Alcoholics Anonymous - Lanzarote
Living in Lanzarote isn’t always a bed of roses, and many people slip easily into a drinking culture. Alcoholic drinks are much cheaper in Lanzarote than in the UK … and much of the social interaction revolves around bars, restaurants, and social gatherings. It is all too easy to pour that next tipple, and keep the conversations flowing a little longer. Many drink for other reasons, such as a way to deal with the stresses and strains of everyday life. The drink almost becomes a crutch – a “support” as it were. It may help someone to sleep at night, to wind down after a day at work, to make new friends, or simply to relax with people that you don’t know particularly well. However, this can all too easily become a liability rather than an asset.
Admitting that you have a problem with alcohol is not easy – but as they say “admission is the first step to recovery”. Many people on the Island admit that they have a drink problem, and are doing something about it. Ok… so you quit the demon drink – what next?
Over 20 years ago, Alcoholics Anonymous was set up in Lanzarote for this very purpose – to help sober alcoholics with a support network, and a place where likeminded people could give each other a boost when times are hard. A telephone number is available for when you are feeling low, and close to temptation. As the name indicates, this is as anonymous as a support group can get, with only first names used between members.
The group meets every day at the Pain and Injury Clinic in Centro Atlantico, Puerto del Carmen, and also once a week at “Sign Wright” in Costa Teguise, in an informal setting, and provides that much needed help. The group concentrates on helping others to live a sober life. You really do need to want to stop – as nobody can make you do this but yourself. A spouse, a child, a friend etc may all think you need to cut down or knock it on the head – but unless you really want to do it yourself, then it won’t happen.
Alcoholics Anonymous in Lanzarote is run by volunteers, and all costs (such as room hire and telephone bills) are covered by the donations of the members themselves. AA receives no outside funding, and their motivation is simply to help!
Daily Meetings in Puerto del Carmen (Pain & Injury Clinic. CC Atlantico, Avenida de Las Playas)
Mon 6pm Open meeting Speaker
Tue 12 noon Open meeting Topic/Discussion
Wed 12 noon Members only Traditions
Thu 12 noon Members only Steps to Recovery
Fri 6pm Open meeting Speaker
Sat 12 noon Open meeting Big Book Study
Sun 12 noon Members only Hot Grudge Sunday
Weekly Meetings in Costa Teguise (Sign Wright. Next to Barcelo Hotel. Local 15, Avenida del Mar)
Wed 6pm Open meeting
For further information, contact details, and for help and advice – visit the Lanzarote Alcoholics Anonymous website at www.aalanzarote.com
Our thanks to “Jim” from AA who took the time to spend with us, answering our questions, and raising awareness of the support available. Alcoholics Anonymous in Lanzarote is run entirely voluntarily by its members.
