time where participants can share personal experiences or be listeners. The “Closed” discussion meetings are limited to those seeking recovery and interested in drug addiction while the “Open” type meetings are open to people, family, and friends willing to join.
The Step Meetings focus on specific principles from the 12-step recovery process, allowing individuals to reflect on their own recovery journey and understand the importance of each step in their personal healing. Meetings are typically structured, starting with a reading of the 12 steps, followed by shared experiences, and ending with a brief meditation or affirmation.
North Dallas Recovery Group
Address:
1717 S. Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75215
Meeting Times and Methods:
- Tuesdays: 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM (Beginners Meeting)
- Thursdays: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Step and Tradition Study)
- Sundays: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (Open Share Meeting)
Newcomers to this location can take in a “Beginners Meeting” to introduce them to the principles of Narcotics Anonymous. Many such meetings may deal with the first supportive meetings to begin the recovery process. The Step and Tradition Study meetings delve deeper into the core teachings of the program; each step and tradition is reviewed in detail and how to apply them to everyday life. Open Share Meetings give everyone the chance to share their progress and challenges in a group setting.
East Dallas Narcotics Anonymous
Address:
8500 Garland Road, Dallas, TX 75218
Meeting Times and Methods:
- Mondays: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM (Speaker Meeting)
- Wednesdays: 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM (Discussion Meeting)
- Saturdays: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM (Step Working Meeting)
Speaker meetings at East Dallas involve the telling of personal recovery stories with invited speakers who share, offering hope and insight from the speaker. Such gatherings allow the members to simply get others’ view on addiction and recovery. Discussion and Step Working is where members can be allowed to discuss in small group settings and work steps as a small group.
NA meetings in Dallas
NA meetings in Dallas are flexible, friendly, and supportive, with various meeting formats to suit different needs in recovery. Whether one is fresh into recovery or well down the road, there is a meeting that will suit the needs and community sought.
Key Features of Narcotics Anonymous Meetings
- Confidential and non-judging environment
- Free and open to anyone seeking help with drug addiction
- Available in Dallas at times and locations throughout the area
- 12-step recovery work with accountability
- Regular supportive groups to share, support, and grow with others
- Some groups open to friends and family of those in recovery
These resources form the basis for long-term recovery, enabling people to pursue a life free of drugs. Narcotics Anonymous remains a vital resource for many, and its meetings in Dallas are a source of support for people who work together in their struggle against addiction.
The 12 Steps of NA
The 12-step program of Narcotics Anonymous is a systematic recovery process leading the addict towards change and personal growth. Each step is intended to be a process through which members will realize their struggles, increase resilience, and lead to long-term recovery.
- We admitted we were powerless over our addiction—that our lives had become unmanageable.
Admitted that it was impossible for us to control our addiction, and our lives had become unmanageable; we need help. - Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
Identifying their requirement for spiritual guidance and strength from a higher power aids members in regaining control. - Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
Letting go of self-will and entrusting ourselves to a higher power, which will help us in our recovery process by finding peace and strength. - Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
Self-reflection and accountability help members identify harmful behaviors and thought patterns. - Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
Sharing personal struggles with others encourages healing through honesty and openness. - Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
The readiness of release of the negative traits and acceptance of change is very crucial in recovery. - Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
To seek help in overcoming personal flaws and accept personal growth that leads to healing. - Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
It is always important to know that healing relationships require acknowledging past harm and being prepared to make amends. - Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
By accepting responsibility for past actions, one is able to restore personal integrity through seeking reconciliation. - Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
Continuous self-reflection will make members accountable and continue their journey of recovery. - 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.
Strengthening spiritual practice is fostering growth and guiding members through challenges. - 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 with others and living the principles promotes lasting change.
Getting Started with NA in Dallas
NA provides various meeting services to help those recovering from narcotics addiction, and a nearby one can easily be located within Dallas. In order to find the nearest meeting, there is an option of using a meeting finder tool at methadone.org, which is available and updates its information concerning all local NA meetings happening across Dallas. You will also have an option to narrow the results by location, times, and types of meeting that you would prefer attending.
Types of Meetings Available
Both in-person and online/virtual meetings are available in Dallas, making it convenient for individuals to participate, whether they prefer face-to-face interaction or the flexibility of virtual gatherings. In-person meetings provide a more personal, supportive environment where members can connect with others who are navigating the same recovery journey. Virtual meetings are a convenient option for individuals who cannot make a physical appearance due to distance, health complications, or tight schedules. Most of the NA meetings in Dallas occur in different formats in order to accommodate different members.
Open vs. Closed Meetings in Dallas
There are two major types of NA meetings: open and closed. First, knowing the difference will help in choosing between meetings.
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meetings | Open to anyone, including friends, relatives, or others interested in learning about NA. |
| Closed Meetings | For addicts who desire to stop using drugs. |
If you are new to NA, it’s generally recommended that you start with a closed meeting, where you can share openly with others who are facing the same struggles. However, if you are a family member or someone seeking to learn more, open meetings are a great opportunity to understand the process.
Tips for Your First Meeting
- Arrive Early: Getting to the meeting a few minutes before it starts allows you to settle in and get comfortable.
- Introduce Yourself: As a new member, feel free to introduce yourself at the start of the meeting. You are not required to share anything you aren’t comfortable with, but introducing yourself helps other members know you’re new and can offer support.
- Share Your Experiences: If you feel ready, sharing your own story can help foster connections and receive feedback from others. However, it’s entirely voluntary, and there’s no pressure to speak unless you want to.
Welcome Keychain Tags and Milestones
You will be given a keychain tag with a welcome message on it at your first meeting, symbolizing your commitment to start the recovery process. It’s the first step in your journey—a welcoming gesture from the NA community.
As you continue going to meetings and moving forward in your recovery, you will get more keychain tags for reaching different levels of your recovery. These milestones are meant to celebrate your commitment and give you a sense of accomplishment as you move towards long-term recovery.
Tag Milestones
- 30 Days: The first big milestone to mark one month of your sobriety and the beginning of change.
- 60 Days: Commemorating two months of recovery and reminding you of how far you have come.
- 1 Year: Major landmark indicating one complete year of staying clean.
- Multiple Years: Extra tags for each year thereafter in recovery, continuing to reward long-term commitment and progress.
These tokens are not just pieces of anything; they remind you of how strong you have been and what journey you have undertaken, helping to keep you motivated on your path toward recovery.