Moving to Fuerteventura

Living in Fuerteventura isn’t always simple, and many people slide easily into a drinking culture. Alcoholic drinks are much cheaper in the Canaries … and a high percentage of the social interaction revolves around bars, restaurants, and social gatherings. It is all too easy to open another bottle, if only to prolong the fun you’re having with friends. Many drink for other reasons – not quite as fun, such as a way to deal with the stresses and strains of everyday life. The drink almost becomes a crutch – a “support” as it were. It may help someone to get to  sleep, to chill out after a hard day, to get courage to meet new people, or simply to relax. However, this can all too quickly become a liability rather than an asset.

Admitting that you have an addiction to alcohol is not easy – but they do say “admission is the first step to recovery”. Many people in Fuerteventura admit that they have a drink problem, and are doing something about it. Ok… so you have quit the demon drink – what next?

Why not get in touch with Alcoholics Anonymous, who have a group in Caleta de Fuste – yes, right in the belly of the beast!

Here are details of their meetings:

Wednesday   10.15am to 11.45am   (closed for AA members only)
Saturday        7.00pm to  8.30pm   (open for AA & Al-Anon)

The meetings are held in the Centro Cultural, Caleta de Fuste (next to the sports ground).  If coming along the main road from the airport, turn left at the first roundabout as you approach Caleta de Fuste and almost immediately left again at the mini-roundabout.  The meeting is held in the first small white & green ‘hut’ at the back of the sportsground & the AA sign is put up, with usually a couple of members standing outside to welcome new people.  They are a really friendly bunch!

You can also contact them by phone for more information about the meetings by telephone on 656748877. This is also the AA 24 hour helpline number.

The guys are extremely keen to encourage new members – and as more people join, the number of evenings can then increase.

In case you don’t know, Al-Anon, which normally runs alongside AA, is for anyone who has been affected by another person who has a problem with alcohol (friends, family etc).  The illness is far-reaching and the effects on those close to the alcoholic are equally as devastating and debilitating. Just like the alcoholic, those affected by another’s drinking need support & understanding and the same 12 step programme and regular meetings gives them the hope and strength to begin their journey to recovery and start to live their lives again.  Believe me they are as damaged and lost as the alcoholics and need just as much support and encouragement to heal themselves!  We are hoping to establish an Al-Anon group here in the summer.  We will of course keep you posted, but in the meantime Al-Anon members are welcomed into the AA group on Saturdays.

Good luck!

Information very kindly donated by Bridie, a resident in Fuerteventura, and a professional counsellor. You can find out more about Bridie, or contact her for advice, by visiting her website HERE