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Volume 40, Issue 14
May 6, 2003
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May 6, 2003
Alcoholics Anonymous offers
aid to college drinkers
By Stephanie
Mckee
Mesa Legend
Alcohol and college are frequently linked in the news, in jokes,
and in the minds of many students.
Binge drinking was identified as the leading public health problem for
college students.
Nearly a third of college students abuse alcohol according to a study
conducted at Harvard University.
Help is available for people who suffer from alcoholism.
At a recent meeting conducted with 20 people in a room, group members
spoke openly and honestly, but with hope for the future, a future of sobriety.
“Alcoholics Anonymous has been the most successful organization in
helping alcoholics stop drinking from its beginning in 1935.
“The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.
A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization
or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses
nor opposes any causes,” according to the organization on their website.
Alcoholics Anonymous currently has over two million members nationwide.
Local meetings are held all over the Valley every day and at different
times in hopes that everyone can find a convenient time and location.
“If you live anywhere in Phoenix, you can walk a few steps and go
to a meeting,” Joe said.
Joe is an alcoholic who has attended A.A. meetings off and on for fourteen
years.
He has been sober 27 days now, on his latest attempt at sobriety.
He is required to attend meetings due to a court order.
“The real test will be wanting to go to meetings on my own when my
court order is up,” Joe attested.
Membership to A.A. is free. Donations are accepted for necessary materials,
like building rentals and office supplies.
“It’s much cheaper than counseling,” Ken, AA member said.
“Counselors tell you to keep coming back and spending hundreds of
more dollars, and you keep drinking. A.A. provides support in a safe environment,
and it’s free. It’s the only thing I know that works.”
All meetings are different.
There are meetings specifically for men, women, gays, bisexuals, smokers,
nonsmokers, youths, and some are geared for everyone.
The meetings usually last an hour.
Discussions focus on topics at various meetings like, “Why we are
not a glum lot,” “One Day at a Time,” and “Spirituality,”
where members discuss their personal experiences if they so choose.
They celebrate sobriety anniversaries, birthdays, and special events,
such as guest speakers.
Jay celebrated his A.A. anniversary at a meeting on Feb. 27.
Jay’s long journey of sobriety began three years ago when a court
ordered him to attend ten meetings after his sixth DUI.
He was opposed to the idea of curbing his alcoholism at first.
“I didn’t think I had a problem. (After AA) I began to see how
insane I was before. I was out of control,” Jay said. “I wasn’t
alone anymore. I felt alone until AA.”
The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions are hung on the wall, reminding
alcoholics of where they have been and where they are now.
According to Alcoholics Anonymous, the Twelve Steps are a description
of the “experience of the earliest members of the Society.”
The steps covered the changes an alcoholic goes through in each step he
takes maintaining sobriety.
Alcoholics Anonymous began in 1935 when Bill W. sought help for his alcoholism
from Dr. William Silkworth.
After much success in helping each other and other alcoholics stay sober,
groups began forming all over the country.
“For me, it’s easier not to drink at all, because it’s
impossible for me to stop drinking once I start,” said Member Pedro.
“A.A. is very positive and healthy. It truly is a gift.”
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