Kerala   

An unusual get-together

Alcoholic Anonymous (AA), an organisation concerned with the rehabilitation of those addicted to liquor, provides assistance to those who are not in a position to free themselves of the malady.

AA group meetings provide a platform for its members to share their problems and get the sustenance to keep off alcohol.

When the Alcoholics Anonymous held its first Kerala State convention at Nalanda auditorium in Kozhikode recently, the basic tenet that brought the members together was a resolve to help one another to resist alcohol.

Noticeably, it is the 12 steps enunciated by the AA International that keep the AA group together, creating a rare camaraderie and bonding of the members and their families.

The AA has been providing help to persons who are victims of alcohol and have a desire to be free of the addiction for some time now in the State.

Helping one another

The resolve to keep off alcohol is strengthened when the members share their experiences, strengths and expectations with one another, and view the problems as a common one.

Through such get-togethers they find solutions to their problems.

"There may be some who are not familiar with our tradition of personal anonymity at the public level," says a member.

"Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion" says a member of AA.

"We need always to maintain personal anonymity at the level of the press, radio and films."

"The assurance of anonymity is essential in our efforts to help other problem drinkers who may wish to share their recovery programme with us. And our tradition of anonymity reminds us that AA principles come before personalities," he adds.

Spiritual programme

AA basically is a spiritual programme — medical assistance and group therapy are also part of the curing process.

The basic objective is to save the particular individual and the family.

It is more than 70 years since AA has been endeavouring itself to assist alcoholics and their families.

The association set up in the U.S. in 1935 has been active in Kerala since 1970.

A mass contact programme was held as part of the State convention of Alchoholics Anonymous at the Nalanda Auditorium in Kozhikode.

For assistance contact telephone 92499 94350.

Maleeha Raghaviah

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