Bedford NA Meetings

What is Narcotics Anonymous?

Narcotics Anonymous is a global organization that was founded in 1953 and modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous. It focuses on a solution for drug addiction, but it also recognizes alcohol as a drug and therefore, welcomes people who are addicted to all substances.

NA is a nonprofit fellowship of men and women who meet regularly to help each other stay clean.

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

NA has meetings scheduled all over the globe, and there are many meetings that take place each weekday in the Bedford, Ohio area.

NA memberships are open to those who have substance abuse problems and are looking for support to recover from addiction. There are no dues 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 in safe places and not be judged for their substance abuse problems. Meetings often encourage people to make the right decision to get clean. In time, people learn that they will not be judged for their past, but commended for their decision to get clean.

There are several types of NA meetings, including:

• Open sessions – These are meetings that allow families, prospective participants, and other members of the community to be present during 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. They are designed to give members a sense of comfort and security, and to encourage them to share and socialize.
• Specific Group Gatherings – These meetings are specifically for certain groups of people. For example there are women only meetings, newcomers meetings, and meetings for members of the LGBT community and various religions.
• 12-Step Study meetings – These meetings walk members through a 12-Step Study. This involves exploring one or more steps during meeting times.
• 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. They provide support no matter the location. Online meetings are very private and are usually done just by voice versus video.

What to Expect During NA Meetings

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

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

There is no need to be nervous. Newcomers are encouraged to focus on listening and then participate when they are ready to do so; although they will be warmly welcomed and asked to introduce themselves.

It is important for newcomers to share their experience, strength and hope they have on the road to recovery as soon as they are comfortable.

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.
• There may be a potluck dinner and/or a time for socialization.
• Members will be asked to gather in a circle at the end to say a short prayer.
• A schedule of other local NA meetings might be provided at the end of the meeting.
• Cellphones are asked to be silenced.

Why is Attending Addiction Recovery Meetings Important?

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

• Understanding the implications of 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 to feel heard by others who have been down a similar road.

Traveling to SpringBoard Recovery in Arizona for Drug and Alcohol Rehab

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

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

At SpringBoard Recovery, we 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 millions of people around the world have gotten the support they need to get clean. Many have been able to stop their addictions to substance abuse.