HG Newsletter Issue: # 47

In This Edition:

In 1982 Janet was instrumental in beginning Narcotics Anonymous 12 Step meetings in New Zealand to support those seeking recovery from active addiction. When Higher Ground started a year later, its residents were mostly narcotics users, whereas today they are predominantly alcohol and methamphetamine dependent. “To treat those who were severely dependent was a challenge and still is. In the early days no one wanted to have drug addicts in their programme.”

At that time the methadone clinic was managing clients but there were few options for further treatment.

Higher Ground started with 12 residents, and now takes up to 42 in a modified therapeutic community where clients live together and learn to solve their common problems. “I see the Higher Ground programme as only a foundation to a person’s recovery, an opportunity to learn new tools for coping drug free and an introduction into the 12 Step way of life. We endeavour to