PANCHKULA, JUNE 6: The Samarpan group of Alcoholics Anonymous held its third anniversary celebrations at Little Flower School, Sector 14, today. The group consists of city-based people affected by alcohol, who got together to take the help of Alcoholics Anonymous' voluntary programme to quit drinking. Today's programme saw many participants come from AA chapters in Amritsar, Nangal, Dasuya, Sangrur, Jalandhar and other places in the region.Alcoholics and family members of alcoholics shared their experiences on how alcoholism which is called a "family disorder" as it completely sickens the family and not only the alcoholic had taken them to the edge of insanity and how they found serenity with the aid of the AA programme.
Alcoholics Anonymous also has a children's group called Ala Teen, and the family members' group is called Al Anon. Some teenaged children revealed how they felt when they realised that alcoholism was a disease like any other.
Families, friends and any person who is in any way connected with an alcoholic and seeks help, is welcome to join the programme. There is no joining fee and no money is charged from members. The group meets every Sunday and Thursday at Little Flower School at 6.30 p.m. The identity of the members is kept secret.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.