the goan I network
MARGAO
Curtorim MLA Reginaldo Lourenco on Sunday underlined the need to form a group on the lines of Alcoholic Anonymous to save hundreds of Goan families which
have been ruined by casino gambling.
He was addressing an awareness programme on “Alcoholism as a disease & AA as the way out” held to mark the 84th anniversary of Alcoholics Anonymous worldwide.
The programme was organised by Alcoholics Anonymous Inter Group (South) at the Grace Church hall, Margao. Those present included Dr Tanvi Pednekar, psychiatrist, Hospicio hospital and Fr Jose Rodrigues, Parish Priest, Grace Church, Margao.
Reginaldo said the AA was doing yeoman service in the society. “We need AA units in every part of the state. There’s degradation of the society and we all should support AA to change the society and help make it a better place to live,” he stated.
Pointing out that hundreds of families in Goa have been ruined by casino gambling, the Curtorim MLA said a group on the lines of AA will go a long way in rescuing the people addicted to casino gambling.
Appreciating the work put in by AA over the years, Reginaldo offered his support to the organization and to spread awareness about the organisation among the people.
In her address, Dr Tanvi Pednekar said Alcoholics Anonymous plays an important role in society. “We receive patients affected by drinking. But the major struggle for the patients starts when they go out from the hospital and that is the time AA members’ help comes into picture,” she said, adding motivation and talks by AA members have helped many a patient to recover and stay away from drinking.
She recalled the role played by AA members in getting patients to the 14-bedded hospital at Monte Hill, adding that while the doctors only treat, AA members through their motivation help the patients to keep away from alcohol.
