Mangalore: AA Convention Seeks to Reform More Alcoholics

The Hindu
Pics: Prajwal Ukkuda
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore

Mangalore, Jan 25: A three-day convention of “Alcoholics Anonymous” (AA) began here on Saturday with the hope of reforming more alcoholics.

Mangalore has about 35 AA groups and one Al-Anon (women alcoholics) group. More than 2,000 alcoholics in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada district are attempting to get pit pf the addiction through AA groups, according to sources. The convention aims at spreading the awareness about the groups and their activities. “Think of those who could not attend this convention, although they need AA to cure them from addiction,” said Leonard M. Bluementhal, the non-alcoholic chairman of New York General Service Office of AA.

Mr. Bluementhal said that each member of the group should identify one alcoholic and bring him to the AA-fold to make him regain the joy of life by becoming a non-addict. “They need you. Reach out to them,” he said. Trustee of Canada AA Joenne said that she was an alcoholic but AA had changed her. Director of T.T. Ranganathan Clinical Research Foundation, Chennai, Shanthi Ranganathan, said the AA members had a responsibility of helping other alcoholics out of the habit as part of their own treatment. “Even conducting the sessions of AA is part of the therapy,” she said. A note circulated by AA at the convention stated: “The disease can be arrested by keeping alcohol away for one day at a time and that there is a 12-step course to be followed to prevent the habit from returning to the patient. Alcoholism has been described as a three-fold disease that affects its victim, mentally, physically and spiritually.” The convention was inaugurated at the St. Agnes Special School ground here on Saturday.