How Does Alcoholics Anonymous AA Work

She finds that the brochure also outlines several integral aspects of the program designed to help its participants achieve sober lifestyles. The 12-step approach of AA provided a treatment model that could be adopted by other programs. The additional programs tended to extend and expand on the original model established in Akron and New York City, delivering more services through a longer length of stay.

  • With AA’s permission, other fellowships such as Narcotics Anonymous and Al-Anon have adopted and adapted the Twelve Steps and the Twelve Traditions to their addiction recovery programs.
  • For example, drinkers who had higher levels of alcohol consumption had a greater likelihood of attending AA.
  • Each group has but one primary purpose—to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers.

Additionally, 12 Step programs allow for self reflection and growth in order to change for the better. Join the thousands of people that have called https://ecosoberhouse.com/ a treatment provider for rehab information. The Minnesota/Hazelden or 12-Step Model has been evaluated empirically in diverse populations.

The Unofficial Web Site for Alcoholics Anonymous Related Information

Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, what is alcoholics anonymous politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS® is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.

what is alcoholics anonymous

A new study published in the Cochrane Library found that AA and 12-step groups can lead to higher rates of continuous abstinence over months and years, when compared to treatment approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy. 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. Carol’s past experience in the medical field has led to a deep knowledge of the struggles those with a substance use disorder face. She is passionate about helping people who are struggling with alcohol abuse and addiction and hopes her writing for Alcohol Rehab Guide can help. For a while, Dr. Smith and Wilson worked under the umbrella of the Oxford Group.

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A.A.’s program of recovery is built on the simple foundation of one alcoholic sharing with another. There are two ways to think about AA – How it works for an individual, and how it works as a group. Similarly, the individual groups and meetings follow the 12 Traditions. Together, these two sets of guiding principles have ensured that AA remains completely unaffiliated and effective as a means to treat and overcome alcohol addiction. Alcoholics Anonymous is an international fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about his or her drinking problem.

They had been involved in a non-alcoholic fellowship group that focused on spiritual values which helped Bill achieve sobriety. He maintained his sobriety by working with other alcoholics to help them get sober. Bill began to work with Dr. Bob to help him become sober too.

All Programs

Many people who struggle with alcoholism seek help through the Alcoholics Anonymous program, which provides a step system and meetings to help individuals overcome their struggles to achieve sobriety. While maintaining a sober lifestyle is a challenge for alcoholics, establishment of a sponsor to mentor and counsel an individual can help make the AA program more successful. Its goal is to effect enough change in the alcoholic’s thinking “to bring about recovery from alcoholism” through “an entire psychic change,” or spiritual awakening.

  • Although these excuses may seem huge to people who are already nervous about attending a meeting, the real object to focus on is why you were considering going in the first place.
  • Most investigators recruit their samples from patients in inpatient or outpatient treatment settings.
  • We have learned that we must live without it to live normal, happy lives.
  • Get professional help from an addiction and mental health counselor from BetterHelp.

A 1985 study based on observations of AA meetings warned of detrimental iatrogenic effects of the twelve-step philosophy and concluded that AA uses many methods that are also used by cults. A later review disagreed, stating that AA’s program bore little resemblance to religious cult practices. In 2014, Vaillant published a paper making the case that Alcoholics Anonymous is not a cult.