AA members find new ways to continue meetings during lockdown

THE message of hope and recovery of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is able to transcend beyond lockdown restrictions and regulations to those who need it most.

The many unintended consequences of the lockdown meant that members had to find creative ways of keeping their fellowship meetings going as this is the backbone of their organisation.

Member of the Clairwood group of the AA and chairman of the Service Arms Committee in KZN, Sagren N, said technology has played a big role in ensuring they stay afloat as an organisation.

“The new way of attending meetings, even anonymously, is through Zoom calls online because face-to-face contact has been severely constrained with Covid-19 lockdown regulations,” he said.

“However, our regional office is operational and calls for help are transferred to volunteers throughout KZN. Furthermore, existing members stay in touch with their local groups and maintain contact with each other through the telephone, e-mails and WhatsApp. AA therefore has a powerful support system to gain and maintain quality sobriety,” he said.

He said that some members had to brush up on their technical skills as some challenges faced by groups included accessing and using online platforms.

“Some service initiatives are stunted as we can’t freely go out to help. However, we have existed for 85 years and will always find creative ways to overcome challenges.”

Sagren has been a member for six years and his volunteer work reaches out to various places which include treatment centres in both public and private hospitals, clinics, doctors’ rooms, rehabilitation centres, correctional facilities prisons, police stations, courts and places of safety.

He also engages in public outreach events, public gatherings, private groups, cooperates with professional individuals and organisations which range from government departments, corporations and professional practices.

“In this way we carry the message of hope and recovery to the still suffering alcoholic widely. Many may not even realise that they suffer from the disease of alcoholism – which is why attending an AA meeting, reading AA literature and interacting with experienced AA members is helpful in understanding this condition,” he said.

He said a conscious contact with a loving Higher Power, which he chooses to call God, and the steady support of regular interactions with his sponsors and fellow members keep him sober and stronger.

“I turn to the Twelve Steps recovery programme to take ownership of my disease and reach out to others on this same journey. My daily readings of AA literature is critical to my obligations of recovery, unity and service in the fellowship. I found that a committed family support is crucial to my growth. A lot depends upon rebuilding relationships, starting at home. Love fixes everything.”

“I began by showing a change in myself, asking forgiveness for the harm caused and becoming a better person. All I need from family and friends is an understanding of my condition and time off to offer myself to the fellowship.”

“Family and friends can join our sister fellowships of Al-anon and Alateen in order to heal from the damage of alcoholism. They then begin a new life of strength and hope. We can’t help getting this disease of alcoholism, but we can take responsibility for recovery from it,” he said.

For more information on Alcoholics Anonymous, visit www.aasouthafrica.org.za or to find a meeting nearest to you, click on the link.

*Surname has been withheld to protect the full identity of Sagren.

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