As Alcoholics Anonymous marks its 70th anniversary, the organisation is reflecting on a shifting national perspective, one where conversations around addiction and mental health are increasingly coming out of the shadows.
According to Class A Non-Alcoholic Trustee Shauna Huggins, public attitudes towards the programme have shifted noticeably over the years, as discussions around mental health and wellbeing become more accepted.
“In my experience, the public is increasingly open to the message of AA as conversation around mental health, addiction, alcoholism and wellbeing become more normalised. There are still opportunities to deepen the understanding and reduce stigma. Many people still hold misconceptions around its approach.”
A participant of the programme shared how the community has helped him in his recovery.
“Coming into Alcoholics Anonymous and the love the members have shared with me, they give me hope and a sense of belonging to something that I never had before in my life, that love that they shared with me, that I was in the dark corner of my life, that there’s a way, a beautiful way of living.”
Another participant explained how the Al-Anon extension of the programme, which supports those affected by a loved one’s drinking, played a key role in helping her cope with an alcoholic partner.
“Through Al-Anon and AA I began understanding that alcoholism is a disease, not a personal failure, which helped me stop taking his behaviour so personally and focus on my own healing and peace. Living with a recovering alcoholic is still a journey, but there’s more stability, hope, open communication, while challenges remain there’s also growth, renewed trust and a stronger sense of faith and resilience in our daily lives.”
Participants are encouraging others who may be struggling to seek help before it takes a greater toll.
“If you feel in one area or the other in your life that alcohol is being affecting you, you can join the membership of Alcoholics Anonymous and apply to the programme of recovery and save yourself that literal hell and misery. We talk about 12 to 15 years of literal hell and misery.”
Individuals seeking support for alcoholism are encouraged to contact Alcoholics Anonymous Trinidad and Tobago at 229-2288 to begin the journey to recovery.