The problem of alcohol use is often under-recognized and unaddressed especially in South Asian communities and very few people with the problem seek help. The effects of alcohol use on individuals, their careers, and their families can be devastating. Many lives are lost prematurely due to drinking alcohol. Fortunately, we now have many treatment options available to facilitate rehabilitation and recovery.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Meetings

Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who come together to solve their drinking problem. These meetings are for anyone who wants to do something about their drinking problem. Many find it empowering and effective to attend local AA meetings. The meetings are free and offered in every town.

Many South Asians avoid attending AA meetings because they feel culturally out of place. They find it very helpful to attend meetings for South Asians. South Asian AA meetings, like all other AA meetings, are run by the AA members, independent of SAMHIN. SAMHIN encourages participation in these meetings.

Hospitalized Alcoholic Patients
A hospitalized alcoholic South Asian patient can call one of the AA members listed below. Or, with the patient’s permission, the hospital staff can call on behalf of the patient to assist with coordination. The AA member will make an effort to visit/contact the patient to provide guidance and information on AA recovery. This will help improve the chances of follow-up care and recovery.

 

Global Gratitude Group of USA AA Virtual AA Meetings

Global Gratitude Group of USA AA holds virtual AA meetings twice a week on Zoom.

Meeting Schedule

Mondays and Thursdays: 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM ET
The Zoom meeting opens at 7:45 PM for informal chat before the meeting begins.

How to Join Virtual Meeting

Join during the scheduled time by clicking the button below. [Meeting ID: 81322055835, Passcode: 123456]

If you have problems accessing a meeting, please call or text Gurmeet or Hiren (numbers below). If you have Internet problems, you can join a meeting by calling 669-900-6833 and entering the meeting ID and password.

  • Gurmeet: 732-718-3841 (Punjabi & Hindi)
  • Hiren: 732-948-8086‬ (Gujarati & Hindi)

Do you have questions about AA?

If anyone with a drinking problem and desire to quit has a question, feel free to call one of the individuals below. They speak English and at least one South Asian language.

  • Gurmeet: 732-718-3841 (Punjabi and Hindi)
  • Dipak: 732-233-5938 (Gujarati and Hindi)
  • Hiren: 732-948-8086 (Gujarati and Hindi)
  • Sachin: 214-434-0930 (Nepali, Hindi, and Punjabi)
  • Serge: 707-347-6650 (Punjabi, Hindi, and Marathi)
  • Vinay: 631-338-1463 (Punjabi and Hindi)
  • Jose C: 848 251-4734 (Portuguese)
  • Abhishek: 646-256-6507 (Hindi)
  • Upen: 908-415-4047 (Hindi, Marathi and Gujarati)

Women can call:

  • Raman Kaur: 647-988-1057 (English and Punjabi)
  • Myola P: 813-679-3627 (Hindi, Marathi, Kannada, Konkani and English)

Additional AA Meetings

Find information on additional AA meetings for South Asians in the “Substance Use” section on the Resources page.