Alcoholics Anonymous celebrates 61 years in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) marked its 61st anniversary on Sunday, saying its fellowship has helped over 5,000 alcoholics in Bengaluru recover from addiction.

AA holds daily meetings at 120 locations in the city, with over 3,000 members currently attending. A women’s de-addiction group also functions under its banner.

An AA member, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "I have been with AA for the last 15 years and I do not touch alcohol now. The group meets every evening to discuss individual experiences of overcoming the addiction.”

The group encourages recovery through peer discussions without supplements or medicines, and its services are free. Members also visit government hospitals, schools, colleges, and public spaces to spread awareness.

AA puts up posters in primary health centres and trains ASHA workers to help people fight addiction. Its helpline (98455 87507) receives 10–15 calls a day from addicts or their families seeking support.