Times of India
27June 2011
By Priyanka Das
Bangalore,India

NGO Turns 47
What started as a support group formed by two men in the US to fight an addiction turned47 n Bangalore on Sunday. “I am alive because of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA),″is what many members say recounting the days they spent, slave to the bottle.

The event saw personalities like cricketer Javagal Srinath and in-charge DGP S T Ramesh in attendance where Bharathi (name changed) and others like her narrated their experiences.

Bharathi’s story is gutwrenching and has many a lesson for those looking for an exit from alcoholism. I was addicted from my postgraduate days. I started drinking for fun along with friends but got addicted. The habit continued even after marriage. I couldn’t stop. I lost my family and job. I then tried to commit suicide but fortunately survived. I was hospitalized. After recovering, I decided to join AA and get a fresh start.

For the last one-anda-half years, I haven’t had a sip of alcohol. I am alive because of this fellowship,″ she says, happily. Bharathi nowhas a job andenjoysthe support of her family.

There were many others who shared their experience at AA from Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu. All of them narrated how they recoveredfrom alcoholism after joining the NGO.

A member of Al-anon said: I joined the organization seven years ago with my son who was addicted to alcohol. After coming here, I was able to overcome all my worries. We share our experience at every meeting.″ Al-anon and Al-teen are the NGO’s two supporting groups for families and children of the members of AA, alcoholics and drug addicts.

S T Ramesh said: “AA brings people together without barriers of education, age, gender and occupational positions. It is wonderful that AA is available for all alcoholics who reach out to them for help.″ Javagal Srinath advised people not to go anywhere near alcohol or drugs. “All of us shouldforcedrug addictstobecome sober individuals. AA is doing a great social service.″