Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a support group designed for individuals struggling with drug addiction. Established in the 1950s, NA has grown to become one of the most widely recognized organizations for addiction recovery, with over 70,000 meetings held globally. The program is founded on the principles of mutual support and anonymity, providing a free, confidential space for individuals to share their experiences and seek help. NA meetings are held regularly across various cities in the United States, including Vermont, offering local support for those in need. To find local NA meetings or other rehab centers in Vermont, you can use resources such as methadone.org to search for available options.
Support Group Availability in Vermont
In Vermont, Narcotics Anonymous meetings are held in several cities, providing accessible support for individuals seeking to overcome addiction. Here is a list of NA meeting locations in Vermont, including their addresses and meeting times:
Burlington
Address: 234 S. Winooski Ave, Burlington, VT 05401
Meeting Times:
- Monday: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Details: Meetings in Burlington are held at a community center and include both open and closed sessions. Open meetings are available for anyone interested in learning more about NA, while closed meetings are reserved for individuals with a desire to stop using drugs.
Montpelier
Address: 37 Main St, Montpelier, VT 05602
Meeting Times:
- Tuesday: 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
- Thursday: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- Sunday: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Details: Montpelier hosts meetings in a local church’s fellowship hall. The format includes a combination of discussion and speaker meetings, where participants share their experiences and listen to others for inspiration and support.
Rutland
Address: 95 Park St, Rutland, VT 05701
Meeting Times:
- Monday: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Friday: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Details: The Rutland meetings are conducted at a community center and feature both discussion groups and step study sessions. The meetings are designed to offer a supportive environment where individuals can work through the 12 steps of recovery.
These meetings provide a vital resource for those battling addiction, offering a supportive community and structured approach to recovery. Each location has its own unique atmosphere and approach, but all share the common goal of helping individuals achieve sobriety and build a healthier future.
The 12 Steps of NA
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) follows a structured program known as the 12 Steps, designed to guide individuals towards recovery and positive change. Each step provides a framework for personal growth and overcoming addiction.
The 12 Steps of NA
- We admitted we were powerless over our addiction—that our lives had become unmanageable.
Acknowledging the inability to control addiction is the first step towards recovery. - We came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
Developing faith in a higher power or a supportive force is crucial for healing. - We made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
Committing to surrendering personal control and trusting a higher power. - We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
Conducting a thorough self-assessment to identify personal shortcomings and patterns. - We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
Sharing personal faults and past mistakes to achieve clarity and forgiveness. - We were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
Preparing oneself to let go of character flaws and embracing change. - We humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
Seeking assistance from a higher power to overcome personal deficiencies. - We made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
Identifying those affected by past actions and preparing to make reparations. - We made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
Attempting to rectify wrongs and restore relationships while considering potential harm. - We continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
Ongoing self-evaluation and immediate acknowledgment of mistakes. - We 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.
Enhancing spiritual connection and seeking guidance for daily living. - 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 the message of recovery with others and applying the principles in everyday life.
Getting Started with NA in Vermont
To begin your journey with Narcotics Anonymous (NA) in Vermont, you can use the meeting search feature on methadone.org to locate local meetings in your area. NA offers both in-person and online/virtual meetings, making it accessible no matter your location. This flexibility ensures that you can find a meeting format that suits your schedule and comfort level.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
When attending your first NA meeting in Vermont, you’ll encounter two main types of meetings: open and closed.
Meeting Types
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meetings | Open to anyone interested in NA or learning more about the program. |
| Closed Meetings | Reserved for those who have a desire to stop using drugs. |
First Meeting Tips
- Arrive Early: Arriving a bit early allows you to get comfortable with the setting and introduce yourself to the group as a new member.
- Introduce Yourself: When you arrive, let others know you are new to NA. This helps in receiving support and guidance.
- Share Your Experiences: If you feel comfortable, share your personal experiences during the meeting. This can be a helpful step in connecting with others.
Welcome Keychain Tags
At your first meeting, you will receive a welcome keychain tag. These tags mark significant milestones in your recovery journey:
- 30 Days: Represents one month of sobriety.
- 60 Days: Marks two months of continuous recovery.
- 1 Year: Celebrates a full year of sobriety.
These tags are a symbol of your progress and dedication to overcoming addiction.
