Anonymous help

The message the health and human services department wants students who are battling with issues because of alcohol addiction is “you are not alone.”

Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are held at Contra Costa College every Wednesday from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in H-15. Health and human services Chairperson Aminta Mickles said the meetings are open to students and to people in the community.

“Health and human services supports AA meetings on campus to help students who may have a challenge with drinking. AA will allow them to share their stories, and provide support, strength and hope,” Mickles said.

Peer support intern counselor Luanna Waters said last semester in the Students Services Center, she noticed a student who was intoxicated and knew she needed to reach out and help.

“Last semester I was in (the) Student Services (Center) and I observed a gentleman who was obviously upset and it appeared that no one could assist him,” she said. “By observation, it appeared that he was intoxicated — just by (looking at) his body language and the smell of alcohol.”

Waters approach the student and talked to him for nearly two and a half hours. They parted once she knew he had cooled down, she said.

The following day, to her surprise, the student was once again in SSC intoxicated, but with a more tranquil demeanor. Waters referred him to a counselor. Once the session ended, she informed him about other outreach programs on campus.

“I reminded him of the health and human services Wellness Clinic and invited him to sit in on a AA meeting if he wished,” Waters said.

The following day, the student was once again at the SSC and wanted more information to overcome his alcohol addiction.

“He requested to be shown where the clinic is located and where they have the meetings that could help him with alcohol issues,” she said. “He stated that he was ready to work on the issue.”

After the third encounter, the student never came back to the HHS department and clinic.

East Bay Alcohol Anonymous administrator Steve F. said there is always hope for change.

“(There is a) wide understanding of alcoholism, and there are many agencies that are addressing alcohol problems and AA is (one) way,” he said. “We only have one requirement – you only have to have a desire to quit drinking.”