How Alcoholics Anonymous Works

How Alcoholics Anonymous Works Addiction Coping and Recovery Methods and Support Print An Overview of Alcoholics Anonymous By Buddy T facebook twitter Buddy T is an anonymous writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism. Learn about our editorial policy Buddy T Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on July 06, 2015 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on July 23, 2019 Sneksy / Getty Images More in Addiction Coping and Recovery Methods and Support Overcoming Addiction Personal Stories Alcohol Use Addictive Behaviors Drug Use Nicotine Use Alcoholics Anonymous is an international fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem. It is nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial, apolitical, and available almost everywhere. There are no age or education requirements. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about their drinking problem. Alcoholics Anonymous, or AA as it is widely known, has been around since it was founded in 1935 by Bill W. and Dr. Bob in Akron, Ohio. The expansion of the program from a meeting between two alcoholics on June 10, 1935, got a boost with the publication of the book, Alcoholics Anonymous, known as The Big Book, and in 1941 by the publication of an article in the Saturday Evening Post about the group.?? The rich history of the early days of the formation of the Alcoholics Anonymous movement has been chronicled by archivist Mitchell K. in a series of articles available online.?? The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous Who Can Join Alcoholism and drug addiction are often referred to as substance abuse or chemical dependency. Alcoholics and nonalcoholics are, therefore, sometimes introduced to AA and encouraged to attend AA meetings. Anyone may attend open AA meetings. An open meeting is open to the public, while a closed meeting is for members only. Only those with a drinking problem may attend closed meetings or become AA members. People with problems other than alcoholism are eligible for AA membership only if they have a drinking problem too.?? According to AA traditions, the only qualification for membership is a desire to stop drinking. What AA Does AA members share their experience with anyone seeking help with a drinking problem; they give person-to-person service or sponsorship to the alcoholic coming to AA from any source. The AA program, set forth in the Twelve Steps, offers the alcoholic a way to develop a satisfying life without alcohol. This program is discussed at AA group meetings.?? Open AA meetings, which anyone can attend, are usually speaker meetings, at which a member of AA will tell his storyâ€"what it was like, what happened and what its like now. Most AA meetings, however, are closed meetings for members only. A typical AA meeting is a topic discussion meeting. The person leading the meeting chooses a topic and members to take turns sharing their experience on the topic. Some AA meetings are designated for a specific purpose, such as 12-step study groups or beginners meetings designed to teach newcomers about the basics of the program. People who have never been to an actual AA meeting can have misconceptions about how they work due to portrayals they may have seen in the movies or on television. Learn what to expect from a meeting. What Are the 12 Traditions of AA? Effectiveness Due to the confidential nature of a program in which members practice anonymity, and the traditions of the program which discourages members from endorsing outside enterprises, scientific studies of the efficiency of AA are limited. However, there are several studies that have shown that people who were involved in mutual support groups were more likely to remain abstinent after three years than those who tried to quit on their own.?? There have been several studies that show that people who seek professional treatment or counseling for their drinking problems have better outcomes if they combine participation in AA along with their outpatient or inpatient treatment program. Is AA for You? Clearly, faith-based programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous are not for everyone. Although millions of people claim to have found lasting recovery in AA, the spiritual aspect of the program can be a stumbling block for some who wish to stop drinking. Can AA help you? The only way to find out is to give it a try and see for yourself if you think the help and support from others struggling with the same problem will help you stay sober. AA has no dues or fees, so it wont cost you anything to visit a few meetings. You really have nothing to lose by giving it a try. How to Find a Meeting Alcoholics Anonymous is usually listed in the white pages of most local telephone books. Call your local number for information on meetings in your area. The Central office, intergroup or answering service numbers throughout the world are available on the AA World Services website. There are also many online meetings available. How to Find an Online AA Meeting