Narcotics Anonymous offers free support
In light of June being Drug Awareness Month, Narcotics Anonymous (NA) reminds those who are struggling with addictions, that there is help.
Anyone who feels they want to stop using drugs may join the NA, regardless of which drug was used.
The NA’s primary purpose is in providing a recovery environment in their meetings, whereby drug addicts can share their recovery experiences with one another.
There are no fees or dues to join charges to joining NA or attending NA meetings.
The success of NA is the value of addicts working together with other addicts. The way NA works is members sharing their successes and challenges in overcoming active addiction and living drug free, productive lives.
The NA works on the 12 steps and 12 traditions programme that guides recovery. These offer us proven guidelines that have helped millions of others across the world.
What to expect if you are new to NA?
If you’re an addict, or think you might have a drug problem, the NA suggest a meeting every day for at least 90 days to get to know other members and the programme. In the first meeting, newcomers are asked who they are to welcome them and to provide them with pamphlets.
The NA believes the journey of recovery begins with abstinence from all drugs, including alcohol.
Sometimes people come to NA meetings while still using drugs, detoxing from drugs, or on drug replacement therapy. The NA thus welcomes anybody regardless of what they may be taking when they first attend a meeting.
Newcomers are usually welcomed with a handshake or hug and a welcome key tag.
According to the NA, in most places, it is customary for members to gather in a circle to end the meeting with a short prayer or NA reading. Though prayers may be heard in meetings, it is because it a spiritual, not religious, programme.
About NA
NA stared in 1953, with 61 000 weekly meetings in 129 countries currently being held across world.
The NA started in the 1980’s in South Africa and a handful of meetings were running. Today NA has 279 meetings running every week across the country.
These are support meetings for persons who feel they have a drug problem and want to stop using drugs.
Anyone interested in further information or would like to refer someone to an NA meeting contact the helpline 083 900 6962 or visit www.na.org.za
