Easter on the Costa del Sol: a time of renewal

Easter is often a time for reflection and new beginnings. Across the Costa del Sol, many people spend the holiday with family and friends. But for some, alcohol has quietly become something they can no longer control.

Alcoholics Anonymous has helped millions recover from alcoholism. Here, two members share how they found AA, and how their lives changed.

Alison grew up in a loving home where alcohol was rarely present.

“There wasn’t really drinking in our home,” she says. “At New Year my parents had a party. My dad diluted a small whisky with lemonade, and my mum had a couple of glasses of port. She played the piano and everyone sang. No one was ever drunk.”

Her first experience of alcohol came very young. “I drank the dregs from glasses at a party when I was five and got drunk. My mum was furious.”

For many years she rarely drank. But by her early forties’ things had changed.

“I worked long hours and rewarded myself with a bottle of red wine each night. It helped me relax, but I noticed I was beginning to need it.”

One morning she woke up feeling desperate.

“I felt ashamed and worthless. I couldn’t live with alcohol, yet I couldn’t live without it.”

She searched online and found an AA meeting.

“When I finally went in, people wrapped me in warmth and said, ‘Come in, we’ve all been there.’ I felt safe and understood.”

Mason’s experience was very different.

“I’m 60 years old and a business owner,” he says. “Growing up there was violence, rage and constant criticism.”

He drank for the first time at ten and by fifteen was drinking to get drunk. Drugs followed.

People told him for years he had a problem. His sobriety date is 23 April 2018.

“I have a life now,” he says. “Before I got sober, I was existing, not living.”

Alison’s message is simple: “Get off the bus before it reaches the terminal.”

There are meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous, with friendly people who will understand, held daily throughout the Costa del Sol. Meetings are free to attend, and anyone who thinks they may have a problem with alcohol is welcome. Call the English-speaking AA helpline for support: +34 600 379 110 or visit the website for help and information.