State to rope in AA, NA to check addiction

Chandigarh, December 3

The Haryana Government is set to rope in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), worldwide fellowships of recovering alcoholics and drug addicts, for its battle against addiction in the state.

“The eradication of drug menace is the top priority of the state government. We are open to collaborating with any organisation, including AA and NA, working in the field of drug de-addiction,” said Home Minister Anil Vij, who also holds the health portfolio.

Officials said since alcohol addiction was a major issue in Haryana, its prevention was high on the agenda of the authorities. Awareness programmes for officials of different departments was one of the strategies being worked out by the authorities.

Meanwhile, an AA representative said anybody could dial the 24-hour helpline (094666-35492) to deal with alcoholism. — TNS