Alcohol addict? Raise a toast to Alcoholics Anonymous

LUCKNOW: If you are one of those addicted to alcohol and want to quit, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can be your friend in need.

The voluntary movement, which had helped thousands of addicts from across the globe find a second life, is setting up a chapter in Lucknow.

“Already, 40 alcohol addicts from Lucknow have joined us,” says Nikhil (not real name), a volunteer.

Throwing light on the group’s objective — to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety — Nikhil says: “Anybody who has a desire to quit drinking is welcome.”

“You just have to join. Rest we will take care of,” he says while inviting addicts to join the group, which is fighting the menace across the globe since last 80 years.

Not just the volunteers, the names of those who join are also kept anonymous. Explaining the reason behind the anonymity clause, Wilson (name changed), an Ahmedabadbased member who quit drinking in 2005, said, “We promise anonymity to all who attend the meetings as this was the wish of the group’s founders.”

“They knew from their own experience how ashamed most alcoholics are about their drinking habit,” says Wilson, a successful businessman. But, how does it work? “There is no certain criterion. It is a space where members share their experience with those who seek help. Open discussions are held at regular meetings and the habitual offenders are motivated to give up alcohol,” says another member.

“Motivation through mutual recovery stories is the main mantra. However, help is also extended whenever it is required through counsellors, doctors or even police,” says Nikhil while claiming hundreds of those who joined are living a normal life.

The membership is free as the group functions through voluntary funding of those who succeeded in giving up drinking and rehabilitating. In Lucknow, the group can be contacted on +91-9389804516.