Today's society is really hard hit by the effects of the disease known as alcoholism. Overcoming the disease means first recognising the symptoms, followed by the difficult step of owning up to the fact that you are an alcoholic. What makes this really tough is that there are no written guide line on the quantities consumed that make you an alcoholic.



In case you keep feeling the need to turn to alcohol a number of times during the day, end up drinking more than what you planned or suffer from memory lapses because of drinks, then the bad news is that you might be addicted to alcohol. The good news however, is that alcoholism is curable, and while it might take a lot of time, patience, will power and perseverance, even the worst of alcoholics have been known to kick the habit if they wanted to. The first step of trying to kick alcohol is to exercise self control, secondly, you can join a self help groups. One such self-help group is Alcoholics Anonymous.

Alcoholics Anonymous is an organisation consisting of people who currently are or have been Alcoholics. These people have the experience of knowing what life means as an alcoholic and how difficult it is to admit to it and eventually stop. The consequences of being an alcoholic could mean loosing your job or even your partner, and these people will be able to guide you through all of these problems and show you the dry way out.

The other positive thing about Alcoholics Anonymous is that as its members have already been through what you are currently dealing with, nobody will look down on you, judge you or criticise you and they will give you strength. It really is the ideal venue for coming to terms with alcoholism and getting back on track.

Just the name Alcoholics Anonymous inspires confidence as your identity will remain anonymous. There are no membership records and you will only be in contact with people who have suffered or have suffered the same problems as you are. It is an ideal environment to focus all your determination on giving up alcohol as everyone around you will only admire you for your efforts and no one will criticise you for your condition.

Alcoholics Anonymous is a wonderful organisation with no commercial interests and with a non profit making status. Members are free to attend meetings as the wish, and should you fail to attend a meeting, nobody will come knocking on your door. There are no membership registers and your identity will always remain anonymous.

A common fear among newcomers is that they will come face to face with a close friend, family member or someone from work and that the cat will be let out of the bag. This will never be the case as all members are suffering the same hardships and the common feeling of brotherhood will always protect you from anyone from outside the organisation finding out about your condition.