 “ I thought that alcoholics were down and outs drinking cider on park benches. I had a good job, family, a car, everything I thought I ever needed. But all I could think about was drinking and when I started drinking, well I simply couldn’t stop. I felt lonely, afraid and miserable. When I got to Alcoholics Anonymous I realised that alcoholism can affect anybody. I learnt how to live my life happily without alcohol. I have not had a drink for a few years now and my life has never been happier”
Alcoholic? – not me! Alcoholism is a lonely business. It destroys relationships, wrecks families and ruins careers. Alcoholism knows no bounds. Young, old, rich, poor, teachers, students, doctors, nurses, housewives, homeless, actors and engineers – Anyone can suffer from alcoholism. How do I know if I am alcoholic?You may wonder how you know if you are an alcoholic. If you or others are worried about your drinking then the chances are you have got a problem of some sort. It can be helpful to talk to somebody who is a recovering alcoholic with whom you may be able to identify and who will understand how you feel as they have been in a similar situation. Nobody in AA will diagnose you as an alcoholic; you are the person who truly knows the extent of your problem, but by listening to others you will be able to decide for yourself. If you have lost the ability to control your drinking you could be suffering from alcoholism. What is AA? Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; each group is self-supporting through their own contributions. In AA meetings you will not hear what happens if you carry on drinking but what happens when you don’t drink. If you want to stop drinking but can’t do it alone then AA can help, we have been there ourselves. What if somebody I know is there?AA is totally confidential and our membership remains anonymous. If you recognise somebody there remember they are there for the same reason as you. AA is non-professional our membership is made up of alcoholics. Anonymity is as important to them as it is to you; it is one of our most important foundations. How do I find a meeting or talk to somebody? Contact the local telephone helpline 01438 747475 National Helpline 0845 769 7555 Or visit our web site on: www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk The people answering your calls have been in a similar situation as you, so no need to feel embarrassed or worry about being judged. There are AA group meetings every day of the week in this area and meetings can be found all over the world. The helpline will tell you where you nearest meetings are and if you want they can arrange for somebody to speak to you in person or meet you there. You need never be alone. |
