What is NA?
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a nonprofit fellowship designed to support individuals struggling with drug addiction. It provides a free, peer-led program focused on helping members stop using drugs and maintain sobriety through mutual support and the 12-Step recovery approach. NA meetings are widely available across cities in the United States, including San Diego, California.
In San Diego, California, regular group meetings are held in various community locations, offering a safe and confidential environment for those seeking help. The program operates entirely free of charge, emphasizing anonymity and encouragement among members in recovery.
Ocean Beach Recreation Center
Address: 4726 Santa Monica Ave, San Diego, CA 92107
- Monday – 8:00 pm (Topic Discussion): Members discuss specific recovery topics, facilitating group participation where everyone is encouraged to share their thoughts and experiences to deepen understanding of addiction and sobriety.
- Tuesday – 7:00 pm (Topic Discussion): Similar to Monday’s meeting, this session focuses on open-topic discussions guided by NA literature and group consensus to support new and existing members.
- Wednesday – 8:00 pm (Literature Study): This meeting involves reading and studying NA-approved literature, helping members reflect on their journey through written recovery wisdom.
- Friday – 8:00 pm (Speaker Meeting): A member or guest shares their personal recovery story, inspiring hope and perseverance among attendees.
- Saturday – 8:00 pm (Topic Discussion): Group members participate in discussions on various topics related to addiction recovery and personal growth.
- Sunday – 7:00 pm (Newcomer Meeting): Dedicated to new members, this meeting explains the NA program structure and offers a welcoming environment for those attending their first meetings.
Pacific Beach Library
Address: 4275 Cass St, San Diego, CA 92109
- Sunday – 6:00 pm (Topic Discussion): An open forum where members discuss recovery-related topics, share their challenges and successes, and offer mutual encouragement and support to maintain sobriety.
First Lutheran Church
Address: 1420 3rd Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
- Monday – 7:00 pm (Candlelight Meeting): A reflective and quieter type of meeting where members often share personal stories in a supportive setting illuminated by candlelight, symbolizing hope and renewal.
The 12 Steps of NA
- We admitted we were powerless over our addiction—that our lives had become unmanageable. This step encourages acknowledgment of addiction’s severity and acceptance of the need for help.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Members develop hope in recovery through spiritual or higher power beliefs, however they understand them.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. This step emphasizes trust and surrender, committing to a recovery path beyond self-control alone.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Members honestly examine their behaviors, attitudes, and past mistakes to understand underlying causes of addiction.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. Sharing this inventory fosters accountability and reduces shame.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. This step cultivates willingness to change harmful patterns and personality traits.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. A request for help in overcoming weaknesses and progressing in recovery.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all. Encourages recognition of past harm caused and readiness for restitution.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Taking responsibility through action, restoring relationships where safe and appropriate.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. Promotes ongoing self-awareness and correction of behaviors.
- Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will and the power to carry that out. Focused on spiritual growth and guidance 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. Members commit to helping others and living the program in daily life.
Getting Started with NA in California, San Diego, San Diego, USA
Individuals seeking to begin their recovery journey with Narcotics Anonymous in San Diego are strongly encouraged to use wfmh.org as the primary resource for locating local NA meetings. This website offers the most up-to-date information on meeting times, locations, and formats across the area.
Most NA groups in San Diego provide both in-person and online/virtual meetings, offering flexibility and accessibility for members regardless of their circumstances or preferences.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
When attending your first NA meeting in San Diego, it is helpful to understand the difference between open and closed meetings:
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meeting | These meetings allow anyone interested, including family, friends, and the general public, to attend and observe or participate. |
| Closed Meeting | Only individuals who identify as having a drug addiction or those who are committed to recovery can attend and share during closed meetings. |
It is advised to arrive early, introduce yourself as a new member, and feel free to share your experiences if comfortable during the meeting. NA respects your choice to speak or listen quietly.
New members typically receive a welcome keychain tag as a token of encouragement and recognition of their commitment to recovery at their first meeting.
- 30 Days Tag: Signifies one month of continuous abstinence and commitment to recovery.
- 60 Days Tag: Marks two months of sobriety and ongoing engagement with NA.
- 1 Year Tag: Celebrates one full year free from drugs and sustained recovery efforts.
- Multiple Year Tags: Represent longer-term milestones such as 5 years, 10 years, and beyond, encouraging perseverance and dedication.
