Kick that habit!

The Times of India ~ Monday, May 16, 2005
Manju Ramanan

"I am Raghuram Anand and I am an alcoholic," says Dr Anand, 60, from Surat, addressing a group of people at a hospital in Vadodara. No eyebrows are raised nor are there any shocked murmurs. What follows is a candid confession by Dr Anand on his addiction and the losses he suffered due to it -- be it his wife, family, medical practice, status or wealth.

Then comes the good news: All this changed after he joined the AA or Alcoholics Anonymous -- the fellowship that supports alcoholics to kick the habit.

Saiprasad Shetty, a 30-year-old engineer's case is similar. He took to the vice five years ago and saw his career and health go downslide. "I saw two of my uncles, die of sclerosis of the liver. Yet the same night I didn't hesitate to pour myself a drink," he admits.

Such cases are quite common at AA which has been helping thousands of people addicted to the bottle. Now things have become easier with a helpline number (9426513418). "People just need to call us and we will be able to guide them better," says Andrew Gonsalves, Chairman AA, speaking to AT from Mumbai.

"Only by working with fellow alcoholics can you stay away from it. In the process you find a support system where you can share your experiences," he says.

Now, there's good news for the families of alcoholics as well. Al-anon, the fellowship for families of alcoholics has finally opened a chapter in Vadodara. It's a forum where wives, mothers, sisters and brothers of alcoholics meet and learn to handle tough situations. As Angela Gonsalves, chairman of Al-Anon states, "One needs to accept and forgive alcoholics since they are afflicted by a disease. You have to be patient."

She agrees that the support group helps people maintain a positive outlook towards life and develop confidence. Maybe that's why the Al-Anon meetings begin with an introduction similar to the AA members.