I represent the group Narcotics Anonymous Kuala Lumpur (NAKL), and write to offer a possible solution to the escalating 'social ill' of drug addiction highlighted in Dr Mana's letter in malaysiakini .
We would like to suggest the relevant government agencies place greater emphasis on 'after-care' treatment - an option which residents of rehabilitation centres can avail themselves to after their release - to help maintain their recovery and prevent relapse.
In this respect, the 12-step programme of Narcotics Anonymous (NA) would be a viable after-care option.
Narcotics Anonymous is a nonprofit, international, community-based organisation for recovering addicts active in over 108 countries for the past 50 years. Its members learn from one another how to live drug-free and recover from the effects of addiction in their lives.
We are not affiliated with any other organisations and have no initiation fees or dues. We are not connected with any political, religious, or law enforcement groups. Anyone may join us, regardless of age, race, sexual identity, creed, religion, or lack of religion. The only requirement for membership is the desire to stop using drugs.
We feel that our approach to the disease of addiction is completely realistic, for the therapeutic value of one recovering addict helping another is without parallel. We feel that our way is practical, for one recovering addict can best understand and help another addict.
NA Kuala Lumpur, which has been in service since 1987, holds its recovery meetings twice a week on Wednesdays and Fridays from 8pm-9.30pm at
1st Floor, St. Andrews Building,
29, Jalan Raja Chulan
50150 KL
