Drug abuse has been prevalent in our society for long. Excessive usage of drugs leads to addiction and increased dependency on them, apart from causing physical ailments. The extent and usage of drugs spans from rural population to the urban, from defence to prison population and from adolescents to the aged. Drug consumers range demographically, socially, economically and in gender as well.
In spite of various awareness programmes by Govt. and NGOs indicating the repercussions on an individual and society, drug abuse continues to plague our society as a disease and the path to recovery for the addicted is full of hurdles. Relapse is a step which no one can evade during the recovery process.
For any recovering person, motivation and guidance are the two major pre-requisites. And who other than peer group can fulfil this requirement more effectively and efficiently.
Peer based initiatives
It is so because on a whole, belonging to the same age group, background, culture and/or social status, individuals easily confide in their peers. This leads to the developing of strong bonds with each other as the confidence and trust enables an individual to share all his/her thoughts, feelings, anxieties and ambitions. Apart from this, having faced a similar situation as that of his/her peers, everyone is able to empathise easily and provide motivation that helps in bringing about the change. With these thoughts in mind, Nada India Foundation initiated ARPAN (Association of Recovering Peer Action Network). ARPAN project is an action network of peer-based initiative for recovering people from disability and trauma related to drugs, HIV/AIDS, violence and crime. The project was nurtured to promote peer support and facilitate the setting up of minimum standards of care for those who want to organise rehabilitation services. The word ARPAN in Sanskrit means to present or to offer in dedication. Accordingly, Nada India offers its efforts for the promotion of health, education and productivity aiming at a drug free life.
Over 25 peer led de-addiction centres spread over the length and breadth of Haryana met in Rohtak on Wednesday, 30th June, 2010 and resovled to work toghther to improve treatment and long term recovery of people affected by drug and alcohol addiction. The Haryana NGO Network for Peer Led Drug & Alcohol Prevention has 43 members. Peer Led initiatives are popular all over the world in addressing problems like addiction. The fundamental concept behind it is that the management of rehabilitation of addicts is done by recovering drug & alcohol addicts.It has been accepted by various countries and international agencies that the effectiveness of counseling by peers or those who have gone through the similar regiours and pain of addiction to better suited to change other addicts. Mr.Satyamohan of Nai Disha was elected as President and Mr.Bharat Bhushan of NaiKiran De-addiction center as founding member & General Secretary of the Network.
Network meeting further resolved to work toghter as a team to ensure that the stanadard of care provided in each one of the member de-addiction centre is in tune withthe guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The members of the Network proudly announced that hundereds of addicts have been benefited by the services rendred by the various peer led de addiction centres in Haryana.
The Network also decided that regular consultations and training programs will be organised by Nada India Foundation to ensure more effective services for those who seek De-addiction and rehabilitation services. Now the Network is registered under Society Registration Act 1860 with Registrar of Society Haryana. Nada India has provided inputs in aspects related to setting the goals, team building, legal issues and network structure etc.
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Arpan: Leading peers towards recoveryby nadaindia1,192 views
Thanks for your interest. It is a general article on the subject.
nadaindia 10 months ago