What is NA?
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a worldwide, free support group designed to help individuals struggling with drug addiction. The program operates through community-based regular group meetings such as https://www.methadone.org/na/north-carolina/mecklenburg/charlotte/ where members share their experiences, strengths, and hopes to maintain a drug-free life and support each other’s recovery journeys.
NA is widely available in cities across the United States, including North Carolina, Mecklenburg County, and Charlotte. The organization provides an accessible and supportive environment without charge, allowing anyone affected by drug addiction to participate.
Midwood Baptist Church
Address: 1817 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
- Monday at 7:00 PM (Open Discussion): An opportunity for all attendees to share openly about their experiences with addiction and recovery, encouraging open communication and support.
- Wednesday at 7:00 PM (Step Study): A focused study session where the group works through the 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous in detail, reflecting on personal application.
- Friday at 7:00 PM (Newcomer Meeting): Tailored for those new to NA, this meeting offers a welcoming atmosphere and introduces the principles and benefits of the program.
St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church
Address: 1600 Norris Ave, Charlotte, NC 28206
- Tuesday at 7:00 PM (Open Discussion): Open to all, this meeting fosters peer support through shared personal stories and collective encouragement in recovery.
- Thursday at 7:00 PM (Topic Discussion): Participants explore specific themes related to addiction recovery, relapse prevention, and maintaining sobriety in daily life.
- Saturday at 10:00 AM (Just for Today Study): A study group focused on the “Just for Today” daily recovery principle, helping members build resilience step-by-step.
Providence United Methodist Church
Address: 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211
- Sunday at 6:00 PM (Speaker Meeting): A member shares their personal journey of addiction and recovery, inspiring others through lived experience and hope.
- Wednesday at 12:00 PM (Open Discussion): Midday session where members provide mutual support by discussing challenges and victories in recovery.
- Friday at 8:00 PM (Candlelight Meeting): A reflective and often more intimate meeting, usually held in low light, that encourages heartfelt sharing and healing.
The 12 Steps of NA
- We admitted we were powerless over our addiction—that our lives had become unmanageable. This first step is an acknowledgment of the severity of addiction and the inability to control it alone, opening the door to recovery.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. This step introduces hope by recognizing an external source of strength and guidance, however the individual defines it.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. Members commit to trusting this higher power with their recovery and daily life decisions.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. This introspective step requires honest self-evaluation to identify personal flaws and past harms.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. Sharing the identified faults with others helps reduce shame and fosters accountability.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. Readiness to change is critical, marking a turning point toward personal growth.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. This step embodies a request for assistance in letting go of harmful behaviors and attitudes.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all. Members identify those affected by their addiction and prepare to repair relationships.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Taking responsibility and making reparations promotes healing for all involved.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. Ongoing self-monitoring ensures sustained awareness and humility.
- 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. This reinforces spiritual growth and daily reliance on higher guidance.
- 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 supporting others in recovery and living by the principles of NA.
Getting Started with NA in North Carolina, Mecklenburg, Charlotte, USA
Individuals seeking Narcotics Anonymous support in North Carolina, Mecklenburg, and Charlotte are strongly encouraged to search for local meetings on methadone.org. This site offers the most reliable and comprehensive directory of NA meetings in the area, including times, locations, and formats.
Most locations provide both in-person and online/virtual meetings, ensuring accessibility regardless of personal circumstances or public health concerns.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
When attending your first NA meeting in North Carolina, Mecklenburg, or Charlotte, you will encounter two main types of meetings: open and closed. Open meetings welcome anyone interested in learning about NA, including friends and family, while closed meetings are reserved for individuals desiring help with their own addiction.
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meetings | Open to anyone interested in understanding NA; members share experiences and support each other in an inclusive setting. |
| Closed Meetings | Exclusive to those who identify as addicted to drugs seeking recovery, providing a confidential space for sharing and healing. |
- Arrive early to introduce yourself as a new member from the Charlotte or Mecklenburg area.
- Feel free to share your own experiences and struggles if you feel comfortable in the group.
- Receive a traditional welcome keychain tag marking your journey’s milestones.
List of Tag Milestones
- 30 days: Represents the first month of continuous abstinence and commitment to recovery.
- 60 days: Celebrates sustained effort and growth in sobriety after two months.
- 1 year: Marks a significant achievement of one full year of drug freedom and ongoing dedication.
- Additional milestones often include 18 months, 2 years, 3 years, and beyond, each symbolizing increasing strength and continuity in recovery.