Easter! Chocolate, parties, and booze…

EASTER is here and the yearly influx of visitors has begun. What is a happy time for most, can instil dread in others. Whilst the children are busy hunting chocolate eggs, the adults can get stuck into the booze. Or is that just you? Do you find every social event is an excuse for a drink? Does it feel like all celebrations end with a hangover?

Maybe you have humiliated yourself, or your partner with your drunken behaviour. Perhaps this has stopped you seeing friends completely, deciding it is just easier to sit at home and drink alone.

Does any of this ring a bell with you? Has your drinking become an issue for you, or those around you?

Is your life out of control and unmanageable? Are you feeling isolated and lonely because of your alcohol use?

Millions of people worldwide have admitted defeat in in trying to control their problem drinking.

They found a solution that works; Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) ­ a 12 Step fellowship group.

Here two members of AA talk about how their drinking led them to ask for help.

“My name is Ava. I always knew there was a problem with the way I drank, other people didn’t hide their drinking. Other people could stop once they started. I was in denial. I was able to give up alcohol for short periods of time, so I kidded myself, that I was in control.

“There was no single occasion that I would count as my rock bottom. It was more a feeling of being totally broken and hating myself. I was sick of the lies. I had no self­respect. The unmanageability of my life was getting worse, I knew I needed help.

“I went along to my first AA meeting. Everyone was brighteyed and they were laughing, I wanted some of what they had.”

“My name is Terry. My drinking really took off in my late 20s, when I partied constantly. I was aware of the quantities I was drinking; but I didn’t understand what the consequences would be, or how fast my alcoholism was developing.

“I couldn’t accept the feelings I was experiencing; my self­worth was low; and my dignity was damaged. I would wake most mornings and try to piece together what had happened the night before, call friends to fill in the gaps, and try and laugh it off. But really, I was heading down a very dangerous path.

“I called the AA helpline and there was a calmly spoken gentleman on the other end. He told me he would take me along to a meeting of AA, which he did.

“All I really remember from that first meeting was the kindness given to me and the complete lack of judgement. To anyone struggling, it is up to you to decide your path. I can wholeheartedly recommend AA. Try a few meetings. It worked for me; it really did give me my life back.”

Are the consequences of your alcohol use getting too much? Is alcohol costing you more than money? If you are ready to stop drinking, or want support to help you try, then don’t wait until it gets any worse, get in touch.

There are meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous, with friendly people who understand, held daily throughout the Costa del Sol. Meetings are free to attend, and anyone who thinks they may have a problem with alcohol is welcome.

BILL ANDERSON A PUBLIC SERVANT

ALTHOUGH I have been away from my home country for over 20 years, I still follow what is happening in Scotland from the corner of my eye, I wouldn’t say it is with interest: more out of curiosity.

I did follow the Kate Forbes/Humza Yousaf leadership battle for the SNP, though. We know that Yousaf won the battle: the first ‘person of colour’, and a practising Muslim, to run Scotland.

I watched a debate recently on this issue and the question, referring to Kate Forbes, was whether a person’s religious beliefs should exclude them from Public Office. The Mainstream Media already decided long before the actual election that in her case that it should. I am not a religious person, far from it in fact, but I have to say that it was refreshing to hear someone (Forbes) standing up for her beliefs and not giving a mealy mouthed answer about her views on gay marriage.

I am sure that if she had smudged her answer or even worse lied about it, she may have won the election. Whether it would have been better or worse for the Scottish Nation, who knows? It was, however, refreshing to catch a glimpse of that rare commodity called integrity