|
Nar-Anon Family Groups of Maryland, Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia
|
The pioneering days of Nar-Anon Family Groups is nearly as old as Narcotics Anonymous (N.A.). The first meeting of Nar-Anon was started in Studio City, California, the same time and place of the only N.A. meeting. It began with Al-anon members and an occassional wife or spouse of an N.A. member.This group was started by Alma B.
In 1971, a lawyer was engaged to incorporate the clearing house for inquiries about Nar-Anon.The name of "Nar-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc." was born. Inquiries were received from all states amd foreign lands. In 1982, Nar-Anon was finacially able to move to there first office. The World Service Office (WSO) now resides in Torrence, California.
|
|
Addiction is a progressive disease that if not arrested will get worse, ending in insanity or death. The only way to arrest the disease of drug addiction is complete and total abstinence.
A person can become addicted on prescription or street drugs. The result is the same. Some can function fairly well in their jobs as family, friends or co-workers cover up for them but eventually the addiction will affect all of part of their social, family or economic life. If the user tries to do without drugs the symptoms of withdrawal are so painful they go back to drugs to ease the pain. They are ADDICTED.
Addiction is a disease. The nature of this illness is that the user refuses to admit that are ill and need help. Recovery depends on three things:
1. Willingness to admit they have a problem.
2. They desire to stop using
3. Admitting they cannot control it alone and need help.
|
 |
Addiction is like a chain reaction. It is a disease which affects the user as well as family members, friends and co-workers. They try to control, cover up and take on the responsibilities for the addict. The sickness spreads to those who care the most. Eventually these people begin to feel used and unhappy. They worry, lose trust and become angry. The addict blames others and makes them feel guilty. If only something or someone would change!
When we discover Nar-Anon, we find others with the same feelings and problems. We learn we cannot control our addicts or change them. We have become so addicted to our addict that it is difficult to shift the focus back to ourselves. We find that we must let go and turn to faith in a Higher Power. By working the steps, following the traditions and using the tools of the program we begin, with the love and help of God and others, to change ourselves.
As we reach out for help, we become ready to reach out a helping hand and heart to those in need of Nar-Anon. We understand. We do recover. Slowly new persons emerge. The change is taking place.
|
 |
Serenity Prayer
God
Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change
Change the things I can
And the Wisdom to know the difference
|
|