Alcoholics Anonymous complete 50 years in India

Churches across India have been among their greatest refuge and support system over the past half a century, Alcoholics Anonymous say as they complete 50 years of their presence in the country.

Over the years, gurudwaras, temples, municipal bodies and other social organizations have also come forward to duplicate what churches started: to provide shelter and support to AA in their fight against alcoholism. On May 5 the international network completed 50 years in India.

“They were the first to open their door to us, to help us reach out and spread the word utilizing their churches and institutions for our regular meetings,” Ashok, a member at the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) national office in Mumbai told the Indian Catholic. Most members in the NGO are people who have recovered from alcoholism, so as part of a policy they do not give their last names and prefer to remain anonymous.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a globally renowned mass movement that help alcoholics kick the bottle. It is a non-denominational, apolitical international fellowship of men and women who once had a drinking problem. There are more than 20,000 members in India and hundreds of inter-groups around the country.

People managing the offices are mostly those who have recovered and are also testimony to the AA’s 12-step motivation programme. They however do not provide any financial or medical support to those with a severe problem or may even need rehabilitation.

At the close-door meetings of AA it is the testimonies that speak and the open discussions that follow guide others who are seeking recovery. Ashok points out that AA holds many of their meetings in churches and their institutions across India. “The church authorities are very supportive, always ready to help,” he points out.

Over the last week, the group has been holding ceremonies, many in churches across India, to commemorate half-a-century in India.

AA came to India on May 5, 1957.

Indian Catholic