What is NA?
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a nonprofit fellowship dedicated to supporting individuals struggling with drug addiction. Its primary purpose is to help recovering addicts stop using drugs by providing peer support and guidance through a structured program available free of charge. NA meetings convene regularly in cities across the United States, including various locations in Saint Louis, Missouri, where participants can find a welcoming environment to share and heal, detailed on https://www.wfmh.org/na/missouri/saint-louis-county/saint-louis.
NA Meeting at Central Presbyterian Church
Address: 3501 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63103
Meetings here are held every Tuesday from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM in the church basement. The format consists of open discussions oriented around NA literature and the practice of the 12 Steps, encouraging participants to share experiences and provide mutual support.
NA Meeting at Webster Groves Presbyterian Church
Address: 45 West Lockwood Ave, Webster Groves, MO 63119
This location hosts meetings on Thursdays from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM, conducted in classroom 4. Meetings follow a speaker/participation model where a speaker shares their recovery story followed by group discussion, fostering both inspiration and peer interaction.
NA Meeting at Downtown Alano Club
Address: 1914 Olive St, St. Louis, MO 63103
Multiple meetings occur here through the week: On Mondays from 12:15 PM to 1:15 PM, an open discussion meeting invites all attendees to participate actively. Wednesdays from 12:15 PM to 1:15 PM focus on book study, diving deeply into NA literature, enhancing members’ understanding of the program. Fridays from 12:15 PM to 1:15 PM feature speaker meetings, providing motivational and experiential recovery stories.
The 12 Steps of NA
- We admitted we were powerless over our addiction—that our lives had become unmanageable. This step acknowledges the loss of control addiction brings and the need for help.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. It involves developing hope that recovery is possible through external support.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. This step focuses on surrendering self-will to a higher power.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Members reflect honestly on their behavior and its consequences.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. This encourages openness and accountability.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. Readiness for change and letting go of negative traits is the core of this step.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. This acknowledges humility and the need for spiritual help.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all. Preparing to repair relationships damaged by addiction.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. This involves taking concrete actions towards reconciliation responsibly.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. Ongoing self-monitoring to maintain honesty and growth.
- Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out. Encourages spiritual growth and mindfulness.
- 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. Commitment to service and living a recovery-centered life.
These steps aim to motivate members toward positive, lasting change across Missouri, Saint Louis, emphasizing personal responsibility, spiritual growth, and community support.
Getting Started with NA in Missouri, Saint Louis, Saint Louis, USA
Individuals seeking support for drug addiction in Saint Louis can find the most up-to-date and comprehensive list of local NA meetings by searching wfmh.org. This website is the best resource for locating both in-person and virtual meetings, which are widely available across the region, ensuring accessibility regardless of circumstance.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
NA meetings in Saint Louis are categorized as either open or closed, which can affect who may attend and participate.
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open | Meetings open to anyone interested in learning about or supporting the NA program, including family and friends. |
| Closed | Exclusive to individuals who identify as recovering addicts, fostering a confidential and focused environment. |
When attending your first meeting in Saint Louis, it is recommended to arrive early and introduce yourself as a newcomer. Sharing your experiences is optional but encouraged if you feel comfortable, as it helps build connections within the group. New members typically receive welcome keychain tags as tokens of encouragement and recognition of recovery milestones.
- 30 days: Symbolizes the first month of continuous recovery, encouraging perseverance through early challenges.
- 60 days: Marks growing stability in the recovery journey, affirming commitment and self-control.
- 1 year: Represents a significant recovery milestone, highlighting sustained abstinence and personal growth.