What is NA?
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a nonprofit support group designed for individuals struggling with drug addiction. Established to foster recovery through mutual aid, NA is available in cities across the United States, including local groups such as na pittsburgh, providing a community for those seeking freedom from substance abuse.
The program is entirely free and operates through regular group meetings held throughout Pennsylvania, specifically within Allegheny County and Pittsburgh. These meetings offer a safe environment where members can share their experiences, gain support, and work towards sustained abstinence.
44 Willow Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15202
Meeting Times: Mondays at 8:00 PM
Meeting Type & Description: This meeting takes place at The Bridge Church and is an open discussion meeting. It encourages members to openly share their stories and challenges related to addiction in a supportive group atmosphere. Newcomers and all interested parties are welcome to participate.
1711 Shady Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Meeting Times: Wednesdays at 7:00 PM and Fridays at 7:00 PM
Meeting Type & Description: Held at the Squirrel Hill Group NA venue, the Wednesday meeting is an open speaker meeting, focusing on individual member testimonies about their recovery journey. The Friday session is an open discussion meeting, allowing for group dialogue and peer support among attendees.
3830 Perrysville Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15214
Meeting Times: Saturdays at 11:00 AM
Meeting Type & Description: At Perrysville Avenue United Methodist Church, this meeting is an open literature study meeting that emphasizes reviewing and discussing the official NA literature. This structured approach helps members gain a deeper understanding of the fellowship’s principles.
The 12 Steps of NA
- Admitted powerlessness: Members acknowledge their inability to control their addiction alone, recognizing the need for help to regain their lives.
- Belief in a higher power: This step encourages faith that an external power can restore sanity and offer strength beyond individual capacity.
- Decision to turn control over: Members make a conscious choice to entrust their will and lives to the care of that higher power.
- Self-inventory: A thorough and moral examination of oneself is conducted to identify personal shortcomings and strengths.
- Admitted wrongs: Members confess to themselves, the higher power, and another person the exact nature of their wrongs.
- Readiness for change: They become entirely ready to have their higher power remove these defects of character.
- Humbly ask for removal of shortcomings: Members ask the higher power to eliminate their shortcomings and help them grow spiritually.
- List of amends: A comprehensive list of harms done to others is created, preparing for restitution where possible.
- Make amends: Directly repair these harms except when doing so would injure others or themselves.
- Continued self-assessment: Ongoing personal inventory is maintained, and mistakes are promptly admitted to avoid relapse or deepening issues.
- Spiritual growth and prayer: Members seek through prayer and meditation to improve their conscious contact with their higher power, seeking strength and guidance.
- Carry the message: Having experienced a spiritual awakening from following the steps, members aim to help others struggling with addiction and practice these principles in all affairs.
This step-by-step approach motivates NA members across Pennsylvania, Allegheny County, and Pittsburgh toward positive changes and recovery.
Getting Started with NA in Pennsylvania, Allegheny, Pittsburgh, USA
The best resource to find local NA meetings is methadone.org. This website provides credible, updated information about both in-person and virtual meetings in your area, helping you connect with the right support easily.
Across Pennsylvania, Allegheny, and Pittsburgh, members can participate in either face-to-face or online meetings, offering flexible access depending on personal preference or health needs.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
When attending your initial meeting, it is helpful to arrive early and introduce yourself as a new member. Sharing your experiences is encouraged but only if you feel comfortable doing so.
NA meetings in Pennsylvania distinguish between open and closed meetings. Open meetings welcome anyone interested in the NA program, including family and friends, while closed meetings are restricted to individuals who identify themselves as addicts seeking recovery.
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meeting | Open to all attendees, including addicts, family members, and visitors. Facilitates community support and education about recovery. |
| Closed Meeting | Restricted to those who identify themselves as having a drug or alcohol problem and are seeking recovery. Focuses on peer support and confidentiality. |
At your first local meeting, you may receive a welcome keychain tag marking your milestones in recovery. These tags serve as symbols of progress and encouragement to continue your journey.
- 30 days: Recognizes the first month of continuous recovery, celebrating initial commitment and progress.
- 60 days: Reflects ongoing dedication and reinforcement of new sober habits.
- 90 days: Acknowledges three months of stability and growing strength in sobriety.
- 6 months: Honors half a year of clean living, marking a significant recovery milestone.
- 1 year: Celebrates a full year of abstinence, symbolizing substantial personal transformation.