NEW figures from Alcoholics Anonymous show more women are joining the help group in the West Midlands than ever before.
The news comes as figures show drinking levels increased during the Covid-19 lockdown.
November 15-21 is Alcohol Awareness Week 2021 and this year the focus is on Alcohol and Relationships.
Alcoholics Anonymous members are aware of the devastating effect alcoholism can have on relationships with family, friends and colleagues.
Deb, an AA member in the West Midlands said: “My drinking ate insidiously into any relationships I had – with my family, friends, work-colleagues – actually, everyone, as the alcohol became more important to me than them.
“I lost myself in the process, until I was alone, frightened, desperate and hopeless.
“After trying many things, and years of denial that I needed help, it was only by joining AA that I started the road to recovery, and from thereon the slow mending of relationships and a happier more peaceful life for all.”
AA has been helping alcoholics to recover from alcoholism since 1935. During that time, it has supported thousands of people to re-establish relationships with themselves and others.
Its 2020 membership survey found more than 4.2 million attendances at AA meetings each year in the UK.
For the first time, the majority of AA members, 55 per cent, have been in the fellowship for more than 10 years, supporting findings that membership is as effective, if not more so, than other established treatments.
Female membership of AA has increased by 22 per cent over the past 49 years with current membership 53 per cent male and 47 per cent female.
The majority of AA members, 58 per cent, are in full-time employment with 26 per cent retired.
Deb said: “The fellowship of AA has taught me how to live on a less self-centred basis, teaching me healthy coping mechanisms rather than turning to a drink to fix me.
“I’ve been sober for nine years now, and really do feel like a responsible adult, trustworthy, compassionate and honest.
“My family is closer than it’s ever been, and I can be there for them today with love and pride.”
AA is free, confidential and available to anyone worried about their drinking.
For more details visit: https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/ or call 0800 917 7650 or email:[email protected].
