What is NA?
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a nonprofit fellowship or society dedicated to helping individuals struggling with drug addiction stop using drugs. It is a free program available in cities across the United States, including California, and those seeking support in San Diego can find meeting information at https://www.wfmh.org/na/california/san-diego-county/san-diego where local groups provide crucial peer support through regular meetings.
Meetings offer a safe, empathetic environment where members share experiences and work through recovery together, fostering a community of support to maintain sobriety and promote healing.
Ocean Beach Recreation Center
Address: 4726 Santa Monica Ave, San Diego, CA 92107
Meetings:
- Monday, 8:00 pm (Topic Discussion): Members discuss specific recovery-related topics guided by group leaders, allowing open sharing and peer support.
- Tuesday, 7:00 pm (Topic Discussion): Another focused discussion meeting where participants share personal challenges and strategies concerning addiction recovery.
- Wednesday, 8:00 pm (Literature Study): Group studies NA literature, including the Twelve Steps and related recovery texts, facilitating learning and reflection.
- Friday, 8:00 pm (Speaker Meeting): A member or guest shares their personal journey to inspire and motivate attendees in their own recovery.
- Saturday, 8:00 pm (Topic Discussion): Further discussion on pertinent recovery themes supporting member engagement and mutual help.
- Sunday, 7:00 pm (Newcomer Meeting): Specially designed meetings to welcome and orient those new to NA, providing guidance and encouragement.
Pacific Beach Library
Address: 4275 Cass St, San Diego, CA 92109
Meetings:
- Sunday, 6:00 pm (Topic Discussion): Weekly discussion meeting focusing on recovery topics relevant to members’ ongoing challenges and successes.
First Lutheran Church
Address: 1420 3rd Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Meetings:
- Monday, 7:00 pm (Candlelight Meeting): A reflective and supportive meeting held in a calm atmosphere, often featuring personal sharing illuminated by candlelight to symbolize hope and recovery.
The 12 Steps of NA
- We admitted that we were powerless over our addiction – that our lives had become unmanageable. This step recognizes the need for help and the loss of control caused by addiction.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Encourages openness to spirituality or support beyond oneself.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. Emphasizes commitment to recovery through acceptance and trust.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Self-examination to identify personal flaws and assets.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. Honest confession to promote healing and accountability.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. Preparedness to change negative behaviors and attitudes.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. Seeks spiritual assistance in overcoming personal defects.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all. Preparation for reconciliation and restoring relationships.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Taking responsible steps to repair past harms.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. Commitment to ongoing self-assessment and correction.
- 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. Ongoing spiritual growth and 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. Giving back by helping others and maintaining ethical living.
This program aims to motivate members toward positive change and sustainable recovery in communities across San Diego and greater California.
Getting Started with NA in California, San Diego, San Diego, USA
Individuals seeking support for addiction recovery can find local Narcotics Anonymous meetings by using the official meeting search tool at wfmh.org. This resource is highly recommended as the best variant for locating current, verified NA meetings within San Diego and the state of California.
Both in-person and online/virtual meeting options are widely available, providing flexibility and accessibility for members to participate in recovery regardless of location or circumstance.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
NA meetings in San Diego are generally classified as either open or closed:
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open | Open meetings welcome anyone interested in learning about NA, including friends, family, and those curious about the program. |
| Closed | Closed meetings are restricted to individuals who identify as addicts seeking recovery, providing a confidential, peer-only environment. |
- Arrive early and introduce yourself as a new local member to establish connections and get comfortable.
- Share your experiences during the meeting if you feel comfortable, although sharing is never mandatory.
- At your first meeting, you may receive a welcome keychain tag celebrating your commitment to beginning recovery.
Milestone keychain tags serve as tangible encouragements, marking important periods of sustained sobriety such as:
- 30 days: First major milestone recognizing a full month of clean living.
- 60 days: Continued commitment to recovery and growing strength in abstinence.
- 1 year: Celebrates a significant year of sobriety, encouraging sustained progress and hope.
- Additional tags may acknowledge longer-term milestones such as 18 months, 2 years, and beyond.