| The newcomer is the most important person at any meeting..." ...Basic Text pg 9 (What is the Narcotics Anonymous Program?) |
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| The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using." ...Basic Text pg 65 (Third Tradition) |
For the Newcomer
If you are new to NA please try to keep an open mind and give yourself a break.
Please click the links below to learn more about NA.
Some of the links on this page are in pdf (portable document format). * See the note at the bottom of the page.
Am I an Addict?
For the Newcomer
Welcome to Narcotics Anonymous
Newcomer Workshop
Tuesdays 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Mills Health Center
Garden room - 1st Floor - Rm 1450
100 S. San Mateo Drive (map)
Corner of 2nd Ave. & S. San Mateo Drive
San Mateo, CA 94401
A meeting specifically for the new or newer member to Narcotics Anonymous where you can ask questions and get answers about how the program of NA works.
CLICK TO PRINT FLYER
What to expect at an NA Meeting
- When you arrive at your first meeting you will probably see recovering addicts welcoming each other and socializing. The newcomer is the most important person at any meeting - don't be surprised to get a warm welcome!
- Many meetings have a door greeter who welcomes people as they arrive & free coffee!
- Although meetings are held in a variety of public locations, NA is not affiliated with any outside organizations, institutions, churches, or facilities.
- Most meetings last from 1-1½ hours. We are under no surveillance at any time and we have no attendance monitors.
- The chair person will typically open the meeting with a moment of silence followed by readings, and announcements. The chair person will then ask if newcomers and visitors would like to introduce themselves. Participation in meetings is voluntary.
- If you choose to introduce yourself, many meetings have ways of welcoming the newcomer such as: a just for today key tag, a schedule, and a hug. Sometimes a schedule will be passed around for people who would like to share their phone numbers with you. Introducing yourself is a good way to let people know you are there and to meet new people in recovery! Don't worry if you are shy - many of us have felt the same way in the past, and you are not alone!
- Meetings use a variety of formats such as Topic Discussion, Speaker, Recovery Text, Just for Today, Step Meeting, Basic Step Meeting (steps 1, 2, 3), etc.
- We are not concerned with types or amounts of drugs used; we focus on the ways addiction and recovery affect our lives.
- We share in meetings from our personal experience only. We do not respond to other people's shares (as in conversation). While members are sharing we refrain from side conversations and other distracting activities that may disrupt the meeting.
- To respect the anonymity of all of our members, we ask that people who attend our meetings not talk about who our members are or what they share in meetings.
- Meetings in the schedule are open to the public. Most meetings in the Peninsula Area are known as open meetings, meaning everyone is welcome. Closed meetings are indicated with a "C" in the meeting schedule. Only addicts and those who think they may be addicts can attend closed meetings. If you would like to bring a family member or friend to your first meeting please be sure that it is an open meeting. If there is no "C" listed in the meeting key it is an open meeting. Children are welcome at most meetings, parents often bring crayons and a coloring book to keep small children occupied. Some meetings have child care available.
- You may see information pamphlets, books and activity flyers. Feel free to take pamphlets and flyers. Books are for sale at cost.
- There are no dues or fees to attend an NA meeting. We are self supporting through our own contributions. You will see a basket being passed, to collect donations from members to pay rent for the meeting place, purchase literature, refreshments, etc.
- Please be quiet when arriving and departing from meeting facilities; remember that others may be offended by our tone and language, and dispose of trash and cigarette butts appropriately.
- Our program of recovery begins with abstinence from all drugs, including alcohol. Sometimes people come to NA meetings while still trying to get clean, detoxing from drugs, or on drug replacement therapy. Regardless of what you may be taking when you first come to NA, you are welcome.
- Very often people have questions about prescribed medications. We encourage you to read the
CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE MEETING SCHEDULE PAGE
Group Readings
Who is An Addict?
What is the NA Program?
Why Are We Here?
How It Works
The Twelve Traditions of Narcotics Anonymous
Just For Today
We Do Recover
Other NA Literature
An Introductory Guide to NA
NA - Little White Book
More NA Literature
English
En Español
Other Languages
* Some of the links on this page are in PDF (portable document format) and require a PDF Reader to view. If you are unable to open the links above, the software is available for free at the ADOBE site. Our reference to this site does not constitute an endorsement by the Peninsula Area of Narcotics Anonymous and the downloading and use of of it is at your own risk.