Frank and heartening discussion at 2019 NKZN Alcoholics Anonymous Rally

Tales of despair, distress and depression were divulged for all to hear at the 35th Northern KwaZulu-Natal Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Rally.

READ THIS: AA advice: Taking action

Most AA members’ stories included reaching rock bottom, losing loved ones and even suicidal thoughts. However, “every cloud has a silver lining” and Sunday’s NKZN AA Rally was a testament to this.

The annual rally invites members, families and visitors to a session of frank and heartening discussion and messages. It was held at the Forderville Hall and was well attended by people from neighbouring towns.

2019’s theme was ‘Vision for you’ and each speaker told of the vision for their lives, as well as delved into their often dark pasts.  The audience heard of how alcohol consumption, in most cases, started at a young age.
One speaker related that he started drinking alcohol in Grade 7.

“At that stage, I drank a lid full of alcohol. It warmed me up and I thought to myself, when I start drinking, this is what I will drink,” related Aroon.

“I was 15 years old when I started drinking,” said Mike.

“I would tag along with my older siblings, who would give me money to stay out of their hair. I would use this money to buy alcohol,” he continued.

The guest speakers told of how the need to use alcohol grew more intense and within months, it became a controlling force in their lives.

“I became verbally abusive towards my wife and mother. I became a real embarrassment. When I hit my rock bottom, I was losing my family and my business,” said Dhanveer.

A saving grace for most of the members came in the form of a friend, family member or colleague who recommended AA.

“I thought AA was not for me. There were many affluent people there and I thought I did not fit in,” said Aroon.

For Sudesh, an occupational therapist and nurse recommended that he go to an AA meeting.  All of the members say this is one of the best decisions they have ever made.

“I am a ‘lucky’ alcoholic,” said Mike.

“I say lucky because my rock bottom did not cause me to lose my family and I am still standing here today – sober. I am also lucky because most alcoholics die before getting help,” he added.

More testimonies from members continued throughout the afternoon, giving those present hope. Nalini from Al-Anon, which is a group for family of alcoholics, also spoke of how she found courage to seek help.

“My self-esteem and confidence has been restored due to the meetings. I have moved on and am able to forgive and forget the things that happened in my past,” she explained.

The NKZN AA Rally concluded with lunch and socialising.

SEE THIS: AA advice: Serving my brother

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