The "Self-support" Programme is one of the most common treatment methods in the world. The Philosophy is that drug addicts are not normal individuals, their bodies are more sensitive than normal individuals are. As soon as they start using drugs, their bodies get addicted to these drugs. Drug addicts are mentally, physically and socially abnormal.
Self-support Programme is based on twelve steps in providing services for the members who join the Programme. The main objective is to convey the message of drug addicts who are still suffering from addiction. Effective participation in self-support meetings is a vital part of the treatment. Patients who continue in the Programme normally remain sound and enjoy their lives, whereas those who do not attend are subjected to relapse after short period from recovery, it is imperative to attend regular meetings to be successful in the treatment.
Self-Support Programme in Saudi Arabia:
Self Support Programme started its official activities in the Kingdom in 1413 H at Al-Amal Hospital in Riyadh and Dammam. The aim was to find a Programme to assist narcotic addicts, who were treated in a specialised hospital, to improve and not return to narcotics.
A large number of narcotics addicts benefited from this Programme and improved; they visit Al-Amal Hospital on continuous basis. The programme is supported by H.R.H. Prince Sultan bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz, General President of Youth Welfare and Chairman of NCNC.
Succeeding Care Sections at Al-Amal hospitals prepare and publish statistics about numbers of the treated persons and their experiences through the Programme as a future treatment reference in addition to other translated books.
Nature of the Programme:
Self Support Programme is an important part of narcotics addiction treatment that is based on supporting narcotics addicts through communicating experiences. It is also an important part of the Succeeding Care Programme for treating narcotics addicts.
Narcotics addicts pass the stage of getting rid of poisons inside his body whether in the hospital or at out patient clinics and begin rehabilitation to continue recovery from narcotics addiction. Narcotic addicts join one of the treatment groups to start implementing the twelve steps through meetings and adherence to the twelve traditions of the programme.
Kinds of Meetings
Open Meetings:
Open meetings are attended by any person whether or not a narcotic addict and even members of the addict's family or friends.
Restricted Meetings:
Restricted meetings are attended by members of the self-support program.
Nature of Meetings
Discussion Meetings:
Members share in discussions on a topic chosen by the members or by one of them, concerning with recovery from addiction to narcotics.
Talking Meetings:
One of the members is called to talk about his experience, and the problems he faced and reasons for his drug usage. Members can talk together for a short time if they have similar experiences.
Reading Meetings:
Reading meetings Include reading any certified book about the Programme, and discussing how to get rid of addiction to narcotics, encouraging individuals to continue treatment and to keep away from drugs. A section of the book may be read and discussed by the members.
The Twelve-Step Study Meeting:
This meeting is for reading and studying one or more of the twelve steps concerning the Programme trying to understand it and implement it.
New Members Meeting:
Former discharged addicts or transferees to the program from hospital attend this meeting. The Programme is explained to them and they are directed to join the group. Three steps are discussed in the meeting and members talk about their feelings at the beginning of the Self Support Programme.
At the end of the meeting, the conductor urges participants to attend meetings regularly and explains the importance and effectiveness of attendance to recovery, and reads a verse from the Holy Quran while members follow.
The Self-Support Programme is based on the following steps constituting the principles through which patients recover:
- Admit losing one's will towards drugs.
- Allah Almighty is able to guide us in His right path.
- In Allah only men trust and rely.
- Re-considering one's behavior.
- Admitting ones' mistakes.
- Belief that Allah will redeem Muslims from their personal faults.
- Asking Allah for his forgiveness.
- Putting a list of names of all persons whom were offended or hurt by one and commit to return rights to them.
- Returning others rights immediately.
- Continued evaluations of one's actions.
- Through praying to Allah, one improves their religious life.
- The Programme conveys the right message to narcotics addicts and commits them to follow the above-mentioned principles in their life.