You don't need an appointment, a referral, or to hit any kind of "bottom." If you think you might have a problem with drugs, you're welcome here.
NA meetings are free and open to anyone who thinks they may have a problem with drugs. You don't need to be clean, sober, or sure — just willing to show up. There are no fees, no sign-ups, and no one will ask you for your last name.
Meetings are held in churches, community centers, libraries, and other public spaces. The building is just a meeting place — NA is not affiliated with any religion or institution.
Anyone can attend — addicts, family members, friends, professionals, or anyone who wants to learn about NA. Most meetings in our area are open.
Restricted to people who identify as addicts or think they might have a drug problem. This keeps the focus on recovery for those who need it most.
Arrive a few minutes early if you can. Someone will likely greet you at the door. Grab a seat wherever you're comfortable.
A chairperson opens with a moment of silence and the Serenity Prayer. Readings from NA literature set the tone — you can just listen.
Recovering addicts share their experience. There are no lectures, no advice-giving, and no cross-talk. You never have to speak if you don't want to.
Meetings typically last one hour. Stick around after if you'd like — members love to talk to newcomers.
Only you can answer that question. Most NA members found that they used drugs to cope with life — and that once they started, they couldn't stop on their own. If any of these feel familiar, you may find that NA can help:
Do you use drugs even when you don't want to, or more than you intended?
Have you tried to stop using and found that you couldn't?
Do you use alone, or feel shame about your using?
Has your drug use caused problems in your relationships, work, or health?
Do you feel like you need drugs just to get through the day?
Have you ever felt that your life would be better if you didn't use?
If you answered yes to any of these, you're not alone. NA is a program of complete abstinence from all drugs — and it works. You never have to use again.
No. You're welcome to just listen. If the chairperson asks if anyone is new, you can raise your hand to get a white keytag — but even that's optional.
NA has no dues or fees. A basket is passed for voluntary contributions from members, but newcomers are asked not to contribute.
NA is a spiritual, not religious, program. Members come from all backgrounds and beliefs. You're free to understand a "Higher Power" in any way that works for you — or to set that aside and just keep coming back.
NA takes no position on outside issues, including treatment methods. You are welcome at any open meeting.
Anonymity is the foundation of NA. What is shared in a meeting stays in that meeting. Members use first names only and respect each other's privacy.
These NA pamphlets cover the basics. They're available for free at any meeting, or you can download them here.
Open meetings every week across ten counties in Mid-East Ohio.