Question by Vanity: Does anyone know how NA (Narcotics Anonymous) meetings work?
I’m going to an NA meeting today with one of my friends, because I’ve had the urge to want to continue drug use. I was a coked out heroin addict all 2008, and part of 2009, and I’m terrified to go to these meetings. I feel like it’s all set up whereas the cops are going to bust in and arrest everyone there.
How do these meetings work??
Best answer:
Answer by Em
They work just like AA meetings. No cops. Relax.
What do you think? Answer below!
And what are they going to arrest you for?
These meetings are designed to help you improve your quality of life and give up drug use..
Unless you have illegal substances on your person or are doing something illegal on your way there you won’t get in trouble. It’s not illegal to have used drugs in the past.. look at Michael Phelps :)
They want you to admit that the control is out of your hands and that you must be helped by God.
Other than that, it’s basically a bunch of people with similar problems sharing their stories and being encouraging. Those meetings are usually filled with a lot of positive energy and support, so if you’re not opposed to the religious undertones it can be very helpful.
Basic 12-step format.
A meeting leader will read a short statement about the purposes of NA, he’ll hand out cards to other people so that they can read the 12 steps and traditions of NA out loud, including a statement about how everything said in the meetings is supposed to be confidential … there may or may not be a brief prayer and then then the meeting will be opened up to “sharing.”
“Sharing” is when people get up to talk about their past or present use, problems, or whatever. Normally there is a main “speaker” who will share for several minutes, then others will be invited to share for a couple minutes each.
After that, they’ll pass a hat to collect donations, read some more pre-printed statements about the program and then close with a prayer or simple statement. They are usually structured to end promptly after an hour to 90 minutes.
There shouldn’t be cops there, and if you’re trying to stay clean you shouldn’t worry about them being there. Just go, see if it works for you.
There are no cops, do not worry about that. Your free to speak your mind (and of course, we assume yuou won’t be bringing drugs with you).
On the other hand, NA, AA, SA and other twelve step programs are religious based. They assume you believe and worship God. So if you don’t, it won’t be for you.
Na is anonymous….you are safe there. It is a support group of prople who are drug addicts, just as you are. It can be a very positive experience for you, if you get involved with the program, and work it. Try to get to know people who are clean a length of time, and stay away from newcomers, who are prone to relapse. That could make you fall as well. Good Luck to you!