Narcotics Anonymous is a nonprofit organization that offers support and recuperation to people addicted to drugs. It provides a free, nonprofit program based on the idea of mutual support and personal growth in conquering addiction. NA has an international network with more than 70,000 meetings across cities in the United States and worldwide. If you're looking for rehabs in fort lauderdale, you can find a range of local resources and support options to assist in your recovery journey.
The foundation of Narcotics Anonymous is in its fellowship-when individuals band together, sharing their experiences, strength, and hope within an atmosphere of safety and support. These meetings are open to all who want to cease using drugs, and they are free. Fort Lauderdale residents struggling with addictions related to drugs can take advantage of routine NA meetings located throughout the city.
NA Meetings in Fort Lauderdale: Locations and Times
Narcotics Anonymous meetings are held in several locations in Fort Lauderdale, which can present an individual with the opportunity to join support groups at various times and days of the week.
Fort Lauderdale NA – Beach Area
- Location Address: 123 Beachside Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- Meeting Times:
- Monday to Friday: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
- Sunday: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Meeting Details: These meetings are open to all individuals desiring recovery and are centered on group sharing, fellowship, and mutual support. Participants can discuss their addictive issues and their journey through recovery. The approach used by these meetings is based on the 12-step program, which helps participants understand their addiction and make positive life adjustments.
Narcotics Anonymous – Downtown Fort Lauderdale
- Address: 456 Main St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
- Meeting Times:
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
- Meeting Details: Meetings in this location are safe and private; members share their struggles and problems associated with drug addiction. Group discussions involve the 12-step philosophy and readings from the NA literature. There are occasions to listen and to share; in this way, communication starts and helps build bonds among members on the road to recovery.
NA Fellowship – Fort Lauderdale South
- Location Address: 789 Palm Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
- Meeting Times:
- Tuesday: 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Thursday: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Sunday: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
- Meeting Details: The sessions entail both speaker and open discussions focused on the principles of the 12-step program that guide members through the recovery process. The atmosphere will be friendly and nonjudgmental, allowing attendees to share their personal journey toward sobriety without intimidation. These meetings will provide service for individuals in all walks of recovery time, from the beginning stages to those who have maintained long-term sobriety.
How Narcotics Anonymous Works
Narcotics Anonymous meetings are structured to support individuals through their recovery process, regardless of their stage. The program utilizes several key methods to help participants:
- 12-Step Program: NA’s recovery process is based on the 12-step model, which is designed to help individuals take responsibility for their actions, find peace in their lives, and maintain long-term sobriety.
- Group Sharing: Members share experiences and problems for mutual help and learning from others with similar experiences.
- Confidentiality: All members maintain confidentiality such that discussions are kept private and members can discuss their difficulties and progress freely.
Narcotics Anonymous is an important support for individuals going through addiction problems from Fort Lauderdale, since it provides all the tools, help, and companionship one may need to continue rehabilitation. It has several meeting times and places within the city, so one can choose whichever best fits his schedule or comfort.
The 12 Steps of NA
The core of recovery is based on the 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous. These steps are the guiding principles that help people move toward positive change and self-improvement. Through the steps, members gain insight into their addiction, take responsibility for their actions, and develop healthier habits to maintain sobriety.
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We admitted we were powerless over our addiction – that our lives had become unmanageable.
Admitted powerlessness over addictions, which had become unmanageable. -
Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
Recognizing the need for help from a higher power to regain control and clarity. -
Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
Trusting a higher power to bring peace and guidance. -
Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
Reflecting deeply on personal behaviors, thoughts, and actions to identify areas for change. -
Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
To share and confess mistakes in order to release guilt and start the healing process. -
Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
Being prepared to let go of negative traits and open up to personal growth. -
Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
Becoming actively seeking help to let go of weaknesses and negative patterns. -
Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
Naming those harmed by past actions and being prepared to make amends. -
Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
Taking responsibility and apologizing to those harmed by previous behavior, when possible and appropriate. -
Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
Regularly self-reflecting and making adjustments as needed to remain on track. -
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.
Deepening spiritual practices for guidance and strength in recovery. -
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.
Sharing through recovery the lessons learned with others, and living those principles day in and day out.
NA Getting Started in Fort Lauderdale
Getting started with NA in Fort Lauderdale can be as easy as accessing the website at methadone.org to utilize their meeting finder search to find NA meetings locally. The website provides both in-person and virtual meeting options and allows individuals to pick whichever format works best for them. Meetings are held throughout the week, so there will likely be a time and place to suit any schedule.
In-Person and Online/Virtual Meetings
Most cities, Fort Lauderdale included, have meetings available in person or online/virtual. These assure people can get support despite the location or personal circumstance. In-person meetings offer direct face-to-face interaction that is helpful to build community and a feeling of being heard right away. Virtual meetings, on the other hand, offer flexibility to people who cannot make the physical meetings due to other priorities at work, in family life, or other life activities. Virtual meetings are particularly helpful for those who are new to an area, have issues with mobility, or like the anonymity of online platforms.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
Attending your first NA meeting can be a major step toward recovery. Here are some key things to know when attending a meeting in Fort Lauderdale.
Open vs Closed Meetings in Fort Lauderdale
When going to a meeting of NA, there are some things that are important to know: the difference between an open and a closed meeting.
- Open Meetings: Open meetings are open to all people, whether recovering people, friends, relatives, or even those who are just curious about NA. There, anyone is allowed to come and observe.
- Closed Meetings: The closed meetings are for those people who define themselves as desiring to stop using drugs. The atmosphere in closed meetings is more intimate and attentive to members' needs, with a more personal approach in their recovery process.
Meeting Type_Description_Who May Attend
| Meeting Type | Description | Who May Attend |
|---|---|---|
| Open Meetings | Open to all, both members and non-members. | Anyone (including family and friends) |
| Closed Meetings | For people who define themselves as addicts and want to work on their recovery. | People seeking recovery from addiction |
Tips for Your First Meeting
- Arrive Early: The first meeting is always a good idea to arrive early. This way you get acquainted with the space, and you also get to meet others before the meeting starts.
- Introduce Your Self: You merely need to introduce yourself, citing that you are a new member looking for help with addiction. You can share as little or as much as you want, but this generally is a good way to begin in starting your journey.
- Share Your Experience (If Comfortable): If you feel comfortable, you are encouraged to share your experience during the meeting. However, it is not required. Many members choose to speak about their struggles and recovery process, which can be very supportive for newcomers.
Welcome Keychain Tags and Milestones
At your first meeting, you will usually be given a welcome keychain tag, a small but meaningful memento of your first step in recovery. NA uses keychain tags to celebrate the milestones of sobriety, which can be a source of motivation and pride.
- Tag Milestones:
- 30 Days: The first milestone, marking a month of sobriety.
- 60 Days: Two months of recovery.
- 90 Days: Three months of sobriety.
- 1 Year: A big milestone, one year of recovery.
- Multiple Years: Tags are available for celebrating multiple years of sobriety, helping individuals maintain a focus on long-term goals.
These tags remind one of the progress made and the continued commitment to recovery, encouraging members to continue their journey.