English-speaking Alcoholics Anonymous in Paris: meetings, hotline and support

"Join The Club" is an ill-suited column title when it comes to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). You should only join if you find yourself suffering from alcoholism. 

Be aware that Paris’ Alcooliques Anonymes runs English-speaking landlines, and on the other end you will speak to Dennis G, 72, one of the three volunteers.

“The primary goal is to get the individual to go to AA meetings. That is where the real work begins,” he said.

AA schedules about 40 in-person or Zoom meetings every week in Paris.

Before you tell your story, Dennis will inevitably tell his.

This usually breaks the ice and helps people open up about their own struggle with alcohol. There is usually a lot of shame, remorse, and guilt, says Dennis.

A native of Baltimore, Maryland, he moved to France in 1986 after several visits. He initially worked in the retail industry before becoming an English-language trainer for professionals who enrolled in programmes offered by the Compte personnel de formation (CPF).

He made the same call as other callers to AA, his first around 1998 and came to a couple of meetings.

Alcoholism almost killed him. He was hospitalised for two months at Hôpital Bichat-Claude-Bernard between October 1998 and January 2, 1999, after he suffered acute alcoholic pancreatitis.

Getting sober, he said, was not a luxury but a necessity if he wanted to stay alive. He kept going to AA and has been sober for 27 years now.

“I got sober at 45, have lived long enough to retire, and have a good life now. My personal story can be very useful and convince people that it could work for them,” he said.

Dennis advises attending in-person meetings, as it creates a greater connection through hugs, holding hands, and serenity prayers. However, Zoom calls can create relationships as well, he says. “It is a community,” he added.

Dennis is also the one answering your texts if you prefer that method over calls. You can call and text, but many people choose to email for greater anonymity, Dennis said. 

The English-speaking chapter of France’s AA offers the traditional help and support that British people and Americans would find in their home country, most famously its 12-step programme and Seventh Tradition, which emphasises financial independence.

As expected, the English-run landlines get calls from British, Scottish and Irish people, as well as Americans.

Alcoholism is a universal problem, Dennis said, adding that homesickness and feelings of loneliness are characteristic reasons for expats to indulge in drinking.

Less expectedly, however, are the many calls from French people. Dennis thinks there are two reasons for this. There still is a social stigma associated with alcoholism. French people would have a lesser chance of meeting someone they might know by joining English-speaking meetings.

There is also greater openness in English-speaking AA groups compared to French-speaking meetings.

‘Closer to French traditions’

The English-speaking AA in Paris, as the chapter is known, is closer to French traditions, Dennis says. While AA is perceived to be a spiritual programme with a strong Christian focus – and meetings ending with members saying the Lord’s Prayer, for instance – Paris is much more secular.

“The focus remains spiritual but not in a religious faith perspective,” Dennis said.

When you call, Dennis will ask what you know about Alcoholics Anonymous. If you say you do know about it, Dennis will ask what you know.

“And then I take it from there.” If you’re convinced, he will take your WhatsApp number, send you AA’s literature, and meet you at the next meeting.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Find meetings here.

Call Dennis on 06 64 90 50 44, text him, or send an email to deg1953@gmail.com.

The English-speaking AA hotline has a new number: 07 56 98 45 71.