Narcotics Anonymous program poses way out

By David Gordon

JAKARTA (JP): On April 1, 1997 in South Jakarta, eight people attended the first ever meeting held in Indonesia of the most successful and respected program known worldwide to help drug addicts to become, and remain, clean.

That day introduced the renowned 12-Step Program of Narcotics Anonymous (NA) to Indonesia.

Originally, the early meetings of Narcotics Anonymous were held once a week at the old location of the International Community Activity Center (ICAC) in Kemang Raya.

Only the founding member of NA in Indonesia that evening had any experience of how the NA program or meetings were supposed to be conducted, and what the nature of NA truly represented that evening for Indonesia.

All of the other seven were newcomers to NA. They knew practically nothing about what NA genuinely represented, how the Narcotics Anonymous Program was supposed to function or what they were supposed to do or share during the meeting.

That first NA meeting began at 8 p.m., and lasted for an hour.

There was no extravagance or fanfare, no banners or flyers, or announcements to celebrate that first Narcotics Anonymous Meeting. Just a few addicts that thought it might help them cut down, or get off the drugs that were shattering their lives back then.

The founding member stayed clean, the seven other young people who attended that first meeting relapsed shortly thereafter.

Yet, that day commemorated the beginning of what will become the most cherished, respected and counted upon program of recovery in Indonesia over the next coming years. Why? Because Narcotics Anonymous has already saved the lives of millions of addicts worldwide, literally by opening their doors, letting anyone into any NA meeting, anywhere, if they just have even the slightest desire to be clean.

Narcotics Anonymous members, especially those who have been around for some time and possess "quality clean time" also possess the heartfelt belief, and seasoned confidence, that one addict knows how to help another to become clean better than almost anyone else.

The growth of NA in Indonesia is not astonishing in the numbers of meetings, or participants who are "clean as of yet". The idea that NA has been introduced to Indonesia, and is being accepted is astounding. There are now 10 narcotics meetings held weekly, four in Jakarta and six in Bogor (plus five meetings have recently begun in Bali).

Attendance averages well over 100 addicts per week. Most of the NA members are maintaining an active effort to work on a program of recovery, and many of these 100 are staying clean.

No secret

The 12-Step Program of Narcotics Anonymous harbors no secrets and in no way is any kind of clandestine method, let alone some crazed junkie system. NA has always been "anonymous by nature", confidentially withholding information about members, their families, personal names, individual reputations and private lives from being threatened or abused by outside influences for very obvious reasons of misuse, persecution or exploitation.

Since the inception of Narcotics Anonymous in 1953, NA has always been a multidiversified group of recovering and recovered addicts/junkies, men and women, who wish for nothing else other than to stay clean and remain free from a life of drug addiction.

Addicts whose only desire is to help themselves, and help other addicts can achieve a quality of life that is self- rewarding, based on self-pride and self-satisfaction.

Those who follow the NA Program have a purpose and goal, believing addicts can achieve self-respect, dignity and honor. That addicts can, and do, recover from drug addiction, and become productive and successful members within their families, community and society.

Narcotics Anonymous in many aspects appears to be a modern day miracle for addicts and their families. Regularly, the NA meeting rooms are filled with addicts/junkies, people whose lives had been almost totally wrecked by drugs and addiction. Yet when someone enters almost any NA meeting room for the first time, what they view is difficult to grasp, to hear and to comprehend.

There are addicts standing or sitting around, smiling and sharing with each other. These addicts are usually clean, decently dressed and look healthy. There is a look of wholesomeness and happiness about them. Their eyes hold a certain knowledge and brightness.

And when they share in these meetings what you do not hear is basa-basi (small talk).

What you hear is realistic and honest sharing, straight from the heart, and stories that tell the heartbreaking truth about the terror, bewilderment, despair and the nightmares of being an addict, and what life is honestly like within the junkie world.

These addicts boldly and bravely confront addiction face to face, take self-inventories, examine their personal character defects, making amends and retribution to those they have hurt, carry the message of recovery to others, and by using the 12-Step Program in their daily lives, most eventually have a spiritual experience and awakening in their lives.

They share what their lives were like when they were addicted, what happened when they came into the NA program, and what their lives are like today.

Changing values

For over a decade now, our medical, therapeutic and health communities, our sincere religious leaders, education system and leaders have been trying to establish ways of curing addicts of drug addiction and their addictive ways of behavior and living.

Others have tried therapeutic communities, behavior modifications methods, rapid detoxification and medicated recovery systems, and rehabilitation centers in other countries.

None of these have worked over the years with any worthwhile results, statistical documentation of affirmation and quality, or a longevity of recovery satisfaction.

While recovery centers using a variety treatments, along with the program of Narcotics Anonymous have approximately 100 participants who are clean today, because their moral and ethical values of thinking, behaving and living are changing.

Never has anything in the entire annuals of recovery from drug addiction been more effective and successful than addicts helping addicts, and families of addicts helping families of addicts.

Two of the most profound and frightening uncertainties facing Indonesia today are how can we, Indonesia -- while in the midst of so much political turmoil, financial uncertainty, discrimination and prejudice, education debates and religious and medical complexities -- construct programs that have qualified specialists and adequate facilities to help addicts recovery from drug addiction? And, how are we supposed to face the overwhelming and escalating crisis with drug addicts who are, and those who will become, infected with HIV and hepatitis?

Another complex question is, how can we assist families of addicts, when we have so little understanding about addiction and the viruses?

The 12-Step Program of Narcotics Anonymous is already thoroughly prepared, not just to face these questions. NA is already working with these people and families successfully. Members, who have recovered from addiction are today well prepared with information, literature, books, NA meetings, family support groups and counseling services to share knowledge and wisdom with anyone seeking help, assistance or information about drug addiction, the hepatitis virus and HIV.

There are no charges for counseling, sharing and information in NA (other than to pay a small amount for meeting rooms and refreshments).

No cost

NA has no governing body, no political hierarchy and no rules and regulations that must be followed.

Each NA meeting is anonymous, and may be run any way the group conscience decides is best for each particular group. No one in NA demands anything from anyone, everything is shared by suggestions only.

The benefits and safeguarded advantages of a functional Narcotics Anonymous community in Indonesia cannot be underestimated.

Meetings can easily begin anywhere, a room, a house, or in an office. Nothing is needed, other than a few members to share how meetings are run, what sponsorship, friendship and community can encompass for new members of Narcotics Anonymous.

And, how Narcotics Anonymous and the 12 steps work to maintain long-term and quality recovery.

Narcotics Anonymous does not cost our government anything. NA does not cost our medical and therapeutic communities anything. NA has no religious affiliations or ties; NA is open to all who seek recovery.

NA does not require assistance from the police or army to supervise addicts. NA always takes care of its own members. And as a result helps government, medical, religious and law enforcement institutions by helping reduce addiction and sexual disorders. It also helps decrease HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis, and helps curb crime and violence that are directly related to drug use, abuse and addiction.

-- The writer is a member of Narcotics Anonymous.