Recovering Alcoholics Share Their Journey at AA Meetings in Tenerife
Miguel Ángel, a Granadilla de Abona resident who overcame a 22-year battle with addiction, believes that staying sober is the biggest challenge. He now offers support to others seeking help at Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings in Tenerife. “Learning to live without alcohol is the hardest part,” he says.
The journey to recovery is fraught with risk. Miguel Ángel explains that the first year is critical, with an 80% chance of relapse for those who stay sober. He encourages individuals not to fear relapsing but to see it as part of the process.
Alcoholism can devastate lives, families, and communities. “It affects people on mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual levels,” Miguel Ángel points out, adding that many drinkers are unaware of the extent of their addiction. “People often think an alcoholic is someone lying on the street, not someone who can hold a job,” he emphasises.
At AA, members often discuss a “pool of suffering.” He notes that many excuse their drinking, comparing themselves to others. When friends or family express concern, the tendency is to distance themselves, seeking out others who share the same struggles.
Miguel Ángel recounts seeing both men and women at AA who have hit rock bottom, returning to stability after years of hardship. “We witness real miracles,” he claims.
He emphasises the importance of regaining dignity. He knows many who, after losing their jobs and facing bankruptcy, have rebuilt their lives. “Recovering dignity is the greatest gift that Alcoholics Anonymous offers.”
For those battling alcoholism, Miguel Ángel encourages reaching out to AA in Tenerife at 629 456 879. They offer a structured 12-step recovery programme across 15 groups, with meetings held daily throughout the island. He assures newcomers that they will leave with helpful resources.
Miguel Ángel serves as a role model for those attending AA for the first time, sharing his own experiences without imposing his beliefs. “I tell them I was once like them, showing what I’ve done to stay well,” he concludes.
