More seeking help to stop drinking, say Alcoholics Anonymous

Anyone who has a desire to stop drinking is welcome at an AA meeting

Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, Alcoholics Anonymous has seen a rise in people seeking help to stop drinking.

New figures reveal there has been an increase in calls to their helpline and online services of more than 35% in the first quarter and a rise of 15% in the second quarter, compared to the same period last year. 

AA says don’t suffer alone, if you have a desire to stop drinking either pick up the phone to its national helpline or get in touch online, it provides an online responder service and a chat now service. 

Anyone who has a desire to stop drinking is welcome at a meeting and there are no fees for AA membership and each group is self-supporting.

Tom Fox, a non-alcoholic trustee of Alcoholics Anonymous said: "During the current pandemic there has been a very significant increase in people contacting us to looking for support and help, Thanks to the terrific efforts of members of the fellowship across the country we have been able to reach out to the still suffering alcoholic. providing that help, support and fellowship.  

“We are committed to being there for those who need our help and over the last few months groups across the country have risen to the challenge that the Covid restrictions have created to find new ways of being there for those who need help. I would urge anyone who is suffering with the illness that is alcoholism to get in touch. We are here to help." 

People can call and talk to an alcoholic in recovery and can ask for an AA member in their area to contact them to help them find AA meetings they can attend.

Anyone who wants help with their drinking can contact Alcoholics Anonymous on 0800 9177 650 or email help@aamail.org or visit the Chat Now service at www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk 

Local AA and Narcotics Anonymous meetings can be found via TurningPoint.