Author Archives: Malynda

Spending the holidays away from loved ones is difficult for a lot of people, but for those struggling with drug addiction the holidays can be especially troubling. According to Linn State University, additional stress and loneliness caused by the holidays are known triggers for a relapse.
Those with substance abuse issues are often estranged from their families. Some are discarded by their parents. Others are parents whose children no longer speak to them. Few can visit friends they knew from their past.
Thankfully on Thanksgiving people who are recovering from addiction can find support, friendship and a turkey dinner by attending the Narcotics Anonymous Annual Thanksgiving Marathon and Gratitude Feast.
Narcotics Anonymous is a worldwide non-profit fellowship of recovering addicts who agree to meet regularly, for some even daily to help themselves and others stay clean. This event takes place from 12pm to 11pm in various locations around the country. The only requirement is the desire to stay clean.
Besides a holiday meal, there are meetings held every half-hour. People sat together and talked while others ate or sat in at a meeting. The event is paid for by donors and all the food preparation is done by volunteers. This year over 200 people came to express gratitude and feast with friends at the Lower East Side marathon meeting.
People here come from all socioeconomic backgrounds and cultures, but they share the same disease of addiction. Countless hugs were given and many expressed gratitude for being sober and alive. At meetings anyone can “share” absolutely anything that’s on their mind in a supportive environment with people who understand what they are going through.
Those with the most clean time help out newcomers who may be attending their first meeting. Patty P. who had just spoke at a meeting said, “I always make a point of spending a few hours to support any marathon holiday event because I know they can make the difference between someone staying clean or relapsing. Holidays are hard for addicts – especially those who are in early recovery.”