Alcoholics Anonymous

Some time ago I was privileged to attend a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. I heard stories that would make even the coldest heart weep. Some may assume that an alcoholic is a person with a weak character and even weaker will power. The truth is that an alcoholic is a severely sick person suffering from a disease for which there is no known cure, nor will there even be.

There is no cure for this malady in the sense that, male or female, not one of them will ever be able to drink moderately like a non-alcoholic for any sustained period. Alcoholism is, in itself, an illness - a thorough physical compulsion combined with a terrific mental obsession to drink - the confirmed alcoholic, at whatever cost, must learn to refrain from alcohol completely to lead a normal life.

Not one shred of evidence exits that any alcoholic has been able to return for long to normal, social drinking again. An alcoholic must metamorphose into a teetotaller for life to remain sane.

Much is heard about Sedqa's work with alcoholics but little is know about the '12 steps' of Alcoholics Anonymous and the 12 traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous. To get help from AA write to AAP, PO Box 418, Valletta, or call 2123-9264.

AA help is available without charge or obligation; it has local groups in 150 countries.