Arlington Heights, IL – NA Meetings

What is Narcotics Anonymous?

Narcotics Anonymous is a global organization that was founded in 1953 and modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous. It follows the 12 step program that was designed to help addicts stop using and show a new way of life.

It focuses on a solution for drug addiction but it also recognizes other substance abuse such as alcohol therefore welcomes people who are addicted to all substances.

NA has one requirement from the members and that is a willingness to stop using and become clean.

NA has meetings scheduled all over the world and there are many meetings that take place each week in the Arlington Heights, Illinois area.

There are no fees to become a member, and members do not have to pay any fees to attend meetings.

The meetings are run by individuals who have recovered from substance abuse. There is no professional oversight.

NA meetings are places where people can gather to be in a safe place and not be judged for actions of abusing a substance. The NA meeting will encourage someone to make the right decision to get clean and can come to know that they will not be judged for their past, but commended for their decision to get clean. The one requirement is to have a desire to stop abusing the substance.

Keep in mind that Narcotics is not a detox service or program, however you can connect with people who can tell you where to get the help one might need.

There are several different types of NA meetings, including:

• Open sessions – These are meetings that allow families, possible  participants and others members of the community to be at the meeting. Regular attendees are allowed to actively participate, which reduces the pressure that some new people might feel during the first meeting.
• Closed meetings – These meetings are available to anyone who acknowledges that they have a problem with addiction or think they have an addiction. It gives those who have an addiction a certainty that there are participants that they can identify with at the meeting.
• Specific Group Gatherings – These meetings are restricted to certain group characteristics.  For example, there are women-only meetings, newcomers meetings, members of the LGBT community and various religions.
• 12-Step Study meetings – These meetings walk members through the 12-Step Study.
• Big Book Study meetings – Even though the book is for the recovery of Alcohol Addiction, it is introduced in NA meetings.
• Online meetings – These work for those in remote areas where finding nearby meetings is difficult or for people who are unable to leave their homes.

What to Expect During NA Meetings

Every NA meeting type has a different format that participants follow.

New participants are often concerned about what to expect when attending a NA meeting for the first time. They may be shy that they will be put on the spot or embarrassed in some way.

There is no need to be anxious. New members are encouraged to focus on listening and then participate when they are ready to do so.  Sometimes, they will be warmly welcomed and asked to introduce themselves.

It is important for new members when comfortable to share their experience, strength, and hope they have on the road to recovery.

During NA meetings, any of the following may happen:

• Visitors and newcomers are asked to introduce themselves by their first name.
• Certain participants or members may be asked to share on specific topics.
• There may be an open discussion, during which time, anyone can share with the group.
• There may be a special speaker and participants are invited to listen.
• There might be a short break to allow for a drink, restroom break or socialization.
• A schedule of other local NA meetings might be provided at the end of the meeting.
• Cellphones are asked to be silenced or turned off.

Why is Attending Addiction Recovery Meetings Important?

Attending addiction recovery meetings allow people with similar concerns to come together and share their obstacles. This is helpful because the person can often give or receive advice to help manage the problem and they might not feel alone with their addiction. Some of the benefits of attending recovery meetings are:

• Understanding the implications of your addiction and how to handle roadblocks on the road to recovery.
• Receiving help on how to handle the anxiety and depression as one manages the addiction.
• Being able to share feelings without being judged.
• Learning how to manage the addiction.
• Having the opportunity of not being alone and being around others to share personal experiences.
• Feeling a sense of control that allows a person to accept the addiction.

Organizations like NA make it possible for people to get the help they need and also to feel heard by others who have been in a similar place/situation like themselves.

Traveling to SpringBoard Recovery in Arizona for Drug and Alcohol Rehab

People often choose to travel from Arlington Heights, Illinois to SpringBoard Recovery for drug and alcohol rehab. There are numerous reasons why someone might make that decision, including:

• Researching an addiction treatment program that accepts their health insurance plans.
• Having the desire to get away from home and to be able to be on oneself during recovering from addiction.
• Being in a private area if one is a public figure and needs seclusion during the recovery process.
• Finding a recovery option that one wants to participate in that is not given at a nearby recovery center that the person lives near.
• Recovering in a different area that will allow them to get away from triggers that might hinder the recovery process.

We at SpringBoard Recovery, offer recovery housing as well as our addiction treatment program. We are here to help. Please contact us today to learn more.

Attending NA can be very helpful, and multitudes of people around the globe have gotten the support they need to get clean. Many have been able to stop their addiction to substance abuse.