And it is at these meetings that they gather the courage and strength from each other for their struggle to kick the habit. For, the truth is that they have to fight the problem within, as well as battle the social stigma that comes with being described as an alcoholic female.
Anonymity is their first shield.
Countering the illness called alcoholism by living from day to day is the first valuable lesson they learn. Then there is Vinita, in her early 30s, who started early because everyone in her family drank. Some of the women have been coming to the meeting for years. One member says that she has not been able to make her family understand that alcoholism is a disease like cancer that can affect anybody. What triggers it in some, but not in others, is related to the fact that alcoholism is a genetically-transmitted disease centered in the enzyme system, irrespective of gender.