As a global community of men and women, AA has informal meetings where members can share experiences and work together to develop and implement shared values and concepts for recovery from drug dependency.
How AA Work
One can consider AA from a personal perspective and another from a group perspective. AA uses a 12-Step program to help each member. All meetings and gatherings adhere to the 12 Principles in the same way. The two sets of guidelines have guaranteed that Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) remains a wholly independent and effective treatment and recovery program for alcoholics. There is bound to be some initial confusion and uncertainty on the part of someone who wants to stop drinking and chooses to check out an AA initial meeting.
Every organization’s encounter is unique, although there are some constants. Most AA gatherings last for about 90 minutes. Various readings are presented, and participants take turns speaking about the strength and optimism they’ve drawn from their own experiences. Afterward, some folks chat while others head off for refreshments. While some leave, others choose to remain and clean up, and others discuss methods for maintaining sobriety and finding fulfillment. It’s just that easy. A journalist in 1941 had trouble believing that Alcoholics Anonymous was as straightforward and selfless as it presented itself. Also, it hasn’t changed at all in the years after then.
Why Alcoholics Anonymous Works
While it’s undeniable that AA has helped countless lives, the program’s success is relative to each individual’s goals. AA’s built-in flaw is significant: you only need to wish to quit drinking, follow the steps, and commit to the process to see results. If it does not work, you either did not attempt, or there is something amiss, according to the Big Book. You’d think there’d be a lot of proof that AA works to keep people sober, given the group’s extended record and the strategy that numerous experts have accepted. Several factors contribute to the lack of such an existence.
One benefit is that people’s identities are protected. The anonymity of AA is meant to help members feel more at ease, although it also makes it challenging to monitor their sobriety. They do not even bother trying to verify the solemnity of their meeting attendees. Neither a breathalyzer, a cheek swab, nor a urine test is administered during AA meetings. The vibe here is warm and welcoming, without any trace of hostility. Additionally, AA does not prohibit or discourage the use of other treatments; it simply does not offer them itself. Medical detox is sometimes recommended as a starting point, which is something that The Big Book acknowledges.
Is AA for Everyone?
Admit it: not everybody can or should participate in a program depending on a religious belief system like Alcoholics Anonymous. While millions of individuals have reported success with AA, the spiritual component of the program may be off-putting to those trying to cut back on their drinking. Do you think AA could assist you? There’s only one way to know if being around people who understand what you’re going through might help you stay sober: try it! Attending an AA meeting won’t save you any money because there are no mandatory fees or dues required to participate.
A typical “dosage” of AA entails 90 sessions over 90 days, after which the benefits should become apparent. Trying it out for a few sessions is not enough of a test. It’s also worth noting that locating the proper meeting is crucial to its success. Numerous types of gatherings cater to specific demographics.
A new mother battling alcoholism is unlikely to find support from a club of AA participants who live in different cities and consist primarily of the homeless. If you are ready to start, our counselors are prepared to help; call us at 833-680-0165.