NA Meetings Albuquerque

Getting to NA Meetings in ABQ and More Support Options at Icarus

Help and support are crucial elements of overcoming addiction. Suffering from substance abuse can make you feel alone, misunderstood, and hopeless. But you’re not alone – millions of others have been where you are. You can find them at aftercare programs like NA meetings in Albuquerque.

Narcotics Anonymous, or NA, is just one of the tools you can use during your journey to sobriety. At your local NA meetings Albuquerque or otherwise, you’ll find others just like you who need help or want to help so that you can build the support system that you need to get or stay sober.

If you or a loved one are suffering from addiction, Icarus Behavioral Health can help. Our comprehensive addiction treatment services include a medically assisted detox, inpatient and outpatient programs, and aftercare coordination, including NA meetings in Albuquerque New Mexico. We’ll provide you with the foundation, tools, and resources needed for long-term sobriety.

Whether you’re currently dealing with an addiction or recently completed treatment for substance abuse, it’s worth learning more about how Narcotics Anonymous and Icarus can help.

What Is Narcotics Anonymous?

Narcotics Anonymous is a program where a community of people struggling or have previously struggled with substance abuse work together to overcome their addictions. It was built to make support groups and group therapy more accessible to people who want to stop using drugs.

NA is open to anyone and has no affiliations with any political, legal, or religious entities, making it a safe space for those who attend the often weekly meetings held nationwide. The only requirement to join is the desire to stop using drugs.

The 12 Steps is an outline of Narcotics Anonymous’s principles that guide the recovery process. These beliefs include admitting that addiction became unmanageable, looking to a higher power for help, admitting responsibility, being ready to receive help, making amends with those you’ve harmed, and sharing the 12 Steps with others who need help.

Narcotics Anonymous vs Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is the more well-known 12-step program and addiction support group. It was a group created for those suffering from alcohol abuse and provides a safe place to share stories, get help, and build a support system to aid in your recovery.

The primary difference between the two programs is that Alcoholics Anonymous in Albuquerque, or anywhere around the globe for that matter, is generally focused more on alcohol abuse while Narcotics Anonymous includes all substance abuse, including alcohol. NA also covers illegal drug usage, while AA strictly works with alcohol, making the safety of Narcotics Anonymous meetings incredibly valuable to those who normally have to hide their addiction.

NA and AA both utilize a 12-step program, emphasize community, and utilize sponsorships to help you overcome your addiction and aid in your recovery. Their meetings are also quite similar, so choosing the right program depends on your preferences and the substances you struggle with.

What Happens At NA Meetings in Albuquerque?

Attending Narcotics Anonymous meetings, whether in Southeast Albuquerque or downtown, can be intimidating, so knowing what to expect can ease the stress and help you get into a mentality where you’re ready to receive help.

There are a few different kinds of meetings that can take place, including:

• Open Meetings: Anyone can attend, including friends and family, making it less intimidating to get started.
• Closed Meetings: Only those actively participating in the NA program can attend.
• Speaker Meetings: An individual comes in and speaks to the group. These can be open or closed.

Meetings are generally based on listening, sharing, and providing acceptance and support for those who need it most. Before the meeting starts, members often talk, have snacks, and get comfortable. During the meeting, new members will usually be asked to introduce themselves as a welcome to the group. Then, individuals who want to speak will contribute their experience during “sharing time” while everyone lends an ear. Being able to speak and be heard is a significant part of the process, so you’ll be encouraged to participate over time. Afterward, you can stay and talk to others, exchange contact information, or leave without penalty.

However, NA meetings are not standardized, so every meeting is different. They’re often based around the 12 Steps, but how they employ them will vary. You might need to try multiple groups until you find one that resonates with you, so don’t be discouraged if your first meeting doesn’t feel right.

As part of the process, you can also get a sponsor to build a one-on-one relationship with and provide support while achieving and maintaining sobriety. Newcomers are often paired with experienced members who guide them through NA as well as the recovery process as a whole. After some time in the program, you become a sponsor for that person or someone else to continue the cycle of support.

Should You Go To Rehab Before Attending NA Meetings?

If you’re currently struggling with addiction and looking for help, you might wonder whether you should go to rehab or begin attending NA meetings in Albuquerque.

Narcotics Anonymous doesn’t require you to have received professional help for your addiction to participate. Anyone who wants to beat their addiction can join. However, to make the most out of participation in the program, it’s generally better to undergo substance abuse treatment before committing to meetings.

Active addiction can interfere with your thinking and make it harder to absorb the lessons you’ll learn in NA. The meetings can only help you if you’re in a place where you want and are able to receive help.

In some cases, you might benefit from going to our rehab in Albuquerque before attending meetings. Substances like alcohol or benzodiazepines can cause extreme and dangerous withdrawal symptoms when stopped abruptly as part of the Narcotics Anonymous program. You’ll need a medical detox to ensure you can safely move past your physical addiction so that you can address the addiction mentally.

Fortunately, Icarus Behavioral Health provides complete detox and inpatient programs that help you safely overcome your addiction. We’ll prepare you for your journey to recovery by providing tools and aftercare support that simplify sober living.

Where To Find NA Meetings Albuquerque and Surrounding Areas

NA meetings are held by their own groups, not specific organizations or businesses, so designated meeting places can change frequently. However, churches are a common setting due to the program’s association with spirituality.

Some locations where NA meetings in Albuquerque, NM are frequently held include:

• Christ United Methodist Church
• Grace Church
• Our Lady Queen of Angels (in Rio Rancho)
• Valley Presbyterian Church
• Rio Rancho United Methodist Church
• University Heights Methodist Church
• Rio Grande Presbyterian Church (Albuquerque)

Virtual Narcotics Anonymous meetings may also be held through video call platforms like Zoom.

At Icarus Behavioral Health, we help our clients find NA meetings throughout Albuquerque, NM as part of essential aftercare that helps you maintain sobriety.

If you need help finding a meeting, you can check for NA meetings in Albuquerque by using the Narcotics Anonymous Meeting Search tool.

Get Support to Stay Clean at Icarus Now

Whether you’re currently struggling with addiction or are on the path to recovery already, there are programs that can help you live your best sober life. NA meetings are an invaluable asset no matter what stage of the journey you’re on, giving you the support you need for long-term sobriety. For active addiction, there’s Icarus.

At Icarus Behavioral Health, we take a holistic approach to addressing your addiction. Our 24/7 medically-assisted detox treatments ensure that you can safely overcome withdrawals under medical supervision. After detox, you can transition to inpatient, outpatient, intensive outpatient (IOP), or partial hospitalization programs customized to your needs with the best treatments for you.

If you’re looking for help beginning or continuing your path to recovery, we can help. Give us a call today for a free consultation to see what our addiction treatment services can do for you or your loved one now!