People with alcohol dependence fight against social stigma

Photo/EFE

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS CONVENTION IN DENVER

Sofia Márquez / El Comercio de Colorado

Haga click aquí para leer la versión en español

Since the pandemic began, the Denver Chapters of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) have seen a drop in attendance at their meetings. “We understand that the fear of contracting Covid-19 and having lived in isolation since 2020 have become stressors that prevent many people from seeking help. People feel less inclined to attend meetings,” says Francisco R, an AA representative in Colorado.

The paradox is that in March 2021 a study by the American Psychological Association (APA) identified that there had been an increase in alcohol consumption in this country. On a sample of 3,013 adults living in the country, the APA study showed that almost one in four people, or 23 percent of the total US population, acknowledged having drunk more alcohol to cope with stress. It is quite possible that one in 14 of those people have developed an alcohol dependency.

Keeping Anonymity

Francisco tries to understand further the low number of attendance at AA meetings. “We feel that the low attendance is also due to a disconnect between AA and the community. We have a problem here in Colorado. 40 years ago, we grew very fast because the government helped us; professionals were sent to us to help the members of the program. We have lost contact with professionals and with the media,” this AA representative tells us.

Inherently, AA is a difficult organization to promote. With all its members protected by anonymity, it is difficult for the group to find new members, new people to help. They are also not allowed to recruit people or accept “referrals” from people outside the organization. Therefore, this makes disclosure difficult, especially in the Latino community. At this point, Francisco adds an additional argument that is fundamental. “There is a stigma, a taboo, that we Latinos have with alcoholism,” he said.

Barriers to seeking help

He continued, “No one wants to admit they have a problem. We will have members who come to meetings because their spouses or parents forced them to. It is these relatives who think that the person has a problem with alcohol consumption. In many cases, the person themself does not accept being confronted with this truth”, says Francisco. The pandemic was then the perfect excuse for people with alcohol problems to refuse to go to meetings and ignore the suggestion of their relatives.

“When we did zoom meetings, no one wanted to participate either. They were afraid of not knowing who was hiding behind a blank screen. People didn’t want to risk it,” explains this AA representative. Francisco specifically refers to the social stigma which people with alcohol problems must bear. “Alcoholics Anonymous is not a shameful program. It is a health program. We want to start removing the stigma that many people have or have heard about Alcoholics Anonymous.”

Widespread stereotypes about alcoholism cause shame and guilt in people who have developed alcohol dependence. “This process that psychologists have explained to us makes it difficult for people with this problem to seek help and seek the appropriate treatment to solve problems caused by alcohol. In this way we observe the low self-esteem and the less willingness to avoid relapses, and the rejection of treatment by mutual aid groups”, he concluded.

Congress in Colorado

The Colorado Area 10 chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) invites journalists, community members and professionals to its annual event. During the first weekend of May, invited panelists will discuss how they can help community members struggling with alcoholism. The event will be completely in Spanish.

Congress Area 10, Colorado

From May 6 to 8

7525 E. Hampden Ave.

Denver, CO 80231

Call

(303) 696-6644

Visit

https://coloradoaa.org/event/area-10-congreso/

Alcohol Dependence

Alcohol dependence occurs when a person causes health problems or problems at work, school, or home life. Education and awareness about the harm of alcohol use, along with support from friends, parents, and caregivers, can help prevent consequences. This addiction is a treatable disease, not a character flaw.

You may also like:

DPS Student Shone in the All-State Band

CDC: “Masks are necessary on public transport”

Phil Weiser: “Fentanyl traffickers deserve severe charges”