Alcoholism“I had hit rock bottom as everyone had given up on me. But, when I met a friend, an alcoholic who had recovered, it gave me the hope to start life anew,” says Alex, who sought refuge at Alcoholics Anonymous, a support group for alcoholics. Today he has been off alcohol for 22 years, and serves as a fine example for others to emulate.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has been in Pune for 33 years, yet the lack of awareness among the public about alcoholism has severely limited its reach. Currently, the organisation has 1,300 members, all of whom have struggled to overcome the problem that almost devastated their lives. Doctors, IT professionals, chartered accountants, call centre executives and even homemakers make up the group.
“Alcoholism is a disease of denial which alcoholics refuse to acknowledge at first. Their families too keep the problem under wraps. And, owing to the lack of awareness, not many suffering from the addiction come forward to seek help,” explains Ravi T, chairman of Alcoholics Anonymous Inter Group, Pune.
Established in 1976 in the city, AA today has 14 groups working in different parts of the city, including Lonavla, Dehu Road and Pimpri–Chinchwad. Members rely on meeting up every day and sharing their experiences.
“Members are put through a 12–step programme in order to overcome alcoholism. There is no such word as ‘Recovery’ in an alcoholic’s dictionary. We can only sober up,” Navin S, an active member of AA, says. Group therapy makes all the difference, and helps with ‘Taking each day as it comes’, says Pankaj M, another member.
“Attending the meetings is very important because an alcoholic can find hope after listening to the struggles and triumphs of other alcoholics. Fact is, there is no other choice for the alcoholic,” adds Pankaj, who has been off alcohol for eight years. However, initially members find it difficult to attend meetings regularly.
AA has observed an increase in the number of doctor members, in the last few years. “Besides, architects, IT professionals and call centres executives, we also have doctors suffering from alcoholism, seeking help. However, they don’t easily accept their problem, at least initially,” says Ravi.
Pinpointing the factors leading to alcoholism are difficult. And so is the situation in the home of an alcoholic where family members do no understand how to deal with the addict. For this reason, Alanon, an organisation, which is a part of AA, was set up as a platform so that family members of an alcoholic can share their experiences and get empowered to handle the alcoholic better. Women in Sobriety, a women’s group which is also a part of AA, meets in Pune Camp every Sunday afternoon and helps women members cope with alcoholism. “First, I have to understand that I’m an alcoholic. There are certain things women cannot share easily in front of men. Therefore, they feel they can connect with other women better at such meetings,” says Piyali R, who attends the Sunday meetings with 14 other women.
AA also conducts awareness programmes for the general public in and around Pune. “Doctors and psychiatrists also can help us counter the drinking problem,” says Rajesh R, another active member.
Wider propagation of alcohol de–addiction is required. “We still need more and more alcoholics to join us. Even those who aren’t alcoholics should come and witness our meetings. They can see the whole truth about this problem then,” says Alex.
Steps to counter
Alcoholism
The 12–step programme by the AA is based on group therapy, which is based on honest communication and the need to find spiritual support in order to get rid of alcoholism.
The alcoholic has to first accept the fact that his life has become unmanageable due to alcoholism. Developing faith in a greater power outside of himself, that will help him de–addict himself, is necessary.
Will power and strength is required to overcome this problem and so is communication with fellow alcoholics. What follows is taking an inventory of an alcoholic, wherein he has to write down his memories, behavioural problems and traits, attitude and other important details of his life.
The alcoholic then has to find a sponsor – a person who has sobered up from alcoholism and can act as the alcoholic’s guide, mentor and moral support. (For more information on AA, contact Ravi T on 9422086681 or the Pune Inter Group on 020–24468087.)
(Some names have been changed to protect identity.)
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Source: Times of India
