What is NA?
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a nonprofit fellowship of individuals recovering from drug addiction, dedicated to helping addicts stop using drugs. NA offers a free program with regular group meetings held across various cities in the United States, including Missouri and specifically in https://www.wfmh.org/na/missouri/saint-louis-county/saint-louis. The program is based on complete abstinence from all drugs and welcomes anyone with the desire to stop using regardless of their background or past.
NA meetings provide a supportive and confidential environment where members share experiences and work together through a 12-step recovery program. These meetings are held regularly throughout Saint Louis, creating a community network that fosters motivation and mutual aid in overcoming addiction.
Central Presbyterian Church
3501 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63103
Meetings are held every Tuesday from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM in the church basement. The format is an open discussion focused on NA literature and the 12 steps, encouraging members to share freely and reflect on their recovery journey in a welcoming atmosphere.
Webster Groves Presbyterian Church
45 West Lockwood Ave, Webster Groves, MO 63119
NA meetings take place here on Thursdays from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM, located in classroom 4. These meetings use a speaker/participation format where a member shares their story to inspire others, followed by group discussion and participation to support collective recovery.
Downtown Alano Club
1914 Olive St, St. Louis, MO 63103
This venue hosts multiple meetings throughout the week. On Mondays, there is an open discussion meeting from 12:15 PM to 1:15 PM. Wednesdays feature a book study from 12:15 PM to 1:15 PM focusing on NA literature. Fridays are reserved for speaker meetings from 12:15 PM to 1:15 PM where members share personal recovery narratives to motivate others.
The 12 Steps of NA
- We admitted we were powerless over our addiction—that our lives had become unmanageable. This step helps members recognize the severity of their addiction and accept that they need help.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Encourages faith in a higher power or supportive force outside oneself for recovery.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. Members commit to trusting their higher power in their recovery journey.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Involves deep self-reflection to identify personal flaws and behaviors contributing to addiction.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. Encourages honesty and vulnerability to begin healing personal wounds.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. Members prepare mentally and spiritually to let go of destructive habits.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. Seeks the strength to overcome personal faults with humility.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all. Encourages accountability by acknowledging the impact of addiction on others.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Promotes healing relationships through concrete actions of reconciliation.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. Fosters ongoing self-awareness and responsibility to prevent relapse.
- 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. Encourages spiritual growth and mindfulness in daily life.
- 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. Empowers members to help others recover while maintaining their own sobriety.
This 12-step framework aims to motivate members throughout Missouri and Saint Louis to achieve lasting positive change and develop a drug-free lifestyle.
Getting Started with NA in Missouri, Saint Louis, Saint Louis, USA
People seeking NA meetings can find local sessions by searching specifically on wfmh.org, which is the best and most reliable resource to locate meetings near them. Most locations offer both in-person and online/virtual meeting options to accommodate different needs and circumstances.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
When attending an NA meeting in Saint Louis, it is helpful to understand the difference between open and closed meetings:
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meeting | Anyone interested, including family members and friends, can attend. The focus is on sharing and understanding addiction and recovery. |
| Closed Meeting | Only individuals who have a desire to stop using drugs are allowed to attend, providing a confidential space for members. |
- Plan to arrive early so you can introduce yourself as a new local member and get oriented.
- Share your experiences during meetings if you feel comfortable; participation helps with your recovery.
- At your first meeting, you will usually receive a welcome keychain tag as a symbolic milestone of your commitment.
Keychain tag milestones include:
- 30 days: Celebrates one month of continuous abstinence and commitment to recovery.
- 60 days: Marks the progression in building a stable recovery foundation.
- 1 year: Recognizes a full year of sobriety and dedication to the NA program.
- Additional milestones often include 18 months, 2 years, 5 years, and beyond to honor sustained recovery.