“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 other alcoholics to achieve sobriety. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A membership; we are self supporting through our own contributions. A.A is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organisation or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.” © 1946 Grapevine Magazine; Welcome to the Alcoholics Anonymous South East Wales Intergroup website, here you will find general information about A.A. and also up to date information about meetings in the South Wales area which includes Cardiff, Newport, Chepstow, Barry, Caerphilly and the Valleys. The site is intended for use by both existing members of Alcoholics Anonymous and those that are curious about us. If you are the latter then it may be that you think you have a problem with alcohol or that you know somebody with a drink problem, either way please feel free to look around but first read the rest of this page. The fundamental question that could be asked of anybody wondering whether they have a drink problem is this: "Is alcohol costing you more than money?" There are many things to consider in answering that question so rather than write an exhaustive list here we ask that you click on the "WHO ME?" image to the right, read it and then answer the questions that you find there. (Requires Adobe Reader - see Links) If you have already done that and you are still reading this then that's great, because now you can begin to do something about it. Here are few suggestions to get you going:
Hopefully, there are enough choices that you can feel comfortable with at least one of them. As existing members of A.A. we each would have used one or more of these suggestions, but to a person we each would say that attending meetings and talking to others, that at some point in their lives have been in the same situation, is what really helped. You may feel that attending a meetiing is a really big step, but don't worry, many of us had feelings of apprehension and anxiety about going to an A.A. meeting. Once we got passed that hurdle we came to realise that it is the best thing we could have done. We therefore believe it is the best thing that you can do. So, take your time, follow the above suggestions as best suits you, but do come to see us some day soon. |