What is NA?
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a nonprofit fellowship dedicated to supporting individuals struggling with drug addiction. Adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous, NA provides a structured, peer-led support system where members help each other maintain abstinence from all drugs through regular group meetings, available in cities across the United States including Texas, Travis County, and Austin.
The program is completely free and offers a welcoming environment where individuals share experiences and coping strategies to foster recovery. NA meetings are held regularly in Austin at various locations tailored to fit different schedules and needs.
Central Presbyterian Church
Address: 200 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701
Meeting Times & Details:
- Monday – Friday, 12:15 PM (1 hour): These midday meetings focus on open discussion formats where members share recent challenges and victories to stay motivated throughout the week.
- Tuesday & Thursday, 7:00 PM (1.5 hours): Evening sessions feature step study and speaker meetings, providing in-depth exploration of recovery tools and personal stories that inspire sustained clean living.
Hyde Park Christian Church
Address: 610 E 45th St, Austin, TX 78751
Meeting Times & Details:
- Daily at 12:00 PM (1 hour): These noontime meetings offer a convenient daily touchpoint with a mix of open discussion and guided sharing to promote peer support and accountability.
- Monday – Sunday at 6:00 PM (1 hour): Evening meetings emphasize fellowship and spiritual growth, often incorporating meditation and literature readings to support holistic recovery.
North Austin 24 Hour Club
Address: 803 W 24th St, Austin, TX 78705
Meeting Times & Details:
- Daily at 6:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 6:00 PM, and 8:30 PM (1 hour each): Offers multiple meetings per day including early morning and late evening options, ensuring accessibility for members with different schedules and lifestyles. Each meeting maintains an open format encouraging members to share progress, challenges, and support.
The 12 Steps of NA
- We admitted that we were powerless over our addiction—that our lives had become unmanageable. Acknowledging the loss of control is the first step toward recovery and the beginning of accepting help.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Opening up to spiritual or higher power guidance offers hope beyond individual struggles.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. This step encourages surrendering to a healing process greater than oneself.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Honest self-reflection helps identify behaviors and attitudes that contribute to addiction.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. Confession allows release of guilt and fosters accountability.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. Preparedness to change personal flaws is vital for lasting recovery.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. This step involves seeking assistance in overcoming personal weaknesses.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all. Recognition of harm done and willingness to correct it helps heal relationships.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Taking responsibility through amends helps restore trust and peace.
- Continued to take personal inventory and, when we were wrong, promptly admitted it. Ongoing self-awareness supports continual growth and prevents relapse.
- 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. This step strengthens spiritual connection and commitment to 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. Members commit to helping others and living the recovery principles daily.
Getting Started with NA in Texas, Travis, Austin, USA
For those interested in beginning their recovery journey with Narcotics Anonymous, the best resource to find local NA meetings is wfmh.org. This site provides up-to-date information on both in-person and online meetings available across Texas, Travis County, and Austin.
Most areas offer flexible meeting options including face-to-face groups and virtual gatherings, catering to varying preferences and schedules.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
NA meetings are categorized into two main types:
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meetings | These meetings welcome all individuals interested in Narcotics Anonymous, including addicts, family members, and friends. Newcomers can listen, share, or simply observe the process. |
| Closed Meetings | Restricted solely to those who have a desire to stop using drugs. These meetings encourage a confidential and safe environment for focused recovery work. |
It is recommended to arrive early on your first visit to introduce yourself as a new local member, which helps facilitators and members provide tailored support. Sharing your personal experiences is encouraged but completely optional depending on your comfort level.
At the first meeting, newcomers typically receive a welcome keychain tag that symbolizes their initial commitment to recovery. This tradition marks milestones that celebrate continued abstinence and support personal motivation.
- 30 days: Marks the first month of continuous sobriety and is a crucial early step in recovery.
- 60 days: Indicates sustained effort and increased commitment toward a drug-free lifestyle.
- 90 days: Demonstrates significant progress and developing resilience in one’s recovery journey.
- 6 months: Highlights dedication and the ability to face challenges while remaining clean.
- 1 year: Represents a major achievement that reflects long-term stability and growth.
- Multiple years: Celebrates continued sobriety and the ongoing practice of NA’s principles.