HELP IS AVAILABLE
Every time there is a change in the administration of this country, we all wonder; What's next? With this incoming administration many people especially those in the helping professions are more worried than usual about funding for their programs and services. It has been reported in the news that the new proposed head of health and human services (HHS) Robert F Kennedy has an idea to send addicts to farms "in some cases for years" so they can learn to grow organic foods. This is a radical shift from our past focus to deal with addicts. THE GOOD NEWS There are over 27,000 Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings in the United States and over 50,000 more worldwide; There are also 123,000 Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings in the world and many people in the 12step culture attend both. These meetings and the 12-step culture that surrounds them don’t depend on funding from anyone. They are entirely self-supporting funded by whatever money members put into the basket at area meetings. NA has been around since 1953 and AA since 1935 and they aren’t going anywhere. Contrary to what you might have heard, 12step programs are not religious. Although GOD is mentioned in the 12steps the literature speaks, and people in most meetings also speak about finding a power greater than themselves. To some members that power is the group. I’ve heard it said by AA members that GOD to them stands for Group Of Drunk’s (GOD) or Group Of Drug-addicts (GOD) for NA members. There are even specific meetings for agnostics. The point is don’t let the word GOD stop you or a loved one from getting help, and if you don’t relate with the members of one group check out another. There are specific groups that cater to the special needs of almost every culture or professional group. Below I will list some contact links to get you started for both NA and AA. I’m sure I will meet some of you as we trudge the road of recovery together.
Link to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in Oregon
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