At Spero Recovery, we understand that recovery is a deeply personal journey, and finding the right support system is essential for long-term success. One of the most widely respected and accessible support systems for overcoming addiction is Narcotics Anonymous (NA). For many people, NA offers a vital framework for recovery, focusing on personal responsibility, community support, and a spiritual approach to healing.
Learn what Narcotics Anonymous is, what happens in NA meetings, how to find NA meetings in Colorado and the role of the 12-Step Program in addiction recovery. Spero Recovery integrates NA and the 12-Step principles into our residential treatment program for men to help them overcome substance abuse. We believe the built-in peer support of these types of programs is essential in recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use, reach out today! Our team will help you navigate this challenge and determine the next steps.
Our non-profit rehab in Colorado offers men’s residential addiction treatment. We also have an intensive outpatient program to help men and women with dual diagnoses.
What is Narcotics Anonymous?
Narcotics Anonymous, commonly referred to as NA, is a global fellowship of individuals who have struggled with drug addiction. Those in NA come together to support one another in their recovery journey. Founded in 1953, NA operates under a similar framework to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), which is known for helping people with alcoholism through peer support, shared experiences, and spiritual foundation.
NA provides a safe and supportive environment where people with addiction issues can connect, share, and learn from others who are on the same path. The primary goal of NA is to help individuals abstain from the use of drugs, rebuild their lives, and work toward emotional and spiritual growth. Importantly, NA is non-professional, meaning it’s led by members who understand what it’s like to struggle with addiction.
The key message of NA is that Recovery is possible, and that the support of others who have experienced similar challenges can make the journey easier. The program encourages honest, self-reflection, and accountability, making it an effective tool for many people in their pursuit of sobriety.
What to Expect at NA
If you’re considering attending an NA meeting, it’s natural to have questions about what to expect. The structure of NA meetings can vary, but they generally share a few common features:
Most NA meetings begin with a welcoming statement and a reading from the NA literature. These readings often include a reminder of the purpose of the meeting and the principles of the fellowship. The group will usually begin by introducing themselves—first names only are used to maintain anonymity. For newcomers, this is a time to share a little about why they’ve come.
At the heart of NA meetings is the opportunity for individuals to share their personal experiences, struggles, and victories related to drug addiction. Sharing is voluntary, and participants can choose to listen if they prefer. The group setting allows people to hear firsthand stories of recovery, which can be incredibly encouraging and motivating.
The 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous form the foundation of the program and are often referenced during meetings. These steps guide individuals through the process of accepting their addiction, making amends, and committing to a lifelong journey of growth. In some meetings, there may be a specific focus on one of the 12 Steps, and group discussions will be centered around that step.
NA meetings are designed to foster a non-judgmental, supportive environment where members can discuss their struggles, receive feedback, and encourage one another. There is no pressure to speak, and participants are welcome to just listen, especially if they are new or feeling unsure.
The meeting typically ends with a closing prayer or reflection. Many groups will recite the Serenity Prayer, which is central to many 12-Step programs:
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”
While the specifics may vary, the core goal of every NA meeting is to create a space where individuals can feel understood, supported, and inspired to continue their recovery.
Where Can You Find NA Meetings in Colorado?
If you’re looking for NA meetings in Colorado, you’re in luck—there are a wide variety of meetings available across the state, making it easier for individuals to find support no matter where they live. The best way to find meetings is to visit the Colorado Narcotics Anonymous website, where you can search for meetings by city or ZIP code. Most communities have regular meetings, and many of them are held in churches, community centers, or other public spaces.
Online Meetings
In addition to in-person meetings, many NA groups offer virtual meetings, which have become more popular since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. These online meetings are a convenient option for those who may not be able to attend in person, whether due to distance, mobility issues, or personal preference.
Meeting Times
NA meetings vary in frequency. Some are held daily, while others are once a week or bi-weekly. It’s important to find a time that works for you, and if one meeting doesn’t feel like the right fit, there’s always another one to try.
At Spero Recovery, we work closely with local NA groups to help our clients access these meetings during and after their treatment. We believe that staying connected with the NA fellowship is an essential part of ongoing recovery, which is why we make it a priority to integrate these meetings into our treatment plans.
Does NA Use 12 Steps?
Yes, Narcotics Anonymous is based in the 12-step program, which is the same program used by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). The 12 steps are a set of guiding principles for individuals to follow as they work through their recovery. These steps are designed to help people achieve and maintain sobriety, develop healthier habits, and build a fulfilling life beyond addiction.
The 12 steps of NA include:
- Admitting powerlessness over addiction and that life has become unmanageable.
- Believing in a higher power (often referred to as God, but it can be understood in a broader, non-denominational sense) that can restore sanity.
- Deciding to turn one’s will and life over to the care of this higher power.
- Making a searching and fearless moral inventory of oneself.
- Admitting to oneself, a higher power, and another human being the exact nature of one’s wrongs.
- Being entirely ready to have a higher power remove these defects of character.
- Humbly asking for the removal of shortcomings.
- Making a list of all persons harmed and becoming willing to make amends to them.
- Making direct amends to those people where possible.
- Continuing to take personal inventory and promptly admitting when wrong.
- Seeking through prayer and meditation to improve conscious contact with a higher power, seeking only knowledge of God’s will and the strength to carry it out.
- Carrying the message of recovery to others and practicing the principles in all aspects of life.
The 12-Step process is spiritual in nature but not religious. It’s about self-reflection, humility, and making meaningful changes in one’s life.
How Can a 12-Step Program Help Recover From Addiction to Drugs?
The 12-step Program has proven to be a highly effective method for treating substance abuse and addiction. It provides a structured pathway to recovery that helps individuals understand the root causes of their addiction, repair relationships, and rebuild their lives in a healthier way.
One of the key benefits of the 12-Step Program is that it offers a structured approach to recovery. Each step builds upon the previous one, helping individuals slowly but surely make positive changes. The steps encourage ongoing self-assessment and accountability, which is vital for those recovering from addiction.
The fellowship of NA provides a built-in support system that is available 24/7. Members encourage one another, share their experiences, and hold each other accountable. The shared understanding of addiction makes NA meetings a safe space for vulnerable conversations and emotional healing.
While the 12-Step Program is not religious, it encourages individuals to connect with a higher power. This spiritual aspect can be a profound part of the recovery process, offering individuals a sense of purpose, guidance, and hope that extends beyond the addiction itself.
By working through the 12 Steps, individuals gain insight into the emotional and mental triggers that led to their addiction. This self-awareness helps with relapse prevention, as individuals are better equipped to handle challenging situations without resorting to substance use.
How Spero Recovery Uses the 12-Step Program
At Spero Recovery, we believe in the power of the 12-step Program to help individuals overcome addiction. Our residential rehab program for men fully immerses clients in the 12-step process, starting from day one of treatment. We incorporate group therapy, individual counseling, and daily NA meetings into our program to ensure that each man receives the support, tools, and guidance needed to achieve long-term sobriety.
Our approach emphasizes personal responsibility, spiritual growth, and community support, aligning perfectly with the principles of Narcotics Anonymous. Whether you’re struggling with drugs, alcohol, or any other substance, our 12-step-based program will give you the foundation for a lasting recovery.
