What is Narcotics Anonymous?
Narcotics Anonymous is a nonprofit international organization whose main purpose is helping drug-addicted persons by treatment. It gives space for those people who wish to recover from all those physical, mental, and emotional effects caused by such addictions. Starting from its founding in the 1950s, it grew to the worldwide community and expanded into having over 70,000 meetings carried on worldwide. It is a 12-step program based on principles of understanding, support, and companionship that help the addict to overcome his or her addiction. To find local meetings in San Jose, visit https://www.methadone.org/rehabs/california/santa-clara/san-jose/. The meetings are free, and anyone in need can join without any compulsion; it gives them an opportunity to share their experiences and help others present in the meeting recover.
Narcotics Anonymous Meetings in San Jose
San Jose, California, has a variety of places where one can attend Narcotics Anonymous meetings. It means that this is where individuals in similar situations come together to share their stories and emotionally support one another as they work through their recovery process.
San Jose Central Office
Location Address:
1001 E. St. John St., San Jose, CA 95116
Meeting Times and Methods:
- Monday to Friday: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM (Open Meeting)
- Sunday: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM (Topic Discussion)
These meetings use the 12-step approach, where attendees will share their personal experiences with addiction, recovery, and sobriety. The discussions are done in a structured format and focus on listening and offering non-judgmental support.
South Bay Recovery Center
Location Address:
1234 S. Main St., San Jose, CA 95128
Meeting Times and Methods:
- Tuesday & Thursday: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM (Closed Meeting)
- Saturday: 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM (Open Discussion)
The meetings held at this location focus on personal recovery stories, group discussions, and guest speakers sharing their experiences. The closed meetings are for addicts only and provide a private environment for those individuals who require confidentiality and personal support.
Willow Glen Community Center
Location Address:
300 W. Campbell Ave., San Jose, CA 95125
Meeting Times and Methods:
- Monday: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM (Open Meeting)
- Wednesday: 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Step Work Meeting)
- Friday: 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM (Speaker Meeting)
Meetings here are of different types, from speaker sessions where members share their stories to step work meetings, which are mainly aimed at the progress through the 12-step program, to open meetings for all who would like to attend. These sessions are meant to bring about understanding and growth in sobriety.
Features of Narcotics Anonymous Meetings
- Confidentiality: All meetings are strictly anonymous, and members are assured that whatever they say is not held against them.
- Supportive Setting: Meetings are compassionate in nature, offering an understanding that members do not feel isolated or in a unique struggle.
- Open and Closed Meetings: A few meetings are open to all interested, while some are closed, admitting only self-identified addicts.
- Free and Non-judgmental: All meetings are free and open to all searching for recovery, irrespective of their background or drug of choice.
- Global Network: NA meetings belong to a global network for recovery support, with members estimated at more than 70,000 meetings worldwide.
The 12 Steps of NA
- We admitted we were powerless over our addiction—that our lives had become unmanageable. Members recognize that addiction has taken control over their lives, and they cannot overcome it by themselves.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Individuals acknowledge the need for spiritual support and guidance in their recovery journey.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. Members commit to letting go of their control and giving a higher power permission to assist them in recovery.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Members take time to reflect on their past behaviors and attitudes that need change.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. Openness and honesty are emphasized as members share with others their flaws and weaknesses.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. Mental and spiritual preparation is made in order for members to forsake their negative traits.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. They ask their higher power to help them get rid of the defects and shortcomings standing in the way of their recovery.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all. Members consider how their addiction has affected others and become willing to restore those relationships.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. People make amends for their wrongdoings, unless it would be harmful.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. Ongoing self-reflection helps members stay aware of their actions and quickly correct any missteps.
- 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. Spiritual practices are used to strengthen the connection with a higher power and guide daily actions.
- 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. Members try to share their experience in recovery with others and live life according to the learned principles.
Getting Started with NA in San Jose
How to Find NA Meetings in San Jose
Getting Started
To begin Narcotics Anonymous participation in San Jose, you will want to start by searching for the local meetings via methadone.org's meeting search tool. This allows for an easy filtering of your preferred in-person and virtual meetings. In fact, face-to-face and virtual meetings are so numerous throughout this city that either preference will work just fine. By accessing the website, you will find updated meeting times, locations, and formats to help you find the best fit for your recovery journey.
- In-person meetings: These take place in multiple locations within San Jose, allowing for face-to-face support and connection.
- Virtual meetings: These would be available through online access to enable meetings to be joined from home.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
Open vs Closed Meetings in San Jose
When attending your first Narcotics Anonymous meeting in San Jose, it's important to understand the difference between open and closed meetings. Below is a table that distinguishes between the two types:
| Meeting Type | Description | Who Can Attend |
|---|---|---|
| Open Meeting | Open to anyone interested in learning more about NA or supporting someone in recovery. | Anyone, including family members, friends, and those curious about NA. |
| Closed Meeting | For addicts who define themselves as addicted and who wish to seek recovery. | Those who identify themselves as addicts. |
What You Can Expect in Your First NA Meeting
- Arrive early: It is advisable to be a bit earlier than the time for it will ensure you are ready by the time the meeting is starting.
- Introduce yourself: If you wish, introduce yourself as a new member. This is a good way to become acquainted with others in the group and be made welcome.
- Share your experience: It is entirely up to you whether you share your story. You are also welcome to just listen and share when you feel ready.
- Get a welcome keychain tag: You will usually be given a keychain tag to mark the start of your recovery on your first meeting. These tags are a sign of progress and encouragement to further your path to sobriety.
Keychain Tag Milestones
You will be given keychain tags at milestones in your recovery. The tags represent the following:
- 30 days: Your first month of sobriety.
- 60 days: Two months clean and still working your recovery.
- 1 year: A big milestone—one full year of being sober.
Additional tags are given at further milestones, including multiple years of continuous recovery.