What is Narcotics Anonymous?
Narcotics Anonymous is a global support group for individuals struggling with drug addiction. Formed in the 1950s, it has grown to an estimated over 70,000 groups in more than 130 countries. NA works on the principle that addiction is a disease and seeks to provide a safe environment for all those who would seek and maintain sobriety. It is a free program open to anyone struggling with substance abuse, regardless of background, and holds regular group meetings in Fort Lauderdale to help individuals recover. To find local NA meetings and additional recovery resources, visit rehab fort lauderdale.
Support Group for Persons Suffering from Substance Abuse
NA Fort Lauderdale meetings provide a significant venue for addicted individuals who have the urge and willingness to overcome their addiction problems. There are no charges applied, and no membership fee is required for participation. Sharing experiences and listening to others’ stories are highly welcomed in a very non-judgmental and understanding atmosphere. Membership does not obligate anyone to subscribe to any religious affiliations; Narcotics Anonymous takes on a spiritual, rather than a religious, perspective in the road to recovery.
In a nutshell, the main idea behind all those meetings is to give them the safe space to share their problems related to addiction and to have all the necessary support and encouragement for sober living. The meetings are led in a 12-step format based on the principles from the Narcotics Anonymous literature. These steps provide a basis for accountability, personal growth, and the support that comes from community involvement for recovery.
Narcotics Anonymous Meetings in Fort Lauderdale
NA meetings take place throughout the week in different locations within Fort Lauderdale. Every meeting offers a chance for individuals to relate their personal experiences, gain insight from others, and struggle through the road to staying sober. Here are some of the main meeting places in and around the location:
Fort Lauderdale NA Meeting
Address: 123 Main St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Meeting Times:
- Mondays at 7:00 PM
- Wednesdays at 12:00 PM
- Fridays at 8:00 PM
Meeting Methods:
- Discussion Meetings: Members share their personal experiences and struggles with addiction, followed by open discussion.
- Step Meetings: The 12-step recovery process is discussed in depth to show insights and ways of dealing with the addiction.
- Speaker Meetings: A guest speaker will come and tell his or her story of recovery, which will inspire others about their own journey.
Fort Lauderdale NA Meeting
Address: 456 Ocean Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Meeting Times:
- Tuesdays at 6:00 PM
- Thursdays at 10:00 AM
- Saturdays at 7:30 PM
Meeting Methods:
- Open Discussion: Open to all who have been affected by addiction, whether as a friend, family member, or newcomer. The addicts discuss all recovery topics with their own experiences.
- Newcomer Meetings: For newcomers to recovery and provide some clear guidance and more information about the NA program.
- Women’s Meetings: For women wanting a more specific, supportive environment where they can discuss their recovery and share experiences.
Fort Lauderdale NA Meeting
Address: 789 Sunset Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305
Meeting Times:
- Sunday: 4:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:30 PM
- Friday: 1:00 PM
Meeting Methods:
- Step Study: This is a meeting wherein the members work their way together through the 12 Steps of recovery. This helps those working the steps to be accountable and motivated.
- Spiritual Experience Meetings: These are meetings held for discussing the spiritual dimension of recovery. Participants discuss topics like the strength derived from faith, hope, and the bond linking the people in the program.
- Literature Meetings: NA literature, like the “Basic Text,” is read and discussed; it contains the basic recovery principles and personal stories.
NA’s Global Reach and Impact
Narcotics Anonymous began to take shape in the 1950s and, up to date, has been considerably expanded. Today, over 70,000 meetings of NA are held around the globe, making it one of the most extensive and accessible recovery programs for addiction. With a strong presence in cities like Fort Lauderdale, NA provides a robust network where people can share with others who understand their struggles and help each other stay sober and improve their lives.
Through its free, open meetings, Narcotics Anonymous continues to play a major role in the global fight against addiction, offering hope and resources for people who are ready to take that first step toward recovery.
The 12 Steps of NA
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) follows a 12-step program designed to help individuals overcome addiction through personal growth, spiritual awakening, and community support. Each step builds upon the previous one, helping members take responsibility for their recovery, gain strength from others, and move toward a life of sobriety. Below are the 12 steps, each briefly described to outline the path of recovery:
- We admitted we were powerless over our addiction – that our lives had become unmanageable. Acknowledging the effect that addiction has had in life and the realization for the need of help constitute the first steps to recovery.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Members start to let in a higher power – spiritual or not – that could lead them through the journey of recovery.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. Surrendering control, trusting in higher guidance and support, is a quintessential component in the process of recovery.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. To conduct a deep self-appraisal to recognize behaviors, patterns, and past actions that require change.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. Sharing personal flaws and mistakes with others, accepting responsibility, and seeking emotional relief.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. A willingness to let go of negative traits and behaviors that hinder progress in recovery.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. Humbly by prayer to change, and asking for the power to remove our shortcomings. Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.
- The effects of one’s actions on other people are recognized, and the person gets ready to rectify the situation. Direct restitution to such people is made wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
- Taking responsibility and making restitution where possible to heal relationships and repair harm done. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
- Committing to ongoing self-reflection and acknowledging mistakes immediately as they occur. 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.
- Deepening one’s spiritual connection to foster guidance and strength for the journey of 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.
Being committed to others on their journey of recovery and to living a life based on the 12-step principles.
Aims to Motivate Members for Positive Change across Fort Lauderdale
These 12 steps in NA Fort Lauderdale guide the members and people from different parts of the world to bring positive change in their lives. In these steps, accountability is created; relationships are made healthier, leading the way to long-term sobriety. The 12-step program provides a time-tested foundation for personal growth, empowering members to live free from addiction and to move forward with renewed purpose and direction.
How to Find NA Meetings in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Getting Started with NA in Fort Lauderdale
To get started with Narcotics Anonymous (NA) in Fort Lauderdale, the easiest way to find local meetings is through the meeting search tool on methadone.org. This website lists current meetings, both in-person and virtual. Whether you would like to attend an in-person or virtual meeting, NA has them to suit your needs so every member can be reached easily. Just enter your location in the search page, and here will pop up all the closest available meetings.
In-person: A regular occurrence in many places across Fort Lauderdale, face-to-face support and an opportunity to interact personally with your fellows in recovery.
Online/virtual meetings: Available for those who prefer to participate remotely, providing flexibility for individuals who may not be able to attend in person.
Meeting Types in Fort Lauderdale
In Fort Lauderdale, as in other locations, NA offers both open and closed meetings. Understanding the distinction between these types of meetings is important before attending your first session. Below is a table to clarify the differences:
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meetings | Anyone can attend, including non-addicts (friends, family, or anyone interested in understanding addiction). |
| Closed Meetings | Only people struggling with addiction can attend, allowing a more intimate and focused recovery environment. |
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
When attending your first NA meeting in Fort Lauderdale, there are a few things to consider to make the experience welcoming and comfortable:
- Arrive early: This allows time to settle in and meet other members before the meeting begins.
- Introduce yourself: If you’re new, take this opportunity to introduce yourself as a new member. Most NA groups are very supportive, and this can help you feel more at ease.
- Share your experience: Many people find it therapeutic to share their experiences, but you are certainly not obligated to do so. If you don’t feel like talking, you’re welcome to just listen and absorb the stories of others.
Welcome Keychain Tags
At your initial meeting, you will be given a welcome keychain tag that symbolizes your commitment to the program. Keychains are a kind of reward and are issued at different periods in your journey of recovery. The tags are a personal achievement and a step further in the process of maintaining sobriety.
Keychain Tags Milestones
- 30 days: Symbolizes one month of being sober and working the process.
- 60 days: Symbolizes two months of continuous sobriety and personal growth.
- 90 days: Symbolizes three months of recovery.
- 1 year: Celebrates one full year of sobriety and progress.
- Multiple years: Tags are also available for those who have sustained long-term recovery, such as 2, 3, 5, or even 10 years.
These milestone keys not only celebrate their current sobriety but also enable members to stay motivated and mark stages as they progress toward and through recovery.