Alcoholism is a medical condition that, if left unaddressed, can wreak havoc and ruin lives.

The first step in treatment involves recognizing and acknowledging a problem exists. Lancaster County Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) treats the condition through empathy, communication and human support.

"Figures suggest that one-third of the (country's) population has a drinking problem," said Rick S., a central service office volunteer for Lancaster County A.A. "For me, an alcoholic is someone who is drinking against their own will. There's something in their mind and body that's making them drink. They're literally from all walks of life."

"I've been very good friends with lawyers and doctors," Rick S. continued. "I've been very good friends with people who are a step away from living on the streets. Everywhere you run across these people. They're people who just want to live a better life and be better people. It's not just willpower to stop drinking; it's getting along with yourself. That's what's kept me sober."

Headquartered at 313 W. Liberty St., Lancaster, Lancaster County A.A. has a mission that revolves around meetings and bringing people together to address drinking problems in a therapeutic environment. Lancaster County A.A. offers about 148 hourlong meetings each week all over the city and county. Meetings are held mostly at churches, but also at its unofficial clubhouse, the 521 Club, 2400 Butter Road, Lancaster, and at community centers in areas like Lititz, Neffsville, Ephrata, Millersville, Gap, Elizabethtown, Willow Street and Denver.

Lancaster County A.A. also conducts seven meetings a week at the Lancaster County Prison and offers Zoom meetings.

The meetings are free to attend, but donations, which go a long way in funding Lancaster County A.A.'s work, are accepted.

"What a lot of newcomers say is, 'I can't believe how happy everybody is. What are all these people so happy about?'" said Rick S. "There are people who come in who are really suffering. But I think it helps to see people who have long-term sobriety. There's a very light and friendly vibe. When the meeting starts, it can be very serious. There can be tears, tears of joy and tears of sorrow. Ultimately, the vibe is unconditional support. For the most part, there's nothing more than love and support."

Lancaster County A.A. offers individuals two kinds of meetings: open meetings for anyone, including spouses, medical professionals and students, and closed meetings for only people who identify as having a drinking problem. The meetings are led by a volunteer - many times people who are recovering alcoholics themselves.

On the average, about 20 people attend each Lancaster County A.A. meeting.

"Each meeting has a similar format," said Rick S. "After an opening or a greeting, we read the Alcoholics Anonymous preamble. Most meetings will have announcements about events and happenings. Typically, we read the 12 steps and the traditions, and we celebrate any A.A. anniversaries. Then it just opens up. If people want to share, they can share, or if not, they can just listen. At the end of the meeting we say, 'Thanks for being here and thanks for helping each other.' We tell them, 'Keep coming back. It works if you work it.'"

Lancaster County A.A., which was established locally in 1947, is operated entirely through the efforts of volunteers. The organization also operates a 24-hour phone help line, 717-394-3238.

"There's no doubt that there's a genetic component to (alcoholism), and there can be a traumatic piece to it," said Rick S., a resident of Lancaster Township. "Many of us aren't first-time winners. A lot of us have to try it a number of times. Are we cured? I'm cured in the sense I no longer have a desire to drink. In A.A., our approach is that we're in remission. It never leaves you. You can't turn a pickle back into a cucumber."

For additional information about Lancaster County Alcoholics Anonymous, go to https://lancasteraa.org.