by José Luis Mendoza

We're diving headfirst into our patriotic month, a time for gatherings, parties, celebrations, and a plethora of events flavored with our Mexican identity. Tricolor flags, sombreros, whistles, and flutes are already in sight, along with t-shirts, scarves, plush mustaches, and countless items, mostly made in China, reminding us that we're patriots, or at least once a year. Viva Mexico, folks!!!

Personally, I believe that being a good patriot means being a good citizen first, and to be a good citizen, you have to be a good human being; at all times, in every place, and at any time of day or night. Taking care of and worrying about my homeland means taking care of and worrying about my world, my society, my fellow human beings, my family, and the families of my peers. That's it in short; I'll have to expand on this topic another time.

Our San Mike now is dressing in three colors and three lights; green, white and red, restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, houses and buildings, etc., prepare thoroughly to welcome a lively crowd of Mexican and foreign visitors eager to fully celebrate our national holiday alongside local residents.

And... an inevitable, sometimes inconvenient guest appears everywhere: Mr. Alcohol. People can be seen everywhere with their beer or drink in hand, some already a bit red, others plainly tipsy, happily singing with the mariachis in the garden, all equally so. Sophisticated city ladies, suited-up gentlemen with mustaches, young men and women overflowing with tattoos, dark-skinned, blond, white, mixed, nationals or foreigners, all giving free rein to this Mexican patriotic joy that floods us once a year.

It's all camaraderie and fun, but this multi-invited character, Sir Alcohol, doesn't treat everyone the same... Not at all! He always makes sure to grab many by the neck and show them the abyss of hell, waking up early to collect his bills, or sometimes not sleeping at all. What happened to me? Where am I? Why did I say or do that? My God! I drank again... Fear, anxiety, crying, anguish, tremors, or stomach discomfort that doesn't seem to end. Yes, this gentleman doesn't treat everyone the same; he's very cruel to some...

Alcohol has been, since the dawn of humanity, an element that has served to warm the hearts of friends and comrades, an ingredient for mystical and shamanic experiences, a giver of joy, love, and social courage. But it has always been very unfair, as while it treats some well, it rolls many others in pain, anguish, and despair. It drags many by the neck to the grave, relentlessly destroying their family, spirit, morals, economy, and physical health.

The World Health Organization, as well as most health institutions worldwide, including IMSS and ISSTE, consider alcoholism a disease, an incurable, progressive, and necessarily fatal condition, not a vice. Although highly addictive, it is not simply a vice, and the alcoholic patient is completely unable to achieve total sobriety, physically, spiritually, or morally. So, what to do? Where to turn? Whom to consult?

Well, there is a worldwide organization that has shown over the years, specifically since 1935, that thousands of alcoholic patients have successfully recovered. Alcoholics Anonymous. In 2018, was present in more than 180 countries, consisting of 120,300 groups and bringing together nearly 2.1 million members. AA is an international mutual aid community composed of recovering alcoholics, founded by William Griffith Wilson, known as Bill W, and Robert Holbrook Smith, as Dr. Bob. Their treatment is based on a 12-step program designed to help people recover from alcoholism. Although it has no religious or political affiliation, its spiritual focus has been a source of strength for many.

The impact of AA on society is undeniable. It provides a safe and supportive environment where people can share their struggles and experiences without judgment. The AA community has helped countless alcoholics find a network of people who understand their pain and challenges. This, in turn, has contributed to rebuilding broken family relationships and restoring stability in homes.

Alcoholism has deeply affected society in terms of health, relationships, the economy, and public safety. However, Alcoholics Anonymous has proven to be an invaluable resource in the fight against this disease. It provides a support community that has helped countless people recover and rebuild their lives.

While alcoholism will remain a challenge, the existence of Alcoholics Anonymous offers hope and a path to recovery for those seeking a life free from the tormenting scourge of alcoholism. If you're one of those who has been grabbed by the neck by alcohol, give yourself a chance, approach an AA group; you'll never regret it.

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José Luis Mendoza Aubert: actor, director and theater technician; teacher and writer of Theater and Plastic Arts; founder and director of the Comedia del Universo theater company and school, operating in San Miguel for the last 20 years; musicologist and cinephile, judge of the En Corto Film Festival now GIFF for 8 years; Director of Art and Culture of the Public Library for 15 years; member of the board of directors of El Sindicato Centro Cultural Comunitario.

José Luis gives talks and workshops on environmental awareness in schools and communities. He is a founding member of the Allende la Cultura Collective. He plays Veracruz music and writes poetry and is a founding member of the music group Jarocha "Soledad".

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