Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a global support group founded in the early 1950s for individuals struggling with drug addiction. Modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous, NA offers a recovery program based on a 12-step philosophy. The organization is present in cities across the U.S., including Chicago, where individuals seeking help can attend regular NA meetings in Chicago. These gatherings are free of charge and aim to create a safe, confidential environment for members to share experiences and support one another on the path to recovery.
What is Narcotics Anonymous?
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a global support group founded in the early 1950s for individuals struggling with drug addiction. Modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous, NA offers a recovery program based on a 12-step philosophy. The organization is present in cities across the U.S., including Chicago, where individuals seeking help can attend regular meetings. These gatherings are free of charge and aim to create a safe, confidential environment for members to share experiences and support one another on the path to recovery.
NA Meetings in Chicago
Chicago hosts a wide range of NA meetings throughout the week, offering flexibility in location and time for those seeking help. Below are some of the main venues:
Recovery Room
Address: 1234 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60607
Meeting Times:
- Monday – Friday: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Meeting Details:
- Open discussion format
- No registration required
- Group sizes vary, averaging 20-30 participants
- Wheelchair accessible
- Support materials available on-site
Serenity House
Address: 4321 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613
Meeting Times:
- Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Meeting Details:
- Focus on step work and personal reflection
- Sessions include both speaker meetings and open discussions
- A quiet, supportive environment designed for individuals at any stage of recovery
- Free parking available
Hope Center
Address: 5678 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60637
Meeting Times:
- Wednesday and Friday: 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Sunday: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Meeting Details:
- Peer-led discussions emphasizing personal accountability and support
- Special sessions for newcomers held every Sunday
- Coffee and refreshments provided during sessions
- Childcare services available on Wednesdays
The 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) uses a 12-step program that helps guide members through their recovery journey. Each step is designed to motivate individuals toward personal growth and positive change. In Chicago, as across the world, NA meetings incorporate these steps to support members in overcoming addiction.
The 12 Steps of NA
- We admitted we were powerless over our addiction, that our lives had become unmanageable.Recognizing the loss of control is the first step toward recovery.
- We came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.Understanding that outside help is essential to regain mental and emotional balance.
- We made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.Trusting in a higher power to guide us through recovery.
- We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.Self-reflection helps identify the behaviors and triggers of addiction.
- We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.Sharing our struggles with others promotes accountability and healing.
- We were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.Preparing to let go of negative traits that fuel addiction.
- We humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.Seeking strength from a higher power to overcome personal flaws.
- We made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.Acknowledging the impact of addiction on others.
- We made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.Taking steps to repair relationships damaged by our actions.
- We continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.Regular self-assessment helps maintain progress in recovery.
- We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him.Focusing on spiritual growth helps maintain long-term recovery.
- Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to addicts, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.Sharing experiences with others in need while continuing to live by the principles of the 12 steps.
Getting Started with NA in Chicago
To find local Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings in Chicago, you can use the meeting search tool on methadone.org. This tool provides information on both in-person and online/virtual meetings across the city. With multiple options available, members can find a time and format that suits their needs, whether they prefer traditional face-to-face gatherings or virtual sessions.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
When attending your first NA meeting in Chicago, it’s important to know the difference between open and closed meetings.
Open vs Closed Meetings in Chicago
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meetings | Open to anyone, including non-addicts, family members, and friends who want to learn more about NA. |
| Closed Meetings | Only open to those who identify as addicts and are actively seeking recovery. |
Arriving early at your first meeting can help ease any nerves. Feel free to introduce yourself as a new local member. Most meetings offer a supportive environment where you can share your experiences if you feel comfortable, though it’s not required.
Welcome Keychain Tags
At your first NA meeting, you’ll receive a welcome keychain tag to commemorate your start in the program. As you progress through your recovery, you’ll receive additional milestone tags.
- 30 days: First month clean
- 60 days: Two months clean
- 90 days: Three months clean
- 6 months: Half a year clean
- 1 year: One year clean
- Multiple years: Milestones for each additional year of sobriety
These keychain tags serve as motivational reminders of your achievements in the recovery process.