Team Herald
PANJIM: Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Goa is organising a convention at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, to mark the golden jubilee of the organisation in the State.
According to AA Goa, the four-day national convention, scheduled from February 21 to February 24, will attract over a thousand delegates from across the country to participate in the festival of “Sober Living.”
The primary aim of the "Goa AA Convention 2025" is to encourage female alcoholics to come forward and seek help, while also generating awareness that alcoholism is not a disgrace, but rather a disease. The AA fellowship in Goa, India, and worldwide focuses on removing the stigma surrounding alcoholism through continuous awareness programmes.
Highlighting the alarming rise in alcoholism, particularly among women, AA has pointed out that the increase is especially prominent in leisure activities, year-round events, celebrations, and party venues in the tourist-friendly state of Goa. AA has also raised concern over the high incidence of accidents and fatalities due to ‘driving under the influence of alcohol,’ and pointed out that Goa's roads are being labelled as some of the deadliest in the country.
“As the prevalence of alcohol misuse continues to be a significant concern in Goa, AA Goa recognises the vital role that mental health professionals and community support play in the journey to recovery. Through this partnership, we aim to create a more holistic approach to treatment that addresses not only physical dependency but also the underlying psychological and social factors,” AA stated.
Representatives from AA also said that the Goa AA Convention 2025 is a once-in-a-decade opportunity for people to learn more about alcoholism and its treatment. They emphasised that free treatment and recovery resources are available through AA Goa, which conducts 60 meetings across various villages and towns in both North and South Goa.
AA Goa has established strong partnerships with mental health professionals, including psychologists, counsellors, and psychiatrists, to provide integrated care for individuals battling alcoholism. These experts offer therapeutic interventions that complement AA’s 12-step programme, ensuring a comprehensive treatment plan.
Local communities in Goa have shown remarkable solidarity in supporting AA’s mission. Community members, volunteers, and organisations have joined forces to create a network of support that extends beyond the confines of AA meetings. This network provides a safe and encouraging environment for individuals to share their experiences and find strength in unity.
In its efforts to empower women and young adults, AA Goa is committed to addressing the unique challenges faced by these demographics in relation to alcoholism. Special support groups and tailored programmes have been developed to cater to the specific needs of women and young adults.