Abu Dhabi: Drug addiction might be taboo and addicts may not find acceptance in society, but a non-profit community group in the UAE helps people not just admit they have a problem, but also supports them in rehabilitation.
Narcotics Anonymous (NA), which has a presence in 133 countries, has helped put hundreds of addicts in the region on the path to recovery since it started operations in the UAE two years ago.
“The programme offers recovery to addicts. Our focus is on addiction rather than any particular substance. The issue is not only recovery but also providing an environment in which an addict who has recovered can stay abstinent,” said Amin, spokesperson of the group.
“The first thing that gave me immense relief was the acceptance I got when I became a part of NA. The knowledge that there were others who had undergone similar situations and suffering and also experienced recovery was empowering and inspiring. I had stopped believing I would ever be able to come out of it, but now it has been two years,” said a member, who says she attends four to five meetings a week.
The group holds around 10 weekly meetings in English and Arabic in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Ras Al Khaimah, helping hundreds kick the habit. The members belong to various socio-cultural backgrounds and their ages range from 16 to 70 years.
The group also holds meetings in jails to help convicts completing their sentences to begin life anew.
Addiction is not dependent on age and the reasons are often not obvious. Easy availability of drugs only worsens the situation. As one members said: “I was in school and had two options — either be bullied or be a part of the guys who bullied me. I opted for the latter and got hooked to drugs, which were very easily available, whether or not you have enough money,” he said.
“During the years of my addition, loneliness was my constant companion, I was unaware of what was going on around me. Nothing was right. I was jailed and admitted to a mental asylum twice. My family did not speak to me for almost two years. I was a stigma. The humiliation that came along made it all the more difficult to think I could have a life that was different from the one that I lived.”
He said it was a rehab centre in his home country which made him attend NA meetings, eventually leading to his recovery.
Admittance is the first step towards recovery.
The members share stories and experiences and follow the 12-step NA programme which includes admitting their problem, fearlessly facing themselves and their issues and surrendering to their higher power [God]. Many also go for therapy simultaneously. Members are encouraged to read about mental health, chronic illnesses and pain.
However, conquering addiction is never easy for members, some of whom become sponsors, guiding new members. “We have had instances when members were jailed. Two people I knew died,” said a member.
“It is not easy even after you probably think it is over.”
The group is open to all and “anyone can join, the only requirement being your desire for freedom from addiction,” said Amin.
Meetings
Dubai
Monday: 8pm, Al Wasl Road
Wednesday 7.30pm, Al Khail Gate Phase 2
Thursday 7.30pm, Lifeworks Villa, Al Wasl Road
Friday 5.30pm, (Arabic) Lifeworks Villa, Al Wasl Road
Saturday 7pm Dubai Community Health Centre near Jumeirah Beach Park
Abu Dhabi
Sunday 8pm American Centre for Psychiatry, Al Rawda Area, Al Ain
Monday 7pm The Oasis Hospital, Ras Al Khaimah
Website: www.nauae.org
