Drinking often appears to be a significant component of social interactions in China for both expats and locals. Social gatherings, events, and even casual meetings with friends frequently include alcohol in some form. This can be particularly challenging for those battling alcoholism, as it feels nearly unavoidable.
While one might easily suggest, “Just don’t drink if you don’t want to,” the reality of addiction makes that a challenging proposition. For some individuals, quitting can be impossible.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that nearly 3 million people die each year globally due to alcohol use. If you are experiencing the impacts of alcohol addiction, it’s crucial to seek help and avoid becoming another statistic.
There are resources available for assistance, even in Beijing, with one of the best options being to join the local chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), which has been operating in the capital since the 1980s.
We recently interviewed two AA members to gain insights into the organization, its relevance, and how individuals can join.
Can you explain a bit more about AA and its importance in a city like Beijing? AA is a fellowship where individuals come together to share their experiences, strength, and hope. The primary aim is to help one another recover from alcoholism. Established in 1935 in Akron, Ohio, USA, AA has supported millions worldwide in overcoming alcohol addiction.
In a bustling city like Beijing, where the expat lifestyle can often feel isolating and overwhelming, AA provides a secure and supportive community for those struggling with alcohol issues. Being away from home can sometimes lead to increased alcohol consumption, and AA creates a space for individuals to connect with others who understand the complexities of addiction and expatriate life.
When did AA first establish a chapter in Beijing, and how many have emerged since then? Small gatherings of two to four individuals began meeting in expats' homes during the 1980s. By the time I joined in 1993, there were about five to seven members in Beijing meeting twice a week, on Sundays at 11 am and Wednesdays at 7 am.
As the foreign population grew in the 1990s, so did the membership of English-speaking AA. By 2000, the regular membership reached around 30. The number of meetings increased from two to four weekly by adding Monday and Friday meetings by the late ‘90s.
The first AA "12th step" call to a Chinese member occurred in August 2000, followed by the initiation of AA meetings in Chinese hospitals—first at Liu Yuan Hospital and then at Anding Hospital—supported by doctors Li Bing and Guo Song. The first bilingual meeting for both Chinese and Western members began in the fall of 2000 at Jianguomen Wai DRC and continues to take place on Saturdays at 7 am.
When SARS emerged in 2003, we could no longer hold meetings in hospitals, and members stopped meeting in homes due to health concerns. For a brief period, meetings shifted to private banquet rooms in restaurants on Sundays.
In late 2003, both the Chinese and Western group members sought a permanent “clubhouse” for meetings, sharing the rent and other expenses. The English meetings were on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, while the Chinese group utilized Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Having established a permanent location and welcomed several newcomers, the English group also added morning meetings at 7 am five days a week. At its height between 2008 and 2015, the English-speaking membership reached around 70 to 80 members.
Currently, the membership of AA in Beijing has expanded to include a significantly higher number of Chinese members compared to expats.
Who would benefit from joining AA, and who would you recommend to consider it? AA is meant for anyone who desires to stop drinking. If alcohol is impacting your relationships with family, friends, or your work, or if you frequently find yourself wishing you could quit but feel unable to, AA could be a valuable resource. There’s no obligation to commit; you can simply attend a meeting to see if it resonates with you. You might find the answers you’ve been searching for.
From your perspective, does expat life contribute to increased alcoholism or worsen existing issues? In my experience, yes, it can. Upon arriving in China, I was sober, but after a few years, the allure of expat life began to influence me. Being far from home led me to believe that no one would know if I had a drink. Unfortunately, I couldn’t escape my own reality, which nearly ruined me. Living abroad can heighten feelings of loneliness and stress, often leading to increased drinking.
What’s the process for joining AA, and what can new members expect? Joining AA is straightforward. The only requirement is a desire to stop drinking. There are no fees or dues, and members are not compelled to do anything. You will encounter a supportive community of individuals who once faced drinking
Since the 1980s, the Beijing chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous has been aiding individuals who are battling alcoholism in the capital.