2008 Woodie Awards
Narcotics Anonymous benefits students
Local program opens the door to recovery
By Alan Jaquith
Rocket Contributor
Issue date: 11/2/07 Section: News
"Students seem to be worried about surveillance and police activity.
They ask questions like 'What if I get there and someone is taking names?'" Adam said.
NA is not sanctioned by the university and has no connections with the police.
While a popular notion is that 12-step programs force those recovering to accept religion, Adam said that this is entirely not the case with NA.
The focus is instead on spirituality and belief in a higher power.
Gerard Love, an associate professor and chairperson for the Department of Counseling and Development, points out that sometimes people have had very bad experiences with religion when it concerns addiction. However, not all people share this opinion.
"Most of the time, people who are addicted have a hard time moving on, and the higher-power aspect gives them something to hold on to.
Sometimes the higher power is the good feeling that they get from the group itself," Adam said.
NA does not only cater to those who are addicted themselves.
Other programs include Adult Children of Alcoholics, which is comprised of friends, family members and other loved ones of alcoholics.
NA is similar to other 12-step programs in dealing with addiction, such as Alcoholics Anonymous.
However, it was designed in the 1940s for people addicted to drugs of all kinds, not just alcohol.
"It's all drugs. It's all an addiction," Adam said.
NA does not accept any financial contributions from non-members to make sure that it can prevent any outside influence.
"It's just one addict helping another stay sober," Adam said.
They ask questions like 'What if I get there and someone is taking names?'" Adam said.
NA is not sanctioned by the university and has no connections with the police.
While a popular notion is that 12-step programs force those recovering to accept religion, Adam said that this is entirely not the case with NA.
The focus is instead on spirituality and belief in a higher power.
Gerard Love, an associate professor and chairperson for the Department of Counseling and Development, points out that sometimes people have had very bad experiences with religion when it concerns addiction. However, not all people share this opinion.
"Most of the time, people who are addicted have a hard time moving on, and the higher-power aspect gives them something to hold on to.
Sometimes the higher power is the good feeling that they get from the group itself," Adam said.
NA does not only cater to those who are addicted themselves.
Other programs include Adult Children of Alcoholics, which is comprised of friends, family members and other loved ones of alcoholics.
NA is similar to other 12-step programs in dealing with addiction, such as Alcoholics Anonymous.
However, it was designed in the 1940s for people addicted to drugs of all kinds, not just alcohol.
"It's all drugs. It's all an addiction," Adam said.
NA does not accept any financial contributions from non-members to make sure that it can prevent any outside influence.
"It's just one addict helping another stay sober," Adam said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Drug rehabilitation
posted 12/02/08 @ 2:02 PM EST
There is a desperate need of drug treatment for students. I've been a student and I know that a student's life doesn't have much rules. This makes students a target for drug and alcohol use. (Continued…)
Business Opportunities-- Herbal Drink
posted 12/04/08 @ 2:37 AM EST
NA does a really good job at helping people and there is no one taking names. Although a guy doing it says that despite their claims, the beliefs in a higher power are Christian based. (Continued…)
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