We call this our serenity prayer. A lot of friends have vouched for the power of this prayer. The prayer seems to have a great effect on just about anyone who learns it with heart.
We have said it before, and we want to say it again, that the disease of addiction affects not just the addict, but his wife, parents and children too. During and after the treatment of an addict, it is necessary to provide full support to his family. So we have created following groups to help various family members.
Ankur
On December 31st, 2002 little Rahul headed in the direction of Muktangan, to meet Santa Claus, to get together with other kids, to have some fun, to listen to a bearded man’s soothing speech. The kids who had gathered on that day had one thing in common, they were all children of ex–addicts.
On that day, Ankur – a group for children of addicts was brought back to life. Many children have benefited from this group in the past. Now that the group is reinstated, sessions will be held regularly. The bearded man, a.k.a. Baba (Dr. Anil Awachat) has promised to teach the kids Origami, painting and music among other things.
Children of most addicts go through traumatic periods early in life because of the tension–filled atmosphere at home. They don’t do well in studies, and some of them develop psychological problems. The aim of Ankur is to bring these children together so that they can share their feelings and benefit from each others’ experiences.
When and where?
Third Saturday of the month – 6 to 8 P.M.
Muktangan Counselling Center,
Nutan Bharati Society, Opp. Mawale hospital,
Gondhali Lane, Near Modi Ganapati,
Narayan Peth, Pune 411 030
Sahachari
“Sahachari meeting is like a pressure cooker’s safety valve!” – Ms. Vidya Bal
Very appropriately said! When a house is plagued by someone’s addiction, it becomes especially embarrassing for the women in the house. She tends to hide her feelings. But all these feelings and emotions build up, like steam in a pressure cooker, waiting to be released.
So when these women come together, they talk openly, the shyness disappears. They realize that they are all in the ‘Same boat’. They don’t feel lonely anymore. Nobody talks about addiction, instead they talk about maintaining their own well–being!
Sahachari is a support group for the wives and/or mothers of the addicts. The group was started on 10th March 1997. It believes that wives cannot cure or control addiction, and most importantly they are not the cause of it. Once they accept this fact they can prepare themselves to help the addict in his recovery. In Sahachari they also believe that while helping the addict they should look at their own irrational behaviour and make positive efforts to change themselves.
The group meets twice a month. Meetings include sharing, discussion, guidance from the guest speaker and individual counselling.
When and Where?
Second Monday of the month – at 6:30 P.M.
Individual counselling every Monday – 5 to 7:30 P.M.
Muktangan Counselling Center,
Nutan Bharati Society, Opp. Mawale hospital,
Gondhali Lane, Near Mati Ganapati,
Narayan Peth, Pune 411 030
Second Thursday of the month – 6:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M.
Muktangan De–addiction Center,
Mohan Wadi, Alandi Road,
Yerawada, Pune 411 006
Sahajeevan
“He never listens to me!”, Veena was saying about Gopal, her recovering husband. Gopal in turn complained that Veena always bombarded him with questions and complaints the moment he got back home from work, which irked him most. He thought she should instead wait until he settled down before shooting her questions.
Dialogs like this one are often heard at the meetings of Sahajeevan, a group specially created for couples. Marital life is about bringing the wife and husband closer than ever, it’s about sharing the joys and sorrows together and living a happy life. But during addiction this relationship is worst affected. Disagreements turn into conflicts. Husband and wife get distanced from each other. Communication gap widens as time goes on.
To address these problems, the Sahajeevan group focuses on issues like demands and expectations, love, dealing with disagreements & disputes, sensible parenting, problems of intimacy etc. Meetings are interactive and open–mindedness is encouraged. New members learn from the experiences of senior couples. The meeting is conducted by a counsellor. The counsellor intervenes and solves disputes if and when they occur during the meeting.
When and where?
Fourth Thursday of the month – at 12 noon
Muktangan De–addiction Center,
Mohan Wadi, Alandi Road,
Yerawada, Pune 411 006
Last Wednesday of the month – at 6:30 P.M.
Muktangan Counselling Center,
Nutan Bharati Society, Opp. Mawale hospital,
Gondhali Lane, Near Mati Ganapati,
Narayan Peth, Pune 411 030