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Narcotic Anonymous Meetings in California, Kern, Bakersfield, USA

What is NA?

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a support group dedicated to individuals struggling with drug addiction, offering a community-based path toward recovery. NA meetings are held regularly across many cities in the United States, including in California, Kern, Bakersfield, with more details available at https://www.methadone.org/na/california/kern/bakersfield/, providing a safe space for members to share experiences and support one another.

This program operates as a free service, centered around peer support and a shared commitment to overcoming addiction through the 12-step framework originally adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous. Meetings are held both in-person and virtually, making access convenient and inclusive for those seeking help.

3316 Laverne Avenue, Bakersfield, CA

Meeting Time: Mondays at 12:00 PM

This location hosts the "Ring of Fire Group," a regularly scheduled gathering where members share their personal stories and recovery efforts in a structured yet open environment. The meetings focus on fostering mutual support among participants and reinforcing commitment to sobriety through group discussion and step study.

2309 San Marino Drive, Bakersfield, CA

Meeting Time: Wednesdays at 6:30 PM

At this venue, known as the "Terralynns Group," meetings are designed to provide a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers and long-term members alike. Sessions typically involve readings from NA literature followed by open-floor sharing, helping attendees gain insight and encouragement from collective experience.

4600 Stockdale Highway, Bakersfield, CA

Meeting Time: Tuesdays at 8:00 PM

The "Tuesday Night Traditional Group" holds meetings that emphasize the traditional NA format, including the recitation of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. This location encourages participation with a focus on commitment to the NA program and individual accountability within the recovery process.

The 12 Steps of NA

  1. Admitting powerlessness: Members recognize that they are powerless over their addiction and that their lives have become unmanageable, which is the foundational acceptance necessary for recovery.
  2. Believing in a higher power: This step involves coming to believe that a power greater than themselves can restore sanity and provide support through the recovery journey.
  3. Deciding to turn will and lives over: Members make a conscious decision to entrust their will and lives to the care of this higher power, as they understand it.
  4. Conducting a moral inventory: This step requires a thorough and fearless self-examination of one’s character and behaviors.
  5. Admitting wrongs: Members admit to themselves, to the higher power, and to another person the exact nature of their wrongs, fostering honesty and humility.
  6. Ready to have defects removed: Willingness to let the higher power remove character defects is essential for progress and personal growth.
  7. Asking for removal of shortcomings: Through prayer or meditation, members seek to have their shortcomings removed.
  8. Making a list of people harmed: Members list those they have harmed and become willing to make amends.
  9. Making amends: Except where doing so would harm others, members make direct amends to those harmed.
  10. Continued self-assessment: Members continue taking personal inventory and promptly admit when they are wrong.
  11. Improving spiritual connection: Through prayer and meditation, members seek to improve conscious contact with their higher power, praying for knowledge and strength.
  12. Helping others: Having had a spiritual awakening, members carry the message to addicts and practice these principles in all affairs.

This structure motivates members toward positive change and provides a consistent roadmap to recovery within California’s Kern County, including Bakersfield.

Getting Started with NA in California, Kern, Bakersfield, USA

Individuals seeking to join NA meetings in Bakersfield and the wider Kern County area are advised to use methadone.org to search for local meetings. This website offers the most comprehensive and up-to-date directory of Narcotics Anonymous gatherings, both in-person and online.

Most locations in California offer dual options of attending meetings physically or virtually to accommodate varying personal needs and convenience.

Attending Your First Local NA Meeting

There are two primary types of NA meetings in Bakersfield: open and closed. Understanding these helps new members choose the meeting best suited to their situation.

Meeting Type Description
Open Meeting Anyone interested—including family, friends, and curious individuals—can attend to observe or participate in NA meetings.
Closed Meeting Only those who have a desire to stop using drugs may attend. This setting offers more privacy and focus for members actively working recovery.

Keychain Tag Milestones

Milestone Description
30 Days Recognizes the achievement of one month of continuous sobriety.
60 Days Celebrates two months of sustained abstinence and personal growth.
1 Year Marks a significant year-long commitment to recovery and a sober lifestyle.
Multiple Years Long-term sobriety is celebrated with annual tags to honor ongoing dedication.