The History of Narcotics Anonymous

“The History of Narcotics Anonymous” will be presented on Tuesday March 22, 2016, from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm; by Chris Budnick, MSW, LCSW, LCAS, CCS, Vice President of Programs for The Healing Place of Wake County; and Boyd Pickard, Research Assistant at the Illinois Addiction Studies Archives. There will be a reception preceding the presentation from 6:30 to 7:30 pm, with snacks, beverages, and an opportunity to meet and socialize. Narcotics Anonymous (N.A.) constitutes one of the most important addiction recovery mutual aid resources. Founded in the culturally hostile environment of the 1950s, NA now carries its message of hope at more than 63,000 weekly meetings in 132 countries, while NA’s unique history, culture, and distinctiveness are routinely obscured within references to “A.A. and other Twelve Step programs.” This presentation will review the history of NA, with a particular emphasis on the role members of Alcoholics Anonymous played in the birth and early evolution of N.A. Join these eminent NA historians to learn about the legislation that led to the criminalization of addiction in the U.S., the unique contributions Narcotics Anonymous has made and the scope of NA today. This program is part of the Dawn Farm Education Series, a FREE, annual education series developed to provide accurate, helpful, hopeful, practical, current information about chemical dependency, recovery, family and related issues; and to dispel the myths, misinformation, secrecy, shame and stigma that prevent chemically dependent individuals and their families from GETTING HELP and GETTING WELL. Programs are free and open to anyone interested in attending, including people with alcoholism/addiction, people in recovery, people interested in recovery, family members/friends and others affected by chemical dependency, people who work with chemically dependent individuals, students, people interested in any topic for any reason – ALL ARE WELCOME! Registration is not required. 1.5 hours of free C.E. approved by MCBAP (Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals) is offered for each program. A certificate to document attendance is provided on request. The Education Series is organized by Dawn Farm, a non-profit community of programs providing a continuum of chemical dependency services. For information, please contact 734-485-8725 or see http://www.dawnfarm.org/programs/education-series.

Presented at the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Education Center auditorium, 5305 Elliott Drive, Ypsilanti Michigan.