I’m New to Narcotics Anonymous — What Does the Free State Region Website Offer?

If you are new to Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and live in or near Maryland or Delaware, the Free State Region website (freestatena.org) is a practical starting point. It explains what NA is, gives you a helpline to call, and helps you find a first meeting — either in person or online. You do not need to sign up, pay, or commit to anything to use it. The site is built for people who are curious, struggling, or just want to know what a meeting is like before walking in.

What NA Is, in the Site’s Own Words

The Free State Region describes NA as a nonprofit fellowship of addicts who help each other stay clean and live life without the use of drugs. Its core message on the homepage is:

“Any addict can stop using drugs, lose the desire to use, and find a new way to live. Our message is hope and the promise of freedom.”

Meetings are described as a gathering of recovering addicts who meet regularly for the purpose of recovery from the disease of addiction. If you think you might have a drug problem, the site directs you to call the helpline or come to a meeting — no other qualification is mentioned.

The Helpline: 1-800-317-3222

The site lists a helpline number, 1-800-317-3222, for anyone who thinks they might have a drug problem. The page does not describe what happens when you call, how long it takes, or who answers — only that it is an option alongside attending a meeting. If you are unsure about going to a meeting in person, calling first is a low-pressure way to ask questions.

Finding a First Meeting

The Free State Region has both live and online meetings in several areas across Maryland and Delaware. The site offers several ways to find one:

• All Free State Meetings — a full list, including meetings marked as temporarily closed, online, or live
• Online Meetings — for people who want to attend from home
• Live & Hybrid Meetings — in-person and mixed-format options
• Search for a Meeting by Map — a map-based tool
• Print Regional Meeting List — a printable version
• All meetings page: https://freestatena.org/all-meetings
• Meeting update form: https://freestatena.org/meeting-update

The site also notes that you can check meetings in your area by going to the all-meetings link above. If a meeting’s details look wrong or outdated, the meeting-update form is how you request a change.

What to Expect at a First Meeting

The site does not walk through a first-meeting script, but it does explain the purpose: recovering addicts meeting regularly for recovery. Beyond that, the practical takeaway is that meetings come in different formats — online, live, and hybrid — so you can choose the one that feels most manageable. If you are nervous, an online meeting may be an easier first step; if you want to be in a room with people, look for a live or hybrid listing.

If You Are Not Sure Where to Start

A simple path based on what the site offers:

1. Call 1-800-317-3222 if you want to talk to someone first.
2. Open https://freestatena.org/all-meetings to see what is available near you.
3. Pick a format — online, live, or hybrid — that matches your comfort level.
4. Attend. The site frames meetings as open to any addict who wants to stop using and find a new way to live.

Other Things the Site Offers

• New to NA? — a section aimed specifically at people in your position
• For Professionals — information for government, correctional, clergy, helping-profession, and voluntary organizations that want to build relationships with NA
• For Members — events, service information, the Regional Service center, and links to Areas
• Events — regional events and service information
• Volunteer opportunities — including Website Coordinator (four years clean required) and Phoneline Administrator (two years clean required), plus area-level service positions

If you are brand new, the “New to NA?” and meeting-finding sections are the most relevant. The service and volunteer pages are more useful once you have been around for a while.