Welcome to a new series. Today in the Past will take a look back at moments in history that changed the world, one day at a time.
On this day, October 5th, in 1953, the first ever meeting of Narcotics Anonymous was held in the San Fernando Valley of Southern California.
To understand why this happened, we have to look at the middle of the twentieth century. At the time, more and more people who were struggling with multiple addictions were going to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings to seek help getting and staying clean. But there was a problem. Rather than giving full support to these addicts, Alcoholics Anonymous was becoming increasingly opposed to their involvement in the fellowship. Some groups even explicitly forbade recovering drug addicts from becoming full members, allowing them only to attend open meetings.
This left a lot of people feeling shut out and unsupported. They needed help, but the system in place was not designed for them.
So a group of former drug users in Southern California decided to take their recovery into their own hands. They recognized that addicts needed more support than A.A. was willing to provide, and they formed their own Twelve Step fellowship. That first meeting in 1953 was the beginning of what would become Narcotics Anonymous, an organization that has since helped millions of people around the world.
It started with a small group of people who were tired of being turned away. They built something for themselves, and in doing so, they built something for everyone who came after them.
I want to be honest with you all for a moment, because this topic means something to me.
I went to rehab when I was 18. I spent just over a year bouncing from treatment centre to treatment centre. I ended up doing my Leaving Cert through that. I was clean for almost a year.
I am currently in active addiction. I am not going to pretend otherwise. But I still recognise that these resources and these organisations do help. They help for people who are ready to change. And that is what matters. If you are ready, the help is there. If you are not ready yet, that is okay too. But the door is always open when you are.
That is it for the first episode of Today in the Past. Tune in next time for another look back at the moments that shaped our world.
Resources for Those Struggling with Addiction
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you do not have to face it alone. Below is a list of resources that can help.
· Narcotics Anonymous World Services: www.na.org. This is the official global website where you can find local NA websites and phonelines for in-person meetings, or search for virtual meetings online. Whether you are new to recovery or looking to reconnect, NA is there for you.
HSE Drugs and Alcohol Helpline: Freephone 1800 459 459, or email helpline@hse.ie. This is a confidential service providing support, information, guidance, and referral to anyone with a question or concern related to drug and alcohol use. Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm.
A directory of drug and alcohol services per county is available at www.drugs.ie/services or an interactive map at www.drugsandalcohol.ie/services_map.
Alcoholics Anonymous Ireland: www.alcoholicsanonymous.ie.
Narcotics Anonymous Ireland: There are currently 209 weekly meetings across Ireland.
SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
National Drug Information Treatment and Referral Hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7).
Drinkline National Alcoholism Helpline: 0800 917 8282.
Drug and Alcohol Helpline: 1-800-565-8603.
Drug and Alcohol Helpline: 1800 198 024.
Slán go fóill,
The Fatican.