Narcotics Anonymous: A friendship that leads to recovery and hope

Friendship Day is a celebration of strong bonds that uplift and heal. For members of Narcotics Anonymous, a group that helps addicts reclaim their lives, the fellowship that they find here is their biggest strength. They have once trodden the dangerous paths of addiction, but now, they offer a helping hand that guides others towards light and a better life. Narcotics Anonymous acts as a sturdy wall of defence against the drug menace that has been spreading its vicious claws in society. 

It’s been three years since Narcotics Anonymous, a worldwide non–profit fellowship of people who are recovering from drug addiction, made its entry in Kerala. The annual meeting of the Kerala region will be held today at the Chavara Cultural Centre in Kozhikode. Meanwhile, the organisation, which caught the attention of the Kerala police during Operation Toofan, is also promoted by the authorities. Those who have saved themselves from the clutches of drugs or are trying to recover are the best persons to speak about the dangerous effects of drug addiction. 

How to be part of it
There is no entry fee or other procedures to become a member of this organisation. Only a strong desire to break free from the menace of drug addiction is enough to be part of Narcotics Anonymous. Members should take part in the daily online meetings and share their experiences. They are expected to open up about the losses they have suffered in life because they chose drugs. Moreover, they also talk about the immense joy and amazing opportunities they enjoy after recovering from addiction. Volunteers will meet those who sign out of the online meetings midway and convince them to return in person. People who have ruined their lives due to drug addiction and wish to reclaim their lives can become members of this organisation. Now, Narcotics Anonymous has more than 10,000 members in states like Karnataka and Punjab. 

“This is not a treatment program, but an international fellowship of people who have recovered or are recovering from drug addiction. We gather often to help each other survive without drugs and be pillars of support for the members,” says Roshan (not real name), who heads the organisation’s state committee. The organisation is also in contact with de-addiction centres to recruit more members and volunteers. Narcotics Anonymous helpline – 8714466814. 

According to Dr Arun B Nair, professor of psychiatry, Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, one of the positive aspects of this organisation is that it shattered the misconception that it is impossible to recover from drug addiction. "There is a chance that recovered persons might return to using when they are stressed. Organisations like this will help them face their problems without getting trapped in addiction again," he says. R Nishantini, IG, Intelligence Department, also opines that the organisation provides proper and effective awareness against addiction. "The organisation, which is present at many places across the globe, should be encouraged in Kerala as well,” she says.