10 Common Narcotics Anonymous Meeting Topics

Although individual therapy is at the core of addiction treatment, Narcotics Anonymous meetings and support group meetings are vital for recovery. Still, many are intimidated by the meeting topics and subject matters in these meetings.

Are you leading an NA meeting this week? Here are 10 proven topics to spark deep discussion

While each NA meeting will cover different topics, they follow a similar structure and allow you to share as much or as little as you want. Here are some of the most common NA meeting topics to think about. 

1. The 12-Steps

First and foremost, these meetings will talk about the 12 steps. The 12 steps of NA differ from AA’s, with each step beginning with “we” instead of “I.” These meetings are more about members recovering together. Expect each session to follow one of these steps and focus on the different learnings and topics discussed in each step. This is perhaps the most common topic in most NA meetings, and it’s at least partially addressed in every session. 

Discussion Starters:

• Which step are you currently working on, and what has been the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself?

• How does the “We” in the NA steps help you feel less alone compared to trying to get clean on your own?

2. Keeping the Faith When Addiction Recovery Gets Tough

Like AA, Narcotics Anonymous also focuses on having faith in a higher power. This topic focuses on faith, hope, and how to start cultivating a relationship with that higher power. Contrary to popular belief, this higher power figure doesn’t have to be religious or spiritual. It can be anything that recovering addicts believe in. 

Discussion Starters:

• For those who are not religious, what does a “Higher Power” look like to you in your daily walk?

• When recovery feels like an uphill battle, what helps you maintain the hope that things will get better?

3. Facing Fears and Redefining Bravery

The most controversial and challenging topic to discuss in NA meetings is the topic of fear. In step 4, people are asked to do a written inventory of their past. The idea is to confront those character defects and face them. When discussing fear, meetings will discuss how to be courageous and redefine bravery as a valuable tool in recovery.

Discussion Starters:

• What is one fear you had in active addiction that has disappeared since you started recovery?

• How has your definition of “bravery” changed since you walked into your first meeting?

4. Exploring Shortcomings

The shortcomings topic is highly related to the higher power previously discussed. The idea is that after recognizing character defects, you can now figure out how to remove these defects to move forward. It explores the concept of humility and how you’ll be able to explore shortcomings in your recovery journey without giving up. 

Discussion Starters:

• How do you distinguish between a “shortcoming” and just being human?

• Can anyone share a time when practicing humility helped de-escalate a difficult situation?

5. Finding Forgiveness in Addiction

There’s a lot of blame for addiction. You blame yourself. You blame your family. You blame your environment. It’s easy to pinpoint the responsibility to something or someone. However, in most NA meetings, you’ll hear the topic of forgiveness, self-compassion, and willingness to move on. It’s important to forgive oneself to show actual progress and focus on the things you can control.

Discussion Starters:

• Why is it often harder to forgive ourselves than it is to forgive others?

• What is one practical way you practice self-compassion when you’re having a bad day?

6. Making Amends in Your Addiction Journey

Responsibility is by far the most common topic in NA meetings. In step number 9, you’re asked to make direct amends to people wherever possible. Nonetheless, the topic of amends is challenging for most people as it means going through the amends process and potentially receiving backlash throughout the process. Living your amends and moving forward can be scary for most people. This is why NA meetings try to discuss this topic as a group.

Discussion Starters:

• What is the difference between saying “I’m sorry” and making a true living apology?

• How do you handle the fear of a person not accepting your amends?

7. Self-Awareness

Not everyone recognizes this, but NA meetings give participants different tools for self-awareness that work as coping mechanisms. Prayer, meditation, and spirituality can be incredible tools to have in someone’s recovery journey. These tools can help prevent relapse and teach people how to navigate the early recovery days.

Discussion Starters:

• What are your “red flag” emotions or thoughts that tell you your recovery is in a shaky place?

• How has your self-awareness improved your relationships with people outside of the room?

8. Goals for Addiction Recovery

Everyone has different goals in recovery. To promote acceptance and hope, many meetings will discuss short- and long-term goals. Sharing them in a group environment can help develop a sense of accountability and responsibility. It also sets the stage for an encouraging community to help everyone achieve their goals.

Discussion Starters:

• What is one goal you’ve achieved in recovery that you thought was impossible while you were using?

• How do you balance setting big goals with the philosophy of “Just for Today”?

9. Taking Action in Treatment

Some people call it action. Others call it commitment. But, this topic is all about daily inventory and taking corrective actions as needed to stay in check. Those in early recovery will have to face complex challenges that can be tempting. Action helps them keep in check and keep the slate clean to keep working through the steps. 

Discussion Starters:

• What does your “daily inventory” look like? Do you do it in the morning, at night, or as you go?

• When you feel a craving or a “slip” in your thinking, what is the very first action you take?

10. Honesty

The topic of honesty is discussed in several of the 12 steps, and it’s an essential topic in group meetings. It’s about seeing clearly what you need to change about yourself and having the integrity to make those changes. But, most importantly, it’s about trusting the process and your progress. While not everyone’s journey is the same, you have to trust that you’re taking the proper steps for yourself.

Discussion Starters:

• In what area of your life is it currently hardest to be 100% honest?

• How did “rigorous honesty” save your life this week?

Embracing Supporting Communities in Narcotics Anonymous

Narcotics Anonymous meetings and group therapy meetings are paramount for long-lasting recovery. As part of a comprehensive addiction treatment plan, group meetings help build a sense of belonging while promoting a healing and supportive environment. 

Frequently Asked Questions About NA Meeting Topics

Do I have to speak if a topic is being discussed?

• No. One of the core principles of NA is that you are never required to speak. If a topic is introduced and you aren’t comfortable sharing, you can simply say, “I’m just here to listen today” or “I’ll pass.” Your presence is enough.

What if I don’t believe in God, but the topic is “Higher Power”?

• NA is a spiritual, not religious, program. Many members choose the “group” itself, nature, or the concept of “Good Orderly Direction” (G.O.D.) as their higher power. You are encouraged to explore a concept that works for you personally.

Are the topics the same at every meeting?

• Not necessarily. While many meetings focus on the 12 Steps or a specific piece of NA literature, “Open Discussion” meetings allow the chairperson or the members to suggest a topic based on what they are struggling with that day.

Can I suggest a topic for the group to discuss?

• Usually, yes. In “Topic Discussion” meetings, the chairperson often asks if anyone has a topic they would like to discuss. If you are struggling with something specific—like returning to work or dealing with grief—feel free to suggest it.

What is the most common topic for beginners?

• The most common topic for newcomers is usually Step 1 (Admitting powerlessness) or “The First 30 Days.” These topics focus on the immediate actions needed to stay clean and the importance of showing up to meetings.

How long does a topic discussion last?

• Most NA meetings last 60 to 90 minutes. The topic is usually introduced in the first 10–15 minutes, leaving the remainder of the time for individual members to share their experience, strength, and hope regarding that theme.

Sources: 

https://www.aa.org/assets/en_us/smf-56_en.pdf

https://na-in-place.org/lghg/prompts2.pdf

https://www.na.org/?ID=IDT-IDT

Related Posts