History of Narcotics Anonymous in New Orleans, Louisiana

Today we head down South to explore the early history of Narcotics Anonymous in New Orleans, Louisiana — a city known for music, resilience, culture, and survival. But underneath the stories of Bourbon Street and Mardi Gras is another powerful story: addicts helping addicts find recovery in a place where many never thought freedom was possible.

Before we get started, we want to give a huge shout out to Douglas from the Anonymous Podcast, along with Barb and Paul from the Anonymous Squad. Thank you for helping preserve recovery history and for continuing to carry the message through storytelling, fellowship, and service. We are grateful for the work all of you do.

In this episode, we sit down with early New Orleans NA members Kathe and Nancy as they share firsthand memories of the first Narcotics Anonymous meetings in New Orleans. From small beginnings and borrowed meeting spaces to the struggles and miracles of early recovery, these stories help paint a picture of what NA looked like in Louisiana during its formative years.

We also round out this episode by featuring excerpts and reflections from Anonymous Podcast interviews with Jerry S. and Iron Bill, two longtime Louisiana members whose experience, strength, and personality left a lasting impact on countless addicts. Though they are no longer with us physically, their voices and stories continue to carry hope.

This episode is more than history. It is a reminder that NA grows because recovering addicts show up, open the doors, and keep the message alive for the next suffering addict. The history of New Orleans NA is full of grit, spirituality, humor, and perseverance — and we are honored to help preserve a small part of it.

So wherever you are listening from, thank you for joining us on this journey through recovery history.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy this episode of the Living Clean Podcast: The History of New Orleans, Louisiana.