ENID MAN TAKING ACTION TO HELP ADDCITS, THEIR FAMILIES RECOVER

What alanon offers in support to parties affected by alcoholism, naranon
does the same for friends, relatives and families of drug addicts.

And Ron Parnell of Enid has taken action to start a naranon chapter here.

"I've got a lot of calls recently. I want to help these people. Two ladies
called me, for example, and asked me what to do," Parnell said.

Parnell is referring to recent drug stings and busts by area law
enforcement.

The situation has been harrowing.

Just recently, Enid police conducted an early Thursday morning sting and
arrested 20 people on drug-related charges, finding methamphetamine,
marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

In the wake of serving arrest warrants at one residence, officers found two
young children who were taken into Department of Human Services' protective
custody.

It was the third large-scale drug raid conducted by Enid police this year.

After the abrupt action of a drug arrest or other interventions -- such as
drug users checking into treatment facilities -- spouses, family members,
relatives and even friends of the suspect or victim are broken into pieces
many times, according to Parnell.

How do they get mended from the shattering sledgehammers of guilt, shame and
fear?

Like alanon, naranon offers an informal setting with no rigid protocols
where people can gather and talk about what hurts and why.

"The initial action of bringing people together is important in that they
find each other help. Just being supportive is a great mechanism to get over
the initial shock," Parnell said.

A 12-step recovery method based on spiritual principles works as a framework
to provide answers and ways to normalcy.

If the addict is still at large, meaning no intervention or arrest has
occurred, spouses, family members, relatives and friends benefit from a
naranon support group in that they learn more about the ways of addicts.

They learn also they may unconsciously enable addicts to get the things
addicts need to continue their habit, such as money to purchase drugs.

An Enid woman who requested her name not be disclosed got wind recently of
what Parnell is trying to do and will gladly join the group. She has a child
who is a drug addict.

"I'm the mom. I raised the child. So naturally I asked myself, `What did I
do wrong?'" she said.

She understands today drug addiction is a disease with its own set of
dynamics and parameters that she can't control.

"As a single parent, drug addiction can be very devastating to the family.
Other siblings pay a price," the woman said.

Spouses, family members, relatives and friends need to learn what
constructive support is in helping addicts change their lives rather than
providing ways and means for ongoing addiction, she said.