In June 2012, volunteers with Alcoholics Anonymous India (AA) initiated a nationwide campaign to set up temporary call centres in several cities. AA had anticipated a lot of traffic on its helpline, which was going to be featured on the Alcohol Abuse episode on July 1. The organization had predicted right.
Within 45 seconds of the number being flashed on the screen, 1,000 calls from across India were made. Suffering and recovering alcoholics as well as the family members of alcoholics called asking for assistance. This staggering response helped form 18 new AA groups in states such as Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Chhattisgarh, to name a few. A team of AA members helped local residents in many cities to conduct regular meetings and introduce the recovery programme.An ex-chairman of the General Service Office of AA India says, “The greatest impact of the show was that it stated that alcoholism is not just a ‘bad habit’, but a full-fledged illness that can be treated if one is determined."
Alcoholics Anonymous is an international fellowship of men and women who once had a drinking problem. Members help each other recover from alcoholism. Membership is open to anyone who wants to achieve sobriety.
Helpline: +91 90227 71011
Email: aagsoindia@gmail.com