Take courage - there is hope.

IF A FAMILY MEMBER OR FRIEND MAY BE USING DRUGS

If you have found evidence or have even a vague suspicion that someone close to you may have a drug problem, we know how you feel. We know well what it is like to be alone with this problem. We remember the feelings of panic, frustration and desperation that resulted from this discovery. We in Nar-Anon have shared this experience too.

For a while some of us tried to ignore our suspicions. We were too terrified to examine the situation more closely because – what would we do if we found what we feared was really true!

At first we compensated, we adjusted our lives, attitudes and personalities to the behaviour of this person. Even when their moods changed drastically or they got into trouble at school, work or with the law, we defended and protected them.

When it became clear they were using drugs, we still attempted to ignore or deny it. As the drug user’s problems became worse we became more frantic, our attempts to help only led to rebellion and frequently to hostility towards us and others. This resulted in our becoming still more upset and desperate, and we felt we too were being destroyed.

In the Nar-Anon program, we learn that drug addiction is a disease that we are not responsible for. The drug user needs help and so do we. We discovered many of our efforts to control or change the situation were often actually enabling or encouraging this person to continue a self- destructive pattern. It has been a great relief to learn more effective ways of coping with this situation, while at the same time gaining some peace of mind, hope and help for a better way of life.

Many times the drug user is simply not ready or willing to stop using, even when confronted with the facts. But we have learned there is much we can do to encourage their recovery. For the user seeking help, drug recovery programs are available.

But what about us? What help is available for family members and friends for coping with the addict’s continued drug use or even their recovery. This is where Nar-Anon comes in. Nar-Anon is designed for us – the parent, spouse, child, brother, sister or friend of the “user”. Nar-Anon can bring new insight about our attitudes, behaviour and emotions. It can be the source for regaining our own sanity and well being. We learn that Addiction is a family disease and we need recovery too.

Nar-Anon is a society of people who gather to share their experience, strength and hope for our recovery from the ravages that addiction has brought to our lives. It begins with our meetings and you are welcome to come and see how it works.

We use first names only, as this is an anonymous program. There are no charges or obligations as Nar-Anon is a non-profit organisation. We are not affiliated with any treatment program or hospitals and do not discriminate about any person’s race, creed, religion or lack of religion. The weekly meetings are held regularly throughout the year. Your attendance is welcomed without prior arrangements. You will not be urged to participate in the group discussions, but may join in or ask questions if you wish.

We do UNDERSTAND how you feel.

If there are no meetings near you and you would like to help start a meeting, call us.

Narateen is a branch of Nar-Anon developed to help children in the family affected by a drug abuser. If you need a Narateen meeting, let us know, we can help.

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