Advocates in Bahrain are raising awareness about the risk of alcohol addiction and the importance of seeking community-based support to overcome the condition.
Members of Bahrain’s Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) fellowship have highlighted the value of the platform, particularly during times of uncertainty and crisis, which can place significant strain on people’s emotional wellbeing.
AA, a global mutual aid fellowship dedicated to abstinence-based recovery from alcoholism, has been active in Bahrain since the 1970s. The local group holds weekly open and closed meetings, as well as online sessions in both English and Arabic for those who prefer remote support.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), an estimated 13 per cent of people affected by conflict experience mild forms of depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while nine per cent live with moderate to severe mental health conditions.
Global studies have also highlighted the link between emergencies and mental health challenges, with around 22pc of people who have experienced war or conflict within the past decade suffering from conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
With regional challenges continuing to weigh on the mental wellbeing of many residents, advocates say raising awareness of community support networks such as AA is especially important. Among them is a former hospitality professional who has remained sober since joining AA 21 years ago after being introduced to the programme by his wife.
“There are people who have lost their jobs or been laid off temporarily, which can be stressful,” said the AA member, who serves as a sponsor within the fellowship.
In AA, members who have maintained at least one year of sobriety can become sponsors, offering guidance and support to others as they work towards recovery.
AA’s recovery model is based on a 12-step programme that provides a framework for achieving and maintaining sobriety. Members also have access to a range of literature, including the Big Book and Daily Reflections, which are designed to help individuals navigate the challenges of addiction and recovery.
“I worked in the hospitality industry and led a very social lifestyle. Alcohol was a frequent part of my daily routine,” the Bahraini recalled, adding that joining the group proved highly beneficial for him.
After years of waking up with hangovers and struggling financially as much of his income went towards funding his addiction, he said attending AA meetings offered him a fresh start.
“Everyone is welcome and there is no pressure to reveal your identity,” he said, encouraging those seeking help to attend without fear of judgement.
Reflecting on life in recovery, he acknowledged that occasional urges to drink are normal for recovering alcoholics. “However, I say no. We have a saying in AA: one drink is too much and a thousand not enough. It’s the first drink that does the damage,” he said.
He explained that regularly attending meetings and following the programme had given him the tools to resist temptation. Equally important, he added, was the support network provided by fellow members who understand the challenges of addiction.
“We are like one family,” he remarked.
Echoing that sentiment is a Bahrain-based, Canadian-born AA member who has been involved with the fellowship in different countries for the past 26 years.
“At my first meeting, there were lawyers and bankers in the room, but they had stories very similar to mine. They were friendly and never tried to pressure me,” said the former addict, who was forced to leave medical school because of his drinking.
“I had tried different ways to quit before joining AA, including consulting a psychotherapist, but nothing worked. At AA, they explained that alcoholism is a three-fold illness: spiritual, mental and physical.
“For me, the physical aspect was that once I started drinking, it triggered a craving for more. Then there is the mental obsession. A person may be physically sober between drinks, but the obsession leads them to pick up another drink despite knowing the consequences. Spiritually, you reach a point of despair over your drinking and realise you need help.”
He said the programme helped him gain perspective, clarity and a better understanding of his addiction.
Although he attended his first meeting at his sister’s request, he did not return immediately, which he noted is not uncommon among newcomers.
“I kept thinking about the group after my first meeting and after some months went back,” he added. He has not looked back since and presently lives and works in Bahrain.
“After that first meeting, I kept thinking about the group. A few months later, when I realised nothing else was working, I went back,” he said.
He has remained active in AA ever since and now lives and works in Bahrain.
The avid traveller said sobriety has enabled him to build a successful career, take on leadership responsibilities at work and enjoy a fulfilling family and social life.
“I hit the gym a few times a week and attend social gatherings with family and friends too.
“A major goal at AA is to go out into the world and live meaningful lives,” he added.
The AA meetings are held at the Serenity Hospital building in Juffair. For more details, or to attend a session, call the helplines on 17530020 (English) or 36665610 (Arabic).
According to the latest World Health Organisation reports:
* Alcohol consumption contributes to 2.6 million deaths each year.
* Alcohol is the leading risk factor for premature mortality and disability among those aged 20 to 39 years, accounting for 13 per cent of all deaths in this age group.
* Harmful use of alcohol is accountable for 6.9pc and 2pc of the global burden of disease for males and females respectively.
melissa@gdnmedia.bh
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