It is Canada’s best interest to make sure that all drug addicts have every opportunity to get the help they need. When a person is able to overcome their addiction, they become a valuable member of society. When their addiction is not treated they become unemployable and often turn to crime. Even worse is the fact that some people turn violent when they are addicted to drugs. The government has done an impressive job of trying to make sure that there are adequate rehabilitation programs for drug addicts. The problem is that the programs are short and when the program is over the addict is cut free. Most addicts aren’t ready for this kind of freedom. They do not have the confidence they need to get over drugs.
INFORMATION ON DRUG REHAB
One of the biggest dangers for a drug addict is loneliness. When an addict is enrolled in a rehabilitation program, they are surrounded by people who are going through the exact same thing that they are going through, but when the program ends, the person often finds that they have no one. Their family is either distrusting or afraid that they are going to start using, and they are trying to avoid their friends because they are also often drug users. The best way for the recovering addict to push the loneliness aside is by becoming involved in the Narcotics Anonymous program. The program uses a twelve-step program and spirituality to help the addict deal with their problems. Most importantly the meetings mean that the addict is able to surround themselves with people who have gone through the same things, people who provide both companionship and support.
The problem that Canada is currently facing is that while some provinces like Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta have lots of different Narcotics Anonymous chapters. Other provinces Like Prince Edwards Island, Newfoundland, and Nova Scotia are seriously lacking. It is important to make sure that every single recovering addict be provided with every opportunity to beat their addiction, and this means that they all need to have access to Narcotics Anonymous meetings. It doesn’t take a great deal of effort to start a Narcotics Anonymous chapter, but many addicts who are just getting out of treatment don’t know how. They already have so much that they are already dealing with it hardly seems fair that they should also have to try to rally the other local recovering drug addicts and form a small chapter of Narcotics Anonymous. A better alternative would be for the government to encourage the residents to form support groups in their own hometowns. It would only take a handful of addicts in each location. Narcotics Anonymous could help out, providing small groups with information and advice. After a while, these tiny pockets of recovering addicts could be affiliated with the NA program. The more available Narcotics Anonymous becomes in each province, the more addicts will be able to make a full recovery and not fall back into old, dangerous patterns.
Drug Support Groups in Canada
There are many drug support groups all over Canada. They are all geared to provide support for drug addicts, their families, their children and anybody who is affected by substance abuse, in one way or another. A lot of these drug support groups are performed by volunteers and so are completely free of charge. There are some support groups that are more known than others. For example, Narcotics Anonymous is one of the best-known drug support groups that exist all around the world. This support group is made for drug addicts and has helped many of them get over their addiction. It has also given them a chance to help other people struggling with drug addiction. Many people become NA members after having gone through rehabilitation treatment. This drug support group uses the 12 Steps and 12 traditions as put forth by Alcoholics Anonymous’ founders.
There are also more precise 12 steps support groups that have been created since then. For example, there is a fellowship called Cocaine Anonymous. This drug support group is specifically there to help those who are struggling with cocaine addiction. This type of drug support groups can be found in almost all the Canadian provinces. There are also other drug support groups based on the same philosophy. There is a drug support group called Marijuana Anonymous, which handle marijuana addiction. There is also a drug support group known as Heroin Anonymous to handle heroin addiction. There is yet another drug support group, which handles a specific drug, namely, crystal methamphetamine. This support group is called Crystal Meth Anonymous and can help somebody deal with their methamphetamine abuse. Because of the widespread problem of prescription drug addiction, a new drug support group was created not too long ago called Pills Anonymous. This drug support group has yet really to form in Canada, but it does exist to help those that wish to fight their prescription drug’s addiction.
ADDITIONAL SUBSTANCE USE RESOURCES
Ask a professional
Narcotics Anonymous is an adaptation of Alcoholics Anonymous and uses the 12-step program adapted from AA. The steps are designed to help a person admit they are powerless over their addiction. In addition, it helps them move past their guilt and shame by admitting their faults and making amends with the individuals around them.
Individuals work the 12-steps and receive support and encouragement from fellow members and their individual sponsors. In addition, they begin to move past the guilt and shame and begin to make amends.
Yes, like AA, it is entirely funded by donations. The program is 100% free to join. Options collections are taken during the meeting, but it is not mandatory. Anyone can join regardless of financial situation.
Yes, NA Meetings can help fight cravings and treat addiction. The 12-step meetings owe much of their success to sponsorship. Suppose an individual has the urge to use drugs, they can call their sponsor. Talking it out with a supportive individual helps remove the power from the cravings.
The questions from DrugRehab.ca’s “Ask a Professional” are answered by Nickolaus Hayes. If you need further clarification on any of the questions above or have any other questions you can contact him directly at [email protected].
