'Peers best influence against drug abuse'

Peer counselling seems effective in rehabilitating drug addicts and checking substance abuse, according to members of Narcotics Anonymous.

In an attempt to create awareness about spaces available for drug addicts to pull themselves back into the mainstream, the members of the international group shared their experiences at de-addiction with mediapersons on Saturday.

Vinayak (name changed) struggled a few years ago to overcome drug addiction. As his marriage fell apart, he decided to work seriously at de-addiction and became a member of Narcotics Anonymous. He has stayed clean of drugs for the last 15 years and even won back his family.

Joseph (name changed) was a student. He had to quit studies as addiction to drugs had taken over a major part of his life. 

Although a younger member of the group, Joseph feels sharing his problem with other members helped him understand the cause of the problem. He succeeded in handling the problem, returned to his studies and also mended broken ties with his family.

Joseph feels there are several teenagers who face problems similar to what he did, but do not know how to handle them or overcome them, or even whom to approach on the issue.

Narcotics Anonymous is currently in the city for the convenience of people who wish to seek help on overcoming substance abuse.

The group has about two lakh members across 131 countries. It is operating in Bangalore since 1992 and has about 350 members in the City.

Narcotics Anonymous provides support to people free of cost. Members help each other overcome problems through regular interaction. Learning of each others’ experiences through time helps them take control over themselves and even overcome their inclination for substance abuse. The members of the group manage all this without help or advice from psychiatrists or medical therapists.

“The members of Narcotics Anonymous see at least four new members in Bangalore City every week. The number of members has increased steadily in the last four to five years, which is attributed to increase in awareness about the matter,” says Akshay (name changed), a member of the group.

Narcotics Anonymous has several centres all over Bangalore City. 

Members of the group can be reached on the helpline number 9880590059.