ISFAHAN The first conference of an association known as "Narcotics Anonymous of Isfahan" opened at the Culture-Welfare Complex of this ancient central city. The aim is to publicize policies and activities pursued by the association for the purpose of returning addicts to normal life in society. A number of provincial executive directors, experts, officials of the Welfare Organization and members of the group attended the conference. The International Narcotics Anonymous Association, or NA for short, was first established in 1953 by a group of alcoholic addicts who were able to get rid of their addiction. The association aims primarily to help addicts get rid of their addiction and later become productive members of society. The association now has over a million members worldwide. It held its first session in a rehabilitation center in south Tehran in 1990 and has, since then, become more active in efforts to fight alcohol addiction in Iran. The Isfahan Narcotics Anonymous has about 50 members who refuse to reveal their identities.

(IRNA)