St. Cloud Alano Society Offers Hope for People Suffering from Alcoholism

ST. CLOUD -- Research shows one out of ten people will become an alcoholic in their lifetime, but the St. Cloud Alano Society, is hoping to help families or others suffering from alcoholism.

In conjunction with September being National Recovery Month, the society is offering a number of activities to heighten awareness about drug and alcohol abuse.

John Donovan is the communications director for Alano Society. He says National Recovery Month, is an important national observance that we all need to pay attention to.

"Recovery month started several years ago to bring awareness to Americans that recovery from substance abuse is possible. People who are suffering from substance abuse disorder can lead a healthy and rewarding life says, Donovan".

Donovan says they have seen a need for Alano Society and other substance treatment centers in the St. Cloud community.

In honor of Recovery Month, the society is offering a number of events. 

On September 20, they are offering Yoga and the 12 steps. The class is designed to teach people how Yoga can augment and enhance the 12 step program. The class goes from 7:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.

September 27, they are showing a film called Bill W. The film is a historical film about Bill Wilson, the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. Showing for the film starts at 7:15 p.m.

Both of the events will take place at the St. Cloud Alano Society. It is free and open to the public.

If you or a loved one is living with a drug addict or an alcoholic, Donovan says there are a multitude of options available to help.

"Through the Bremer Foundation, a grant for 250,000 has been given to the Retreat, which is a treatment center in Wayzata. If somebody is finding they need a residential program, but are unable to pay for it, they can apply for a scholarship through the foundation or the retreat"

The society is open seven days a week. Meetings are every morning and evening, there is no fee to attend the meetings, but if someone wants to belong to the Alano club there is a membership fee.