BENGALURU: As Narcotics Anonymous (NA) marks 34 years of its presence in Bengaluru, the organisation is looking to expand its outreach across Karnataka while continuing to spread awareness about addiction recovery through its peer-support model.
Representatives of the fellowship said outreach efforts are currently focused on cities such as Mysuru, Mangaluru and Hassan, where they are engaging with local authorities, healthcare institutions and police departments to introduce the NA programme and encourage the formation of stronger recovery communities.
NA members said, the fellowship has witnessed significant growth since its inception in Bengaluru. Today, the city hosts multiple NA meetings every day across different locations, with around 150 to 200 recovering addicts actively participating in the programme. Over the years, many members have also moved to other parts of the country and abroad, contributing to the spread of the fellowship.
Unlike treatment centres or rehabilitation facilities, NA is a voluntary, non-profit fellowship that follows a peer-support model. The organisation does not employ professional counsellors or therapists.
Instead, recovery is based on one addict helping another through the internationally recognised 12-step programme. Representatives said the programme is free of cost, open to anyone with a desire to stop using drugs, and does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, religion, caste or socioeconomic background.
Describing addiction as a disease rather than a moral failing, NA members stressed that stigma remains one of the biggest barriers preventing people and families from seeking help. They said many families continue to hide addiction due to fear of judgement, delaying treatment and recovery. The organisation believes that greater public awareness and acceptance are essential to helping more people access support.
NA also works with hospitals, rehabilitation centres, correctional facilities, colleges and mental health professionals through its Hospitals and Institutions and Public Information committees. These outreach programmes aim to inform professionals and the public that community-based recovery support is available for individuals struggling with addiction.