If you have found evidence, or have even a vague suspicion that someone close to you may have a drug problem, we know how you feel. We know well what it is like to be alone with this problem. We remember the feeling of panic, frustration, and desperation that resulted from this discovery. We in Nar-Anon have shared this experience too.

For a while, some of us tried to ignore it. We were too terrified to examine the situation more closely because... what would we do if we found what we feared was really true!

At first we compensated, we adjusted our lives, attitudes and personalities to the behaviour of this person. Even when their moods changed drastically or they were in trouble at school, work, or with the law, we defended and protected them.

When it became clear they were using drugs, we still attempted to ignore or deny it. As the drug addict's problem's became worse and we became more frantic, our attempts to help only led to rebellion, and frequently to hostility towards us or others. This resulted in our becoming still more upset and desperate, and we felt we too were destroyed.

In the Nar-Anon program, we learn that drug addiction is a disease that we are not responsible for. The drug addict needs help and so do we. We discovered many of our efforts to control or change the situation were often actually enabling or encouraging this person to continue a self-destructive pattern. It has been a great relief to learn more effective ways of coping with the situation, while at the same time gaining some peace of mind, hope, and help for a better way to live.

Many times the drug addict is simply not ready or willing to stop using, even when confronted with the facts, but we have learned there is much we can do to encourage their recovery. For the addict seeking help, drug recovery programs are available.

But what about us? What help is available for the family members and friends for coping with their continued drug use or even their recovery? This is where Nar-Anon comes in. It is designed for us, the parent, spouse, child, brother, sister, or friend of the addict. Nar-Anon can bring new insight about our attitudes, behaviours and emotions. It can be the source for regaining our own sanity and well being. We learn that addiction is a family disease and we need recovery too.

Nar-Anon is a society of people who gather to share their experience, strength and hope for our recovery from the ravages that addiction has brought to our lives. It begins with our meetings, and you are welcome to come and see how it works.

We use first names only, as this is an anonymous program. There are no charges or obligations, as Nar-Anon is a non-profit organization. We are not affiliated with any treatment program, center, or hospital, and do not discriminate against any person's race, creed, religion or lack of religion. Though our meetings are often located in churches, Nar-Anon is a spiritual program, not a religious one, and is not affiliated with any particular religion. The weekly meetings are held regularly throughout the year, and your attendance is welcomed without prior arrangements. You may be asked, but will not be urged to participate in group discussion, and may join in if you wish. We do understand how you feel.

Items of literature, which can can also help, are available at our meetings for free, or from the World Service Office at a nominal cost. You can find where to where to purchase the literature on the links page.

Thanks to rockthenation for his kind permission to use his image "sadness" above. A print of this image may be purchased by clicking here.