ALCOHOLICS Anonymous will this week hold its annual convention, open to anyone in need of counselling and/or services.

The three-day event, to be held at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess Hotel, will also see a host of professionals ? prison employees, therapists and so on ? in attendance and will include a series of guest speakers and opportunities for discussion.

"Any member of the community can join in any part of the process," a spokesperson from the group said yesterday.

"We have between 30 and 35 professionals coming to the banquet. As part of our outreach programme, it's very important that they understand why our programme works."

An international organisation, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem.

"It is non-professional, self-supporting, non-denominational, multiracial, apolitical and available almost everywhere," the spokesperson added. "There are no age or education requirements. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about his or her drinking problem."

AA meetings typically enable a place where members can share their experiences with people seeking help with a drinking problem. Centred around 12 Steps, the programme offers the alcoholic a way to develop a satisfying life without alcohol. The association offers two types of forums.

Open meetings are available for alcoholics and non-alcoholics whereas closed meetings are open only to alcoholics or prospective alcoholics. runs today between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m., tomorrow between 8.30 a.m. and 10.30 p.m., and on Sunday between 10 a.m. and 11.45 a.m. A donation of $25 is asked of those attending the presentations and $65 for those wishing to attend the group's banquet tomorrow night.