Those who have bravely broken free from the suffocating grip of alcoholism through the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program often share a powerful truth: they have never seen anyone truly dedicated to the program falter in their journey to recovery. They believe that the individuals who struggle to find their way back are typically those who shy away from fully embracing the guiding principles of AA.
By Jabu Kumalo
People who have freed themselves from alcoholism through the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program are confident in saying that they have never seen someone fail to overcome alcoholism when they have honestly followed the principles of the organisation.
They say that those who do not recover are individuals who have not fully embraced the principles advocated by AA.
This uplifting message of hope will be a central theme at the Annual Soweto Imbizo, aimed at reaching out to those grappling with alcohol-related challenges as part of their awareness initiative.
The Imbizo, also known as the Rally, is scheduled for Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Uncle Tom’s Hall, located at the Hector Pietersen Museum precinct on Kumalo Street in Orlando West, Soweto. The Rally starts at 9 am.
This year’s theme is: “We Care.”
Alcoholics Anonymous is a supportive community where both men and women come together to openly share their personal experiences, strengths, and the hope of overcoming the challenges of alcoholism. There are no membership fees or dues, and the sole requirement for participation is a genuine desire to break free from alcohol dependency. Even those who are unsure about their readiness to quit are warmly welcomed and encouraged to join.
The denial syndrome is a major obstacle to overcoming alcohol addiction. It is one of the biggest challenges for individuals with drinking problems. Once a problem drinker can overcome denial, the path to a sober, satisfying, and peaceful life becomes more achievable.
The bold message offered by this organisation is that it is never too late to quit alcohol. The earlier, the better. This program has pulled many hopeless problem drinkers from the pit of misery and suffering.
The organising committee of the Rally encourages individuals who have a drinking problem or suspect they have one to overcome their fear and attend to learn how others have managed to address the devastating consequences of alcohol abuse. They are urging them not to be victims of something that has a solution. These members of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) have firsthand experience and fully understand the pain, misery, loneliness, and remorse that come with the life of a hopeless drunkard.
Alcoholism doesn’t just devastate the life of the drinker; it also affects their families, relatives, bosses, colleagues, and others. The Rally invites everyone living with an alcoholic to attend and learn how to support the person struggling with alcoholism or how to cope with an alcoholic in their lives.
AA describes alcoholism as a disease, in fact, more as an illness, as it affects the alcoholic mentally, physically and spiritually. So, it should be treated as such if there has to be a solution.
Many drinkers out there have tried all sorts of solutions like prophets, izangoma, izinyanga, seers, rehabilitation centres and so forth without getting the sobriety they crave. Some have given up hope on searching for a solution and are living with the dreaded conclusion that they will die as drunks. They are not aware of programmes like the AA.
Entry to the Imbizo is free.
Call 0861 435 722 for more info.