Alcoholics Anonymous holds international convention

Alcoholics Anonymous, an organization that helps alcoholics cope with their condition through group support, held an international convention from Friday to Sunday at the Muju Resort in the Muju district of Chonbuk Province. At the meeting, 300 "Mr. Lee's from Seoul" and "Miss Kims from Pusan" and their families, 50 members from Japan and the U.S., and 50 social workers and doctors came together, a total of 400 individuals. The convention included a marathon of testimonials on how alcohol destroyed families and self-pride, as well as a "speakers" meeting in which long-time quitters gave pep talks and professionals offered advice concerning the treatment of alcoholism. Attendees were also able to participate in various fellowship gatherings held throughout the convention period.

Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) was found in 1935 by a group of alcoholics who hoped to quit their habit and found hope through group support. Currently, AA boasts a membership of 2 million individuals from 157 nations around the world. In Korea, AA began in 1982 and there are 73 support groups with 2,000 members that meet at least once a week. The Korean AA association representative, "Mr. Park," (70) estimated that about 4.6% of all Koreans may be alcoholic due to the Korean tradition of forcefully offering drinks to others. He also stated that the first step necessary for the treatment of alcoholism was the alcoholic¡¯s own acknowledgment of his or her lack of control in drinking. As such, AA group support can lend great help.