AA helps without judging
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.
“OUR primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics achieve sobriety.” – AA
ALCOHOLICS anonymous (AA) is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other so that they may solve their common problem and help others recover from alcoholism.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership – they are self-supporting through their own contributions. AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organisation or institution, does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes.
The following forms part of a testimony from a former alcoholic who calls himself Babylon:
“I had been drinking without respite for years. I tried many times to convince myself that this was the last bottle of beer I would buy. I would be pouring one of the last drinks from the bottle, when anxiety would overrun me and compel me to go to the nearest watering hole to buy another one.
“I would go to any lengths to obtain money to get my favourite tipple. I needed to buy that bottle in order to face the day. My foremost and overriding thought when I opened my eyes was either the bottle store or shebeen. My drinking had progressed to the point that the only time I took a rest from drinking was during my four hours of restless sleep at night.
“I slowly came to realise that alcohol was not doing for me what it used to. The laughter I use to enjoy had turned to tears. I avoided social events like the proverbial plague. I watched my life crumble before my very eyes. I was isolated from everybody.”
Thanks to AA, Babylon has since recovered: “Thus began my journey in AA. My life took a 180-degree turn. I am a work in progress. AA has done a pretty job in moulding my life over the past 37 years.”
If you have a drinking problem and need help, you are not alone. If you know someone who has a drinking problem and wants to get out of that trap, they are not alone either. AA is always there to help, not to judge. Contact 086 143 5722 today for a new beginning.
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