Team Goemkarponn
Cansaulim: The Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) group in Cansaulim on Sunday celebrated the 14th sobriety anniversary of one of its woman members, while also announcing an exclusive helpline and weekly meetings dedicated to women battling alcoholism. The women-only meetings will be held every Saturday between 4.30 pm and 5.30 pm.
The programme was attended by Sister Rose Paite, Dr. Sharada Mulgaonkar Patil, PSI Archana Gaonkar, police constable Mamata Dhulapkar, and others.
Speaking on the occasion, Sister Rose Paite lauded the courage of the member who marked 14 years of sobriety. “She dared to say she was an alcoholic and has lived alcohol-free for 14 years. We invite Goan families to come out of hiding, admit the problem, and seek help from AA. With the women’s helpline now in place, no one needs to suffer in silence,” she said.
Renowned gynaecologist Dr. Sharada Mulgaonkar Patil highlighted that women too struggle with alcoholism but often go unnoticed. “In my 30 years of practice, I have seen many women silently suffer. If a man is an alcoholic, the family seeks help. But when it is a woman, even her family hides it. This initiative by AA is timely and commendable, as women also deserve the support to overcome addiction,” she said, urging professionals like doctors and police to extend their support.
PSI Archana Gaonkar and constable Mamata Dhulapkar also expressed solidarity with the initiative, encouraging women to come forward without fear or stigma.
The Cansaulim AA group reaffirmed its commitment to supporting women struggling with alcoholism, urging them to reach out through the exclusive helpline and assuring assistance in their journey towards recovery.
