Q: Are there AA or Al Anon groups in the Lake Chapala
area? I will be visiting there for a few months and want to make sure these
meetings are available.
A. Yes, and on a personal note from a friend, she says, “I
became involved in the Al Anon program last summer and given everything that
was happening in my life, it was a lifesaver. As I become involved, I see how
many people are affected by alcoholism and how very important AA and Al-Anon is
to them, and I think the information would be much appreciated.”
There are AA meetings daily as well as an Al Anon group at
lakeside. There is an AA website with meeting times and dates and contact names
and numbers: www.aalakechapala.org and for Al Anon, the
contact number is 376 766-5975.
By
the way, on the website, you’ll see Open and Closed Meetings listed:
Closed meetings are limited to members and prospective members
only.
Open meetings are for anyone who is interested in AA or Al-Anon. If
a meeting is "open," it will be so designated on the published
schedule. Open meetings can be attended by students, professionals, and other
non-members interested in learning more about the recovery programs.
The designation of a meeting as "open" does not change the meetings
primary purpose of the group.
And, just in case there’s anyone in our readership who does
not understand the difference between AA & Al-Anon:
Alcoholics Anonymous is a
fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with
each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover
from alcoholism.
Al-Anon is a worldwide organization that offers a self-help recovery
program for families and friends of alcoholics whether or not the alcoholic
seeks help or even recognizes the existence of a drinking problem.
Members give and receive comfort and understanding through a mutual exchange of
experiences, strength and hope. Sharing of similar problems binds individuals
and groups together in a bond that is protected by a policy of anonymity.
Thanks for the question
Karen McConnaughey