Like most organisations that rely on social interaction to function, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has been severely impacted by the restrictions that have been placed on people in response to the coronavirus.
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The international fellowship has a long and successful history of helping men and women overcome their struggles with alcoholism through a recovery method that, at its most basic level, involves one alcoholic talking to another about their struggles with alcoholism and their subsequent recovery through a 12-step program and the support of their fellow members.
In order to make sure the program is still available to those who need it, members of the 19 regular AA meetings that operate across the Manning-Great Lakes district are holding daily meetings online using Zoom.
Manning-Great Lakes AA spokesperson, Greg B, said while face-to-face meetings were the most effective way to provide the support the fellowship offered, it was essential the organisation continued to operate, especially in such stressful and uncertain times.
"It's vitally important," he said.
"It's times like these when people who are addicted to alcohol go back to the drink."
Greg said existing members had readily embraced the shift to virtual meetings, but it was important to get the word out there to any potential newcomers.
"That's our problem; people who are looking for us can't find us," he said.
Anyone seeking assistance with a drinking problem is urged to refer to aa.org.au or to contact Chris on 0418 422 558 or Greg on 0427 918 568.
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