Project Hope Radio Highlights Role of Narcotics Anonymous in Combating Substance Abuse

Project Hope, the weekly public-service program on I955FM, aired a special segment on Friday afternoon at 12:30 p.m. hosted by Giselle Mashama. The broadcast focused on the growing problem of substance abuse in Trinidad and Tobago and the crucial role played by Narcotics Anonymous (NA) in supporting recovery and reintegration.

Program Overview

The show opened with an introduction of the guests: Hanson B. Thomas and Nikesha S. Ramdeen, long-time members of Narcotics Anonymous. Giselle explained that Project Hope aims to raise awareness about the link between drug addiction and crime, to promote skill-development initiatives, and to encourage community support for formerly incarcerated individuals.

Guest Insights

Nikesha, who has been with NA for almost four years, described her journey and emphasized that NA provides a structured, 12-step fellowship that offers both emotional support and practical guidance. Hanson, who has been clean for just under four months after a 19-year battle with addiction, shared how the NA program helped him break a cycle of destructive behavior and rebuild relationships with his family.

Both guests highlighted that substance abuse is often a symptom of deeper, untreated issues such as trauma, unemployment, and lack of education. They argued that without addressing these underlying problems, rehabilitation and reintegration efforts are unlikely to succeed. The discussion noted that underlying substance-use disorders can trigger relapse when individuals return to environments that lack stable employment or supportive networks.

Programmatic Recommendations

The hosts and guests called for expanded skill-training and employment opportunities for recovering addicts, citing that teaching “how to fish” is essential for long-term stability. They also stressed the need to de-stigma addiction, noting rising cases of marijuana-induced psychosis and the broader impact of drug use on community safety.

Conclusion

Project Hope concluded by encouraging listeners to support Narcotics Anonymous initiatives and to recognize that effective recovery requires both personal commitment and community-wide resources. The segment underscored that collaboration between radio outreach, rehabilitation services, and peer-support groups like NA can foster healthier, safer neighborhoods across the nation. Originally aired August 14 between 11:30 a.m. and 12 p.m.