There is a special camaraderie and group strength amongst those who work together in an endeavor of shared purpose, meeting the challenges along the way to achieving the desired goals, and experiencing the rewards of accomplishment. These are an integral part of what makes life worth living. With those who have fallen into the trap of drug abuse and addiction, the joys of belonging and sharing the good things of life with others, is gone. Fortunate for all of us, those joys can be restored.
A Sense of Belonging
It begins when we are children, the sense of belonging that we experience with our family and friends, and at school. And it carries on throughout our lives, as we become members of new groups, such as our co-workers, our church, or with others who share a similar hobby or interest. For the students fortunate enough to be on the drug rehabilitation program at Narconon Arrowhead, there is ample opportunity to engage in activities which can restore that sense of belonging, and the pleasures and rewards that come from being a part of a group with shared interests and goals.
Narconon Arrowhead is located in Arrowhead State Park on the shores of the beautiful Lake Eufaula. The location and abundant natural beauty provides the opportunity to see wildlife, and dramatic sunrises and sunsets. The lake provides the opportunity for supervised swimming, and fishing. The walks along the lake and through the natural setting of the trees and vegetation are therapeutic and calming in themselves. That you can also see White Tailed Deer, Wild Turkeys, an occasional Armadillo, along with a host of various species of wild birds is a uniquely special activity for those who appreciate nature. Playing on outside basketball court is an ever-popular activity, as well.
Popular indoor activities include the Exercise and Weight Room, movies, and Friday night Graduation, where students who have completed a part of the program, or the entire rehab program complete, formally graduate in the auditorium with the staff and student body in attendance. Hearing each graduate share his or her wins and successes from doing the Narconon program is always memorable.
For artists and musicians, there is frequently the opportunity to meet-up with fellow artists and musicians also on the rehab program, and play some music or sing together. Fine artists have the opportunity for quiet times in the lodge lobby or in their room, where they can pursue their art form.
When asked what they most liked about Narconon Arrowhead and its activities, students had this to say:
“My most memorable moment was when it snowed really bad and we all went sled riding. We were having so much fun…”
“As a student I would say the movie nights and walks. As a staff, I would say my friends and 24 hr medical staff.”
“My favorite time was when the staff would take us students fishing or swimming. One thing that I loved also was how close you get to your twin on objectives.” (A Twin is the person you are teamed-up with to help each other get through a particular part of the program. Objectives are a part of the program, which gives the student the ability to get into full communication with others and his environment. Having and being a good Twin is a vital part of Objectives, and teaches responsibility for another. )
“The sense of family. Feeling like I belonged to a group.”
And that sense of belonging is something everyone experiences at Narconon Arrowhead, whether a student on the program or a staff member working to help others attain their goal of a drug-free life. For more information on Narconon Arrowhead go to http://www.narconon.com/facilities/narconon-arrowhead/.