The South Delta Nar-Anon group wants those struggling with a friend or family member's drug use to know there is a place to find support.
"We have such a huge problem with drugs in Ladner and Tsawwassen," said one mother who attends the group. "There must be so many parents struggling."
The group, which was established in the spring of 2012, meets weekly at the Little House in Tsawwassen. In the beginning, there were just three members, but now people
come from throughout the Lower Mainland to attend the meetings.
"It's nice to have the support of a group," she said. "I'm so glad that I found out about it.
"It's a really good group. It's just warm and welcoming. I felt safe the moment I walked in here."
Nar-Anon groups are a worldwide fellowship for those affected by someone else's drug addiction. Similar to Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon, Nar-Anon follows a 12-step program, offering support and help to others by sharing experiences, strength and hope.
"Here there's no shame, no judgment," said another woman who has been attending the meetings for more than two years.
"I learned so many things here ... it was so hard to accept at first," she said, adding that going through the 12 steps helped her in dealing with her situation.
Nar-Anon meetings are not just for the family members of an addict. Anyone affected by someone else's drug use, whether it is a child, spouse or friend, is welcome to attend.
The group meets every Thursday from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. For more, visit www.nar-anonbcregion.org or call 604-878-8844.
