That's okay. You don't need to say anything, sign anything, or commit to anything. Just show up.
Many of us were terrified walking through that door for the first time. We didn't know what to expect. We thought we'd be judged, or that we weren't "bad enough" to be there, or that everyone would stare at us.
None of that happened. And it won't happen to you either.
"The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using."
No bosses. No hierarchy. Just addicts helping addicts. Here's what to expect, step by step.
Show up a few minutes before the meeting starts. There's always coffee, and there's always someone willing to show you around. No one's going to quiz you or make you introduce yourself. Just find a seat.
Chairs in a circle. No front of the room, no podium, no authority figure. We sit as equals because that's what we are. Sit wherever you're comfortable.
The chairperson opens the meeting by reading from NA literature — usually the Twelve Traditions and a reading about how the meeting works. You don't need to follow along. Just listen.
People share one at a time. You can share if you want — or you can just pass. "I'm here to listen" is a perfectly good introduction. No one will pressure you. Many people attend for months before they ever say a word.
There's no president, no boss, no one running the show. We're all equals here. The group conscience decides how things go. Every voice matters — including yours.
At the end of every meeting, we circle up, hold hands, and say the Just For Today meditation together. Then we pack up chairs — because service keeps this thing going. You belong here.
No. No registration, no sign-ups, no intake forms. You just walk in. That's it. You don't even have to give your real name.
No. NA is completely free. There are no dues, fees, or mandatory contributions. A basket is passed for voluntary donations, but you are never expected to put anything in.
Yes. What you hear here, who you see here, stays here. Anonymity is a core tradition of NA. No one will share your identity outside the meeting.
Yes. The chairperson can sign court slips, probation forms, and verification letters at the end of any meeting. No judgment. No questions about why you need it.
Step One meetings are open meetings, which means anyone can attend — family, friends, students, professionals. If you're nervous, bringing someone you trust is completely fine.
If you think you might have a problem with drugs, you belong here. Period. No one will tell you that your using wasn't "bad enough." The only requirement is a desire to stop using.
Every single person in that room walked through the door for the first time once. They remember what it felt like. And they'll be glad you came. See meeting times →
Check the schedule · Get directions · Or just show up. The coffee's on.