FAMILY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME

The Indian culture is characterized by traditional family structure. Though more nuclear families have emerged, the family as a unit is still very strong. Families might initially tolerate the use of socially and culturally accepted intoxicants by its members, but tend to frown upon addiction. As drug abuse continues, the family suffers internally. It goes through the process denial and finds it difficult to acknowledge that a family member is a drug-abuser. These sufferings are due to cultural and social factors, family's own understanding of drug-taking as a process, the addicts behaviour, distortion of interpersonal relationships and depletion of family resources. The family marginalises the addict, which aggrevates the problem further. Reports from India and Bangladesh adequately reflect this situation (as reported in the National Drug Demand Strategy, Bangladesh 1995). The family's reaction to the chemical dependency may include denial, blaming, isolation, suppressed anger, depression, bargaining, pre-occupation and change of personality or co-dependency. The family and the friends of the addict always have his or her best interests in mind . They may feel that it is their duty to protect the addict in order to preserve the dignity of the family. The families and friends might escort them to treatment centres for advice and treatment.  They also provide economic support to the dependents. This may lead to over-protection, indulgence or willingness to pay off debts of the addicts. The addicts exploit such responses.

SELF-HELP GROUP

Drug and Alcohol addiction is not just an individual behavioural problem leading to wastage of productive lives, it also affects the immediate family members of an addict who go through emotionally shattering traumatic experiences. NAVJYOTI has accepted this bitter reality and in order to help family members of addicts, a Self-Help Group was formed. This group allows people with common interest to create a support system that protects them from psychological stress and gives them the incentive to begin changing their lives. The members of this group meet twice a week (Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3:00 P.M.) at the de-addiction centre to share their problems, hopes and aspirations. They support and encourage each other in moments of need and crisis. They are given proper orientation and support by trained counselors through regular contacts and training programmes.


NAVJYOTI CAPABLE GROUP

This is an offshoot of the Self  Help Group which helps addicts and their families in treatment and rehabilitation. The members of this Capable Group are those who feel confident enough to help others. The Navjyoti Capable Group members / volunteers meet twice in a week to share their problems, hopes and aspirations. Trained counselors meet them regularly and ensure that the flame of hope, lit by them does not extinguish.