Question 1

Where can I find a current, accurate list of NA meetings in Columbus and Central Ohio?

Accepted Answer

The official source for an accurate NA meeting list is nacentralohio.org/meetings/, run by the Central Ohio Area Service Committee of Narcotics Anonymous (COASCNA), which covers Franklin, Delaware, Madison, and Union counties. Our meetings page updates more often than third-party directory sites, which can lag by months and contain outdated information. You can also call (614) 252-1700 for more information.

Question 2

Are there meetings every day of the week, including nights and weekends?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Columbus has one of the fuller NA schedules in Ohio, with meetings spread across mornings, lunch hours, evenings, and weekends, all week long. Since individual groups do shift or fold, checking the live schedule rather than a printed list is your best bet.

Question 3

Do I have to be clean to attend a meeting?

Accepted Answer

No. In NA, "clean" means abstinence from all mood-altering substances, but you do not have to be clean to attend a meeting. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using. We do ask that no drugs or drug paraphernalia be brought to meetings to help maintain a safe atmosphere of recovery.

Question 4

What’s the difference between an "open" and "closed" meeting?

Accepted Answer

Open meetings welcome anyone, including family, friends, medical professionals, or the curious. Closed meetings are limited to people who identify as an addict. Columbus’s schedule includes both types, along with formats like discussion, speaker, candlelight, and step-study meetings. "O" indicates an open meeting and "C" indicates a closed meeting.

Question 5

Can family members or friends of someone struggling with addiction attend NA meetings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, at open meetings. If what you actually need is support for yourself as someone affected by a loved one’s addiction, Central Ohio NA itself points people toward Nar-Anon and Families Anonymous, separate fellowships built specifically for family and friends, not for the person using.

Question 6

Are virtual or phone meetings available if I can’t get there in person?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Central Ohio NA meeting list includes a few local virtual meetings. For additional virtual meetings, including ASL-interpreted options, visit virtual-na.org. Virtual meetings are a great resource for establishing connections across the country and can be especially helpful if you’re experiencing limitations with transportation, mobility, or scheduling.

Question 7

Does it cost anything to attend an NA meeting?

Accepted Answer

No. NA meetings are free everywhere, including Columbus. Groups typically pass a basket for voluntary donations toward rent and literature and to help the still suffering addict, but giving isn’t required and no one’s turned away for not contributing. Only members of NA can donate. Groups do not accept donations from family members, the public, or anyone who is not a member, as NA is a fully self-supporting fellowship.

Question 8

Are there special interest meetings, such as meetings for women, men, young people, and LGBTQ+ members?

Accepted Answer

Central Ohio’s schedule includes women’s meetings, LGBTQ+ meetings, and young people’s meetings, with some groups also welcoming children. Some special-interest meetings are open to everyone, while others are intended only for members of that group. For example, some LGBTQ+ meetings welcome everyone, while women’s meetings are for women only, and men’s meetings are for men only. Check nacentralohio.org/meetings/ for current meeting information and details.

Question 9

Is NA a religious program?

Accepted Answer

No. NA is a spiritual, not religious, program and is not affiliated with any religion. Meetings typically open and close with a prayer, but this is not intended to imply a religious affiliation. Members are encouraged to develop their own understanding of a Higher Power, which is a personal decision and can simply mean a power or force greater than themselves that helps them stay clean.

Question 10

What actually happens at a meeting?

Accepted Answer

Most NA meetings last about an hour and may follow different formats, including speaker meetings, literature studies, or topic discussions. Members share their experience with recovery and what is happening in their lives. If you’re new, you can introduce yourself or simply listen; you are never required to share. Newcomers may also receive NA literature, a meeting schedule, phone numbers from other members, and a welcome key tag.

Question 11

Can I call someone before I go to a meeting, and is that line available 24/7?

Accepted Answer

You can call (614) 252-1700 to reach the Central Ohio NA 24-hour helpline. A member of NA can answer questions about meetings, help you find a meeting, and share information about Narcotics Anonymous.

Monday:	4pm – 6.30pm
Tuesday:	4pm – 6pm
Wednesday:	10am – 12pm
Thursday:	5pm – 7pm
Friday:	11am – 1pm
Saturday:	10am – 1pm
Sunday:	Closed

Monday:	4pm – 6.30pm
Tuesday:	4pm – 6pm
Wednesday:	10am – 12pm
Thursday:	5pm – 7pm
Friday:	11am – 1pm
Saturday:	10am – 1pm
Sunday:	Closed

Welcome to the Central Ohio Area of Narcotics Anonymous!

Addiction Problem?
Narcotics Anonymous can help.

Find current Narcotics Anonymous meetings in Columbus and Central Ohio by day, time, and location.

Addiction Problem? Narcotics Anonymous can help.