Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous talked in Šaca with inmates about hitting rock bottom and finding hope

Family problems, job loss, debt, criminal activity, recidivism, and finally a hard fall to rock bottom. These are phrases that ran like a common thread through almost all the testimonies shared during the institution-wide discussion at the Košice-Šaca Prison and Detention Center, which took place on July 13, 2026. Following the exceptionally positive feedback from the April meeting, which was originally intended only for a narrow circle of ten inmates enrolled in the "drug-free zone" socio-psychological training group, this time the event was carried out as an institution-wide mass gathering for all inmates. On this day, the invitation was accepted by three members of the Alcoholics Anonymous Rožňava fellowship and two members of the Narcotics Anonymous fellowship, to openly share their personal experiences with substance and non-substance addictions.

The meeting program was once again focused primarily on identifying risk situations and mechanisms that most often lead to a relapse into addiction, while inmates had the opportunity to confront these insights with their own life experiences. An important part of the event was also a practical explanation of how to effectively reduce the probability of recidivism in civilian life using simple but systematic steps. The event thus successfully fulfilled several functions at once. On one hand, it served as primary prevention for inmates without significant experience with addiction who are, however, in a high-risk environment. On the other hand, it had a secondary preventive dimension for those who had already experienced this problem in the past. At the end of the discussion, the inmates were informed that they can contact these fellowships if needed after their release.

The success of the entire event and the deep interest from the audience were ultimately underscored by the conclusion of the discussion, during which representatives of both fellowships promised to continue these meaningful activities. Inmates at the Šaca institution can therefore look forward to the continuation of such inspiring testimonies and open conversations as early as October.