TO THE CONCERNED FAMILY MEMBER OR FRIEND...
If a family member or friend may be using drugs...If you have found evidence, or have even a vague suspicion that someone close to you may have a drug problem, we know how you feel. We know well what it is like to be alone with this problem. We remember the feeling of panic, frustration, and desperation that resulted from this discovery. We in NAR-ANON have shared this experience too.For a while some of us tried to ignore it. We were too terrified to examine the situation more closely because what would we do if we found what we feared was really true!
At first we compensated, we adjusted our lives, attitudes and personalities to the behavior of this person. Even when their moods changed drastically or they got into trouble at school, work or with the law, we defended and protected them.
When it became clear they were using drugs, we still attempted to ignore or deny it. As the drug user's problems became worse and we became more frantic, our attempts to help only led to rebellion and frequently to hostility towards us or others. This resulted in our becoming still more upset and desperate, and we felt we too were being destroyed.
In the NAR-ANON program, we learn that drug addiction is a disease that we are not responsible for. The drug user needs help and so do we. We discovered many of our efforts to control or change the situation were often actually enabling or encouraging this person to continue a self-destructive pattern. It has been a great relief to learn more effective ways of coping with this situation, while at the same time gaining some peace of mind,hope, and help for a better way to live.
Many times the drug user is simply not ready or willing to stop using, even when confronted with the facts. But we have learned there is much we can do to encourage their recovery. For the user seeking help,drug recovery programs are available.
But what about us? What help is available for family members and friends for coping with their continued drug use or even their recovery.This is where NAR-ANON comes in. NAR-ANON is designed for us---the parent, spouse, child, brother, sister or friend of the user. NAR-ANON can bring new insight about our attitudes, behavior and emotions. It can be the source for regaining our own sanity and well being. We learn that addiction is a family disease and we need recovery too.
NAR-ANON is a society of people who gather to share their experience, strength and hope for our recovery from the ravages that addiction has brought to our lives. It begins with our meetings and you are welcome to come and see how it works.
We use first names only, as this is an anonymous program. There are no charges or obligations as NAR-ANON is a non-profit organization. We are not affiliated with any treatment program or hospitals and do not discriminate about any persons race, creed, religion or lack of religion.The weekly meetings are held regularly throughout the year. Your attendanceis welcomed without prior arrangements. You will not be urged to participatein the group discussions, but may join in or ask questions if you wish.We do UNDERSTAND how you feel.
The NAR-ANON meetings in Western Pennsylvania are:
LEGEND (DIRECTIONS USE PITTSBURGH AS BASE):
EAST - E
WEST - W
NORTH - N
SOUTH - S
CENTRAL - C
NA - NA MEETING - SAME TIME - SAME LOCATION - DIFFERENT ROOM
WH - WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
SUNDAY - "BROKEN DREAMS" (NW, NA)
SINCE MARCH 2004
OUR CHURCH OF THE SAVIOR
PUBLIC PARKING LOT - 4TH & MERCHANT
AMBRIDGE 15003
TERRY (724) 869-0549
START: 8:30 PMSUNDAY - "HOPE BEGINS HERE" (SW)
SINCE JANUARY 2008
THE UNITY CENTER
2314 CHAPLINE STREET
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA 26003
JEANETTE (304) 723-5297 OR (304) 904-5513
DONNA (304) 845-0688
START: 1:00 PMMONDAY - "A NEW BEGINNING" (N, WH)
SINCE SEPTEMBER 1999
BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH
319 SCOTT AVENUE (OFF MT. ROYAL BLVD.)
SHALER TOWNSHIP 15116
CATHI (412) 486-1536
START: 7:00 PM
NOTE: BABYSITTING AVAILABLE - CALL FIRSTMONDAY - "RELEASE WITH LOVE" (SW)
SINCE DECEMBER 2002
CHARTIERS HILL UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
2230 WASHINGTON ROAD (AT RT. 519 & RT. 19)
CANONSBURG 15317
PATTY (724) 745-2338
START: 7:30 PMMONDAY - "PIONEER N.F.G." (NE)
SINCE JUNE 2003
CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
EAST MAHONING STREET
PUNXSUTAWNEY 15767
KIM (814) 938-2236
DAVE (814) 938-7378
START: 5:30 PMMONDAY - "YOUNG AT HEART" (N)
SINCE JUNE 2005
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
REAR ENTRANCE
7TH AND SASSAFRAS STREETS
ERIE 16501
JIM (814) 392-9772
START: 7:30 PMTUESDAY - "THE SERENITY GROUP" (C)
SINCE MAY 1988
ST. MARY'S CHURCH HALL
57TH STREET
LAWRENCEVILLE 15201
CAROL (412) 361-6344
START: 7:30 PMTUESDAY - "LISTEN AND LEARN" (E, WH)
SINCE OCTOBER 2003
GARDEN CITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
LAUREL DRIVE
MONROEVILLE 15146
DEBBIE AND LLOYD (412) 373-0373
START: 7:30 PM
BEGINNER'S MEETING START: 6:45 PM
VALERIE (412) 829-0892 (CALL FIRST PLEASE)
TUESDAY - "RENEWED HOPES" (N)
SINCE MAY 2005
ST. VINCENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
NORTH ENTRANCE
1910 SASSAFRAS STREET
ERIE 16502
MARGO (814) 454-6929 OR (814) 504-5998
START: 7:00 PMWEDNESDAY - "JUST FOR TODAY" (C, WH)
SINCE JULY 2002
FIRST HUNGARIAN REFORMED CHURCH - CALVIN HALL
221 JOHNSTON AVENUE
HAZELWOOD 15207
RICK (412) 466-7166 OR CINDY (412) 421-7076
START: 7:00 PMWEDNESDAY - "LIVE AND LET LIVE" (W, WH)
SINCE JULY 2002
WEST HILLS CHRISTIAN CHURCH
FELLOWSHIP HALL (PARKING IN REAR)
965 THORN RUN ROAD
(THORN RUN ROAD EXIT - PARKWAY WEST)
MOON TOWNSHIP 15108
RENEE (412) 855-6543
START: 7:30 PMWEDNESDAY - "HOPE FOR TODAY" (NE, NA, WH)
SINCE JULY 2004
SAINT JOHN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH
217 EAST PINE STREET
CLEARFIELD 16830
GEORGE (814) 765-3889
START: 8:00 PMWEDNESDAY - "HOPE, HEALING" (SE)
SINCE MAY 2008
MAPLEWOOD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
108 WOODLAND ROAD
ROUTE 30 - ACROSS FROM OUR LADY OF GRACE
GREENSBURG 15601
CAROLE (727) 741-9080 OR (724) 238-2304
START: 7:30 PMTHURSDAY - "I'M A MIRACLE" (NW, NA)
SINCE MARCH 1989
SEWICKLEY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH - CAMPBELL ROOM (USE GRANT STREET ENTRANCE)
CORNER OF BEAVER AND GRANT
SEWICKLEY 15143
ZOE (412) 262-3736
START: 7:30 PMTHURSDAY - "BRIDGE OF HOPE" (SE)
SINCE JULY 2005
FAYETTE COUNTY HEALTH CENTER
100 NEW SALEM ROAD
UNIONTOWN, PA 15401
DEBBIE (724) 564-7662 AND CHAR (724) 785-4706
START: 7:00 PMTHURSDAY - "A BETTER WAY TO LIVE" (SW, NA)
SINCE SEPTEMBER 2005
WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH - ROOM 131 (PLAYGROUND DOOR)
(PARKING - SOUTH LOT)
2040 WASHINGTON ROAD (ROUTE 19)
UPPER ST. CLAIR, PA 15241
BEV AND JIM (724) 941-8129
START: 7:30 PMTHURSDAY - "DAWN OF DISCOVERY" (N)
THURSDAY - "LOGAN'S FERRY LIGHT AND HOPE" (NE)
SINCE FEBRUARY 2006
ST. JULIA CATHOLIC CHURCH
PARKING LOT ENTRANCE
WEST 8TH AND POWELL AVENUE
ERIE 16505
BONNIE (814) 504-8055
START: 7:30 PM
SINCE JULY 2006
LOGAN'S FERRY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
750 CHURCH STREET
NEW KENSINGTON, PA 15608
HELEN (724) 337-3570
START: 7:30 PMFRIDAY - "BEEN THERE, DONE THAT" (W, NA, WH)
SINCE OCTOBER 2001
C.A.S.H. CLUB (PARKING IN REAR)
827 BROADWAY
WEST PARK - STOWE TOWNSHIP 15136
JUDY (412) 859-6846
START: 8:00 PMFRIDAY - "OPEN ARMS" (N)
SINCE APRIL 2005
ST. VINCENT HEALTH CENTER
SPENCER CONFERENCE ROOM
232 WEST 25TH STREET
ERIE 16544
PATTI (814) 836-2925 OR (814) 881-2645
START: 7:30 PMFRIDAY - "A BETTER LIFE" (NE)
SINCE SEPTEMBER 2008
HOLT MEMORIAL LIBRARY
9 WEST PINE STREET
PHILIPSBURG 16866
GEORGE (814) 765-3889
START: 8:00 PMSATURDAY - "HELP, HOPE, HEALING" (E)
SINCE APRIL 2002
FIRST REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
FRANKSTOWN ROAD ACROSS FROM AZ CHEVROLET
PENN HILLS 15235
JOY (412) 374-1869
CAROLYN (412) 758-5638
START: 7:30 PM
NOTE: NURSERY / PLAYROOM AVAILABLE
To locate other meetings and information: http://www.nar-anon.org
If there are no meetings near you and you would like to help start a meeting, you can call or write:NAR-ANON FAMILY GROUP HEADQUARTERS INC. (WSO)
E-MAIL: [email protected]
22527 CRENSHAW BOULEVARD, SUITE 200B
TORRANCE
CALIFORNIA 90505
TOLL FREE: 1 800 477 6291
PHONE: (310) 534-8188Other items of literature which can help are available at our meetings which are listed above.
TWELVE STEPS OF NAR-ANON FAMILY GROUPS
NAR-ANON adopted and follows the Twelve Steps that proved so successful for millions of ALANON members in their struggles with alcoholism in their families. When we learn how to apply these Steps to our lives,we develop a life saving program for us. We have included the Steps here to give you a glimpse of the foundation upon which NAR-ANON is based.
By coming to a meeting and listening to how others in our situation have adapted these Steps as a way of life, it can give you hope for the future.
1. We admitted we were powerless over the addict -- that our lives had become unmanageable.
2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5. Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
6. Were entirely ready to have God remove these defects of character.
7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
9. Make direct amends to such people wherever possible except when to do so would injure them or others.
10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of
these steps, we tried to carry this message to others, and to practice these
principles in all our affairs.
NAR-ANON PHILOSOPHY
Let Go and Let God
Easy Does It
Live and Let Live
First Things First
One Thing at a Time
One Day at a Time
Keep It Simple
THINK
Listen and Learn
How Important Is It?
Keep An Open Mind
But For the Grace of God
NAR-ANON FAMILY GROUP
We have learned that addiction is an illness, not a moral issue. It is a two-fold disease: a physical allergy coupled with an obsession of the mind. It can be arrested, but never cured.
When we fully understand and accept that addiction is a disease, that it is both mental and physical, and that we are powerless over it; we become ready to learn a better way to live.
The Family Group is primarily for you who know or have known a feeling of desperation concerning the addiction problem of someone very near to you. We have traveled that unhappy road too, and found the answer with serenity and peace of mind.
Keep an open mind and attend as many meetings as possible.
Feel free to ask questions and to enter into the discussions. You will soon
make new friends and will feel very much a part of the group.
HELPLINE: ELEANORE 412 782 2210, TERRY 724 869 0549 AND BONNIE 814 504 8055
WEBSITE AND CALENDAR: CINDY 412 421 7076 ([email protected])
AN OPEN LETTER TO MY FAMILY (FROM THE DRUG ADDICT)
I am a drug user. I need help.Don't solve my problems for me. This only makes me lose respect for you.
Don't lecture, moralize, scold, blame, or argue, whether I'm loaded or sober. It may make you feel better, but it will make the situation worse.
Don't accept my promises. The nature of my illness prevents me keeping them, even though I mean them at the time. Promises are only my way of postponing pain. Don't keep switching agreements; if an agreement is made, stick to it.
Don't lose your temper with me. It will destroy you and any possibility of helping me.
Don't allow your anxiety for me make you do what I should do for myself.
Don't cover up or try to spare me the consequences of my using. It may reduce the crisis, but it will make my illness worse.
Above all, don't run away from reality as I do. Drug dependence, my illness, gets worse as my using continues. Start now to learn, to understand, to plan for recovery. Find NAR-ANON, whose groups exist to help the families of drug abusers.
I need help --- from a doctor, a psychologist, a counselor, from an addict who found recovery in NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS, and from God.
Your User
THE SERENITY PRAYER
GOD, GRANT ME THE SERENITY TO ACCEPT
THE THINGS I CANNOT CHANGE
COURAGE TO CHANGE THE THINGS I CAN
AND THE WISDOM TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE
NAR-ANON
WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA REGION
INVITATION TO
SERENITY XXIII CONVENTIONNOVEMBER 20, 21 AND 22, 2009
SHERATON HOTEL - STATION SQUARE
PITTSBURGH, PA 15219
CONTACT: LYNDA C. - 2009 CHAIRPERSON
PHONE NO.: (412) 716-5806
E-MAIL: [email protected]
2009 REGISTRATION FORM - COMING SOON
