What is NA?
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a nonprofit, worldwide fellowship for individuals struggling with drug addiction. The program, which is based on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous, provides a supportive, judgment-free environment where men and women meet regularly to help each other stay clean. NA offers hope and a new way of life for those seeking to recover from substance abuse, stressing mutual aid through regular gatherings without any cost to members. Meetings are available in cities across the United States, including throughout Texas, Travis County, and Austin—the state capital and a major metropolitan hub, with more information at https://www.wfmh.org/na/texas/travis/austin.
Central Presbyterian Church
200 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701
Meetings are held Monday through Friday at 12:15 PM (1 hour) and on Tuesday & Thursday at 7:00 PM (1.5 hours). The Central Presbyterian Church location offers structured, group-led meetings focusing on discussion of the NA literature and personal experiences. These meetings are suitable for both newcomers and longtime members seeking to maintain sobriety in downtown Austin.
Hyde Park Christian Church
610 E 45th St, Austin, TX 78751
Daily meetings are available at 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM (1 hour each), seven days a week. Hyde Park Christian Church is known for its inclusive community and consistent schedule, making it accessible for those looking for frequent support. The church provides both discussion-based and speaker-themed meetings, offering a variety of experiences for attendees.
North Austin 24 Hour Club
803 W 24th St, Austin, TX 78705
The North Austin 24 Hour Club hosts four meetings each day: 6:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 6:00 PM, and 8:30 PM. This location is recognized for its accessibility and variety of meeting types, including open discussions and beginner meetings. The club serves as a vital resource for individuals at any stage of recovery, day or night, in north-central Austin.
The 12 Steps of NA
- Admitted we were powerless over our addiction—that our lives had become unmanageable. This step encourages honesty with oneself, acknowledging the destructive impact of addiction and the inability to control it alone. It marks the starting point of the recovery process.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Recognizing that recovery requires support beyond personal will, this step invites openness to hope and spirituality as essential elements in healing.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. Here, members commit to letting go of self-will and surrendering to a guiding force, whether spiritual, communal, or the group itself.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. This self-reflection helps members identify patterns of behavior, strengths, and past wrongs, laying the foundation for personal growth.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. Honesty and transparency are key, as sharing the truth about one’s actions fosters accountability and reduces shame.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. This step focuses on willingness to change, seeking to eliminate harmful traits and behaviors that fuel addiction.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. It’s a step of humility and trust, asking for help in overcoming long-standing character flaws.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all. By identifying those affected by their addiction, members prepare to heal relationships.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. This practical step involves repairing harm done, but always with sensitivity and responsibility.
- Continued to take personal inventory and, when we were wrong, promptly admitted it. Ongoing self-assessment ensures members remain mindful of their actions and accountable for mistakes.
- 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 growth and inner peace are nurtured through regular reflection and connection.
- 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. Living a life of recovery, members give back by sharing their experience with others, reinforcing their own sobriety.
Getting Started with NA in Texas, Travis, Austin, USA
The most reliable way to find local NA meetings in your area is to use wfmh.org, which provides up-to-date listings for in-person and online/virtual meetings. This resource is widely used in Travis, Austin, and throughout Texas, offering detailed information about locations, times, and meeting formats.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
Meetings in Texas, Travis, and Austin are typically categorized as either open or closed. Open meetings are available to anyone interested in learning about NA, including friends, family, and the public, while closed meetings are strictly for those who self-identify as addicts seeking recovery. The following table highlights the differences:
| Meeting Type | Who Can Attend | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Open | Anyone | Education and support for addicts and the community; often welcomes newcomers |
| Closed | Only for addicts | Focused support and sharing for those working through the 12 Steps |
When attending your first meeting, it is recommended to arrive early, introduce yourself as a newcomer, and listen to the experiences shared by others. Sharing your own story is encouraged if you feel comfortable, but not required. Upon your first meeting, you will typically receive a welcome keychain tag symbolizing your step into recovery.
Keychain tags are a tradition in NA, marking milestones on the recovery journey. Here are some of the most common milestones and their meanings:
- 30 days: Symbolizes one month of continued sobriety and commitment to the program.
- 60 days: Represents two months of ongoing recovery, reinforcing progress and stability.
- 90 days: Marks three months clean, signifying a deeper engagement with the recovery process.
- 6 months: Indicates half a year of living drug-free, a significant achievement in recovery.
- 1 year: Celebrates a full year of sobriety, reflecting a major transition in a member’s life.
- Yearly milestones (18 months, 2 years, etc.): Ongoing recognition for sustained commitment and personal growth.
NA meetings in Texas, Travis, and Austin—from Central Presbyterian Church to North Austin 24 Hour Club—are accessible, supportive, and rooted in the principles of hope and recovery, offering guidance and community for those seeking freedom from addiction.