What is NA?
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a nonprofit support group dedicated to helping individuals struggling with drug addiction. It operates as a fellowship of recovering addicts who share their experiences and strength to overcome addiction through regular attendance at group meetings, which can be found in Chicago through https://www.methadone.org/na/illinois/cook/chicago/ for those seeking local support.
The program is free of charge and widely available in cities across the United States, including within Illinois, Cook, and Chicago. NA meetings provide a safe, supportive environment where members can find understanding and encouragement to maintain sobriety and work toward recovery.
1 2 3 Kick Group
7010 South Union Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 60621
Meeting time: Saturdays, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
This group meets weekly in an open format encouraging sharing and fellowship. The meetings emphasize peer support and the discussion of recovery strategies in a structured one-hour session.
12 NA 12 Group
7525 West Belmont Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 60634
Meeting time: Mondays, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
This meeting focuses on the Twelve Steps of NA, with members exploring and discussing each step in detail. It offers newcomers an opportunity to understand the core principles of the program and engage actively in recovery.
1842 S Kedzie Avenue
1842 South Kedzie Avenue, Chicago, IL 60623-2622
Meeting time: Mondays, 6:30 PM
This meeting provides a welcoming space for both newcomers and experienced members. The format usually includes a topic discussion followed by sharing personal experiences related to addiction and recovery.
The 12 Steps of NA
- We admitted that we were powerless over our addiction—that our lives had become unmanageable. Accepting the extent of addiction is the first step toward recovery.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Members find hope and strength in spirituality or collective support.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. Surrendering control helps to focus on recovery rather than relapse.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Self-reflection identifies patterns and behaviors that contribute to addiction.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. Sharing flaws relieves burden and promotes honesty.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. Willingness to change paves the way for personal growth.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. Emphasizes acceptance and humility in the recovery process.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all. Taking responsibility for past actions fosters healing.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Restoring relationships strengthens community support.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. Ongoing self-monitoring prevents relapse.
- Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him. Spiritual growth supports lasting recovery.
- 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. Service to others reinforces commitment and community healing.
This structured approach motivates members across Illinois, Cook, and Chicago toward positive change and sustained sobriety.
Getting Started with NA in Illinois, Cook, Chicago, USA
The best way to find local Narcotics Anonymous meetings is by searching on methadone.org. This site offers comprehensive, up-to-date listings of both in-person and online/virtual NA meetings available throughout Illinois, Cook, and Chicago.
Most communities offer both meeting formats, providing convenient options for individuals at different stages of recovery or with varying needs and schedules.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
When attending your first meeting in Illinois, Cook, or Chicago, you may encounter either open or closed meetings. Understanding the difference will help you choose the one that best fits your comfort level and recovery needs.
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meetings | Open to anyone interested in addiction recovery, including friends, family, and observers. Typically include discussions, speaker sharing, and recovery topics. |
| Closed Meetings | Restricted to persons who have a desire to stop using narcotics. Provides a more private environment focused solely on members’ recovery experiences. |
Arriving early to your first meeting allows time to introduce yourself as a new member and become familiar with the group dynamics.
If comfortable, you may choose to share your personal experience during the meeting, but there is no pressure to do so.
New members often receive welcome keychain tags at their first meeting, symbolizing their commitment and milestones in recovery.
- 30 Days: First milestone tag celebrating one month of continuous abstinence and commitment.
- 60 Days: Recognizes two months of maintaining recovery practices and growing in strength.
- 1 Year: A significant milestone marking a full year of sobriety and dedication to change.
- Additional milestones include 18 months, 2 years, 5 years, and longer periods marking sustained recovery.