Mangalore: Narcotics Anonymous: A Ray of Hope for Drug Addicts
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (NR / MB)
Mangalore, Jul 5: Narcotics Anonymous (NA) introduced on similar lines to its counter part Alcohol Anonymous (AA) has been heralded into the city, last week. NA is being seen as a beacon of hope for those unfortunate addicts caught in the vicious grip of drugs as well as in the stranglehold of drug traffickers and racketeers.
NA has been hailed here as a decisive therapeutic phase in the vicious cycle of drug addiction. Without any relief and remedy young addicts have been trapped for years, decaying and wilting away in the throes of drug addiction and finally dying in pain. But with the launching of NA there is hope in sight once again for such victims of drug abuse.
Prof. Hilda Rayappan of Prajna De-addiction and Counselling Centre, an eminent counseller recollected that many people had tried but none were successful in launching NA. According to her NA was born due to the tireless efforts and courage of youths who showed remarkable grit in coming clean.
Earlier on these youths used to participate in Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) but slowly on realizing that they did not identify with AA groups, decided on a different forum for voicing their concerns. They displayed exemplary courage in baring their hearts in a forum like NA with the sole motive of inspiring other drug addicts and substance users to come out of the closet to avail of support and recovery measures.
One of the students stated that they were feeling powerless against drugs and desperately needed a diversion from the intense craving for drugs. The group then visited one of the twelve NAs in Bangalore and they were witness to a whole new life of sobriety.
The NAs first meeting was held at the Balmatta Government Women’s Junior College and it attracted a few from the underbelly of the city. In order to remove any stigma, the groups talked about how they were first addicted to cough syrups, tablets and then drugs And how much they caused pain to their family and friends by lying and stealing to get money to sustain their drug addiction. One instance which came up was about a women who unable to kick her addiction resorted to prostitution to purchase more heroin, an expensive drug.
At a cross road in life with no hope of any return, when their own families had given up hope these unfortunate souls had somewhere paused to reflect on their condition and after due thought had decided to seek help. They too wanted to lead normal, sober life as others in society. Infact they could now treasure sobriety.
According to Dr Ravish Tunga an eminent psychiatrist, NA offers motivation to stop the intake and remain so for life. Speaking in tandem T S Thomas of Link De-addiction and Rehabilitation Centre stated that NA is the need of the hour as it helps youth get into friendship without the aid of drugs.
Prof Hilda Rayappan who had seen four cases of drug addiction a week ago felt that NA support groups was indeed a boon to Mangalore city. She stressed that all addicted youngsters should use it.
NA Meets are regularly held every Sunday at Balmatta Womens College between 11 am and 12 pm where even family members are welcomed.