If you plan to attend one of the Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings for the first time, you might want to know a bit more about these meetings. Narcotics Anonymous has branches across the globe, and this article will focus on NA meetings in Melbourne, Australia. We’ll list meeting locations and times and discuss what you can expect during a session.
What Is Narcotics Anonymous?
Narcotics Anonymous is one of the few well-known drug addiction support groups you can join for free. This independent organization has existed since the 1950s and holds over 70,000 regular meetings in 144 countries. The basis of their recovery program is The Twelve Steps, which is quite similar to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
If you want to know more about the NA program, you’ll find comprehensive information in their books, such as the Basic Text. Basic Text includes a detailed description of the NA program and how it works. The recent edition of the book contains personal stories from recovering addicts from around the world. In addition, they have information pamphlets (IPs), which you can read during meetings free of charge.
NA Meetings Locations and Schedule in Melbourne
Narcotics Anonymous holds two basic types of meetings: Open to All and Addicts Only. Addict-only meetings are only for individuals who think they may have a problem with drugs. On the other hand, Open to All meetings are accessible to the general public. It can be pretty helpful for people who seek to understand and help a loved one suffering from drug addiction.
The NA Australia website has all the information about available NA meetings country-wide, including the location, time, and date. You can filter meetings by cities, location, weekdays, venue types, and formats, making it easier to find one that suits you. NA Australia holds meetings in different parts of the country from Mondays to Fridays.
NA meetings in Melbourne are held in publicly accessible buildings, like the Port Melbourne Neighbourhood Centre and Melbourne Multicultural Hub. Virtual meetings are also available if you cannot find an NA meeting near you or don’t want to attend in person. NA runs online meetings on BlueJeans, Zoom, and Discord platforms.
The good thing about online meetings is that you can join a session at your convenience. Also, the virtual meetings you can join aren’t limited to what’s available in your area or country. Non-location-centric online meetings enable anyone across the globe to attend a meeting at any time of the day or night.
NA Meetings Melbourne: What to Expect
If you are thinking about attending an NA meeting in Melbourne, you probably have a few questions in mind, like who can join these meetings. Anyone is welcome, but you have to choose the right type of meetings to attend. If you’re not using drugs, you can only drop by in open meetings. But those who do use drugs can attend either.
Besides the meeting type, you also need to choose the format to attend. NA meetings use a variety of formats, such as New Comer, Book Study, Topic Discussions, etc. This wide range of meetings allows participants to find one that fits their current needs. After picking a meeting from a meeting list, all you need to do is bring yourself there. NA meetings don’t have fees.
It’s also important to note that NA meetings are not classes or group therapy sessions where you can get counselling or lessons. You’ll only hear members sharing their addiction and recovery journey.
NA meetings are informally structured, but they typically begin with the host or moderator introducing their selves and welcoming participants. Then, you and the other participants may have to say a prayer together. Most of the time, the chairperson may invite newcomers or guests to introduce themselves by their first name.
Afterward, they may give general information about NA and specifics for newer members. Then, regardless of the meeting format, members will have a chance to speak and share their experiences and recovery journey from drug addiction.
NA has some rules about sharing. You can only speak or share experiences once for five minutes or less. This time limit is probably so that everyone has a chance to speak. NA meetings only run between 60 and 90 minutes. If you don’t take drugs and attend the meetings only to learn, facilitators may ask you not to share anything during a session.
NA recommends that newcomers attend a meeting every day for at least 90 days to get to know the program and the members.
Is NA Enough for Addiction Treatment?
It is crucial to understand that drug addiction is a disease that impacts every individual differently. In some cases, a person with drug addiction may also have a co-occurring disorder that could negatively impact their overall well-being. Although going to NA meetings in Melbourne is something that can be very helpful, it can only offer recovery guidance and peer support. Therefore, it’s often best to integrate the 12-step with professional treatment programs.
Finding a Program That Works For You
Like any other program, Narcotics Anonymous does not work for everyone. Some individuals stopped participating because the model did not fit, they did not connect with other members, or the once safe place eventually felt like a cage. If you feel like NA isn’t working for you, don’t be afraid to walk away and explore other options.
With a bit of research, you’ll find a plethora of programs designed to help people struggling with addiction to recover and live a clean life. Hills & Ranges Private rehab program is a good place to start. HARP offers an evidence-based program to treat drug addiction. It does not involve spirituality, a common denominator in NA and AA.
Further, HARP adopts a holistic approach to addiction treatment. This approach combines clinical and therapy modalities to address the well-being of the whole person. In addition to detox (provided by partner facilities) and individual or group counselling, you’ll engage in advanced treatments like a therapeutic diet.
Reliable aftercare support is also available. The team understands that your journey to recovery does not stop after completing a program. Therefore, you’ll still get professional guidance and support once you transition back home. HARP personalises an aftercare plan for each client to minimise the risk of relapse.
Are You Addicted to Drugs?
If you’re unsure whether or not you’re addicted to a drug, you’re not alone. People with addiction are not always aware of their problem. Others deny it. But there’s a way to know the extent of your drug use. Take the quiz below. If your addiction is severe, we recommend seeking professional help—don’t quit drugs without expert supervision.
