What is Narcotics Anonymous?
Narcotics Anonymous is a free peer-helping support group for addicted people. The system addresses addiction using the 12-step model of recovery, where members share experience, strength, and hope to help others recover from addiction to restart their life. NA meetings are held all over the United States and abroad, allowing the foundation of an international network of support. This organization, developed within the 1950s, is now running more than 70,000 meetings worldwide, making help for drug dependency readily available in those seeking it. For those in Florida, you can also find a list of methadone clinics in florida to explore further treatment options alongside NA support.
Narcotics Anonymous Support Groups for Drug Addiction in Florida
NA holds periodic meetings across different cities in Florida, which are intended to help people recover from addiction. Anyone, irrespective of their background, is welcome to attend these meetings, and they are free. Whether you’re new to recovery or have years of sobriety under your belt, you’ll be met with a community that understands and supports your journey.
Locations and Meeting Details
Following are some of the active Narcotics Anonymous meeting locations in Florida:
Miami
Location: 123 Recovery Blvd, Miami, FL 33101
Meeting Times:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday – 7:00 pm
Sunday – 10:00 am
Meeting Methods/Details:
- Open meetings – for newcomers and guests
- Closed meetings – members only
- Discussion-based and step study meetings
- Special meetings focused on topics like relapse prevention or emotional resilience
Orlando
Location: 456 Healing Way, Orlando, FL 32801
Meeting Times:
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 6:30 pm
Saturdays: 9:00 am
Meeting Methods/Details:
- Step Study Meetings: Examine the 12 steps
- Speaker Meetings: Hear about a guest speaker who will talk about their recovery story
- Group Sharing Circles: Free open forums to discuss either struggles or triumphs
- Family and loved ones are invited at specific times.
Tampa
Location: 789 Hope Ave, Tampa, FL 33601
Time: Every Monday and Friday at 8:00 PM; Saturdays at 11:00 AM
Type of Meeting(s)/Details:
- Separate gender-specific meetings
- Discussion-based regarding addiction and recovery by topic
- Meditation and spiritual practices will be included
- Confidential meetings ensuring privacy and a safe environment
These meetings provide a non-judgmental space for participants to discuss their personal struggles with addiction. Whether you’re looking for someone to talk to, need guidance on how to stay sober, or want to connect with others who understand your experience, NA offers a structured, supportive community.
Global Reach and Foundation
Narcotics Anonymous was founded in the 1950s by a group of people who had struggled with substance use and wanted to help others similarly. The 12-step program, after Alcoholics Anonymous, provides acknowledgment of one’s need for help, acceptance of personal responsibility, and a search for support through fellowship and spiritual growth. Today, NA hosts more than 70,000 meetings worldwide; it is the largest support networks for people in recovery today. The presence within Florida is a testament to the commitment to helping those overcome addiction and get their lives together with collective support.
The 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous
The 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous serve as a guide for individuals to the process of recovery, enabling them to attain enduring sobriety. These steps are grounded in the dynamics of self-appraisal, personal responsibility, and helping one another. This foundation laid with each step is an invitation toward change and fosters personal growth and healing.
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- We admitted we were powerless over our addiction—that our lives had become unmanageable.
Acknowledging that one has lost control due to addiction is the first step toward recovery. - Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
This is a step to instill faith into a higher power or the recovery process itself to lead the person towards healing. - Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
Surrendering control to a higher power allows personal transformation and healing. - Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
By doing an in-depth self-reflection, one can get to the roots of addiction and shortcomings in one’s personality. - Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
Sharing one’s struggles allows for emotional release and accountability. - Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
Being open to change can let people grow and get rid of old, destructive habits. - Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
In seeking humility and help from a higher power, personal growth and self-improvement are achieved. - Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
Taking responsibility for past actions is crucial in healing relationships and personal growth. - Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
Apologizing and making restitution where necessary helps rebuild trust and relationships. - Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
Regular self-checks and accountability maintain progress in the recovery process. - 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.
Spiritual practices increase self-awareness and connection to one’s purpose in 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.
The last one highlights serving others, and living life based on the lessons learned through the program.
- We admitted we were powerless over our addiction—that our lives had become unmanageable.
The Florida Narcotics Anonymous Program Getting Started
Getting started in the Narcotics Anonymous recovery process in Florida is easy and accessible. NA has a variety of in-person and online meetings, so you can get the help you need wherever you are. You may find any meeting, locally or virtually, through this state’s NA meeting search tool on methadone.org. Whether it is face-to-face meetings or connecting with others online, there are options for everyone to fit any location and schedule.
Meeting Options: In-Person and Virtual
Most major cities in Florida have the availability of physical and online meetings for participants to exert flexibility in whichever way they participate. Physical meetings avail one with direct interaction and personal connection, while virtual meetings allow those who cannot move or prefer the convenience of joining from home. Both formats are based on the same principles and get the same support; the advantage of the virtual meeting is that it is highly accessible and convenient.
Finding a Meeting Near You
- Use the Meeting Search Tool: Visit methadone.org to find a local NA meeting.
- Filter by Location: Enter your city or zip code to discover nearby meetings.
- Choose Between In-Person and Online: Select the meeting format that best suits your preferences.
You can search by day, time, and format to make sure you find a meeting that fits into your schedule and needs. Once you have located a meeting, it’s time to prepare for your first visit.
How to Attend Your First Local NA Meeting
Attending your first Narcotics Anonymous meeting in Florida can be a life-changing experience. It is natural to feel nervous, but the NA community is welcoming and understanding, providing a safe space for everyone. Here’s what you can expect when you attend your first meeting.
Open vs Closed Meetings
NA meetings come in two types: open and closed. Understanding the difference will help you choose the right meeting to attend.
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meetings | Open to all, including those who wish to learn more about NA or bring a friend or relative along for support. |
| Closed Meetings | For addicts only who would like to recover from their addiction. |
What to Expect
- Arrive Early: It is a good idea to arrive a little early to get used to the meeting venue and meet people.
- Introduce Yourself: A recommendation is made that, as a new member, you introduce yourself-although only when you feel comfortable to do so. The group will more than likely introduce themselves and make you feel very welcome.
- Sharing Your Story: Share with the group if you feel comfortable. It may be helpful to you in bonding and starting a healing process. Again, sharing is optional, and you are free to listen and not speak.
Welcome Keychain Tags and Milestones
At your initial meeting, you will be provided with an introductory keychain tag that represents your commitment to your recovery. This chip works as a reminder of your journey towards wellness and a milestone on your improvement. NA has milestone chips that symbolize great periods of time in which one has remained sober. These chips help recognize and celebrate your recovery achievements.
Milestone Tags
- 30 Days: A tag given when you have attained your first month of sobriety.
- 60 Days: Two months of clean time.
- 1 Year: A tag for your first full year in sobriety.
- Over 1 Year: Additional tags are available for each consecutive year thereafter.
These keychain tags are not only a visible testament to the time and effort you have given but also reminders of how strong you are to keep going on.