SNP MSP for Glasgow Anne McLaughlin has today praised the work of voluntary organisation Alcoholics Anonymous.

After welcoming AA to the Scottish Parliament at a reception last night and hearing first hand how it has helped turning people’s lives around, Ms McLaughlin said that she was keen to let more people know about the service.

The MSP is urging GPs and workplaces across Glasgow to advertise the services of the organisation more, so that more people can take the first step to recovery.

Speaking after the event Ms McLaughlin said: “Glasgow has a huge problem with alcohol, there can be no doubt about that. So it’s important that people who want help to stop drinking know that there are services out there that do work. What’s also important to highlight is that the service is completely free.

“We need to look at new ways of getting this message across and I believe that health centres having the contact details available and encouraging people to pick up the phone there and then will make a huge difference. Once they do pick up the phone they will find somebody at the other end who knows exactly what they are going through because they’ve been there themselves.

“I’d also urge workplaces to contact self help groups including Alcoholics Anonymous and get them involved in the workplace. The financial cost to the Scottish economy through lost working days and lost productivity is far too high and involving Alcoholics Anonymous can help deal with these aspects of Scotland’s drink problem, as well as the human impact.

“Again I would highlight that they don’t charge one single penny for their services, and in a time where there will be cuts made to public services and money is tight all round, I believe that people really need to be aware of what Alcoholics Anonymous offer.”