What Is Alcoholics Anonymous?

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a worldwide fellowship of men and women who share their experiences, strength, and hope with each other to recover from alcoholism.

Founded in 1935 by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith, AA has grown to over two million members in more than 180 countries. AA is based on the 12-step program, which provides a framework for individuals to achieve sobriety and maintain it over time.

Today we'll explore the history of AA, the principles of the 12-step program, and how AA works.

History of Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous was founded in Akron, Ohio, in 1935 by Bill Wilson, a New York stockbroker, and Dr. Bob Smith, an Akron surgeon.

Wilson had struggled with alcoholism for years, and while in a hospital for detoxification, he had a spiritual experience that helped him overcome his addiction. He then reached out to other alcoholics to help them achieve sobriety, and AA was born.

In the early years, AA grew slowly, but it gained momentum after a 1941 article in the Saturday Evening Post brought national attention to the program. Since then, AA has become a worldwide fellowship with millions of members.

Principles of the 12-Step Program

The 12-step program is the foundation of AA. It provides a spiritual framework for individuals to achieve sobriety and maintain it over time. The 12 steps are:

1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol - that our lives had become unmanageable.
2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.
9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

How AA Works

AA is a peer-support program. Members attend meetings, where they share their experiences, strength, and hope with each other.

Meetings are free, and anyone can attend. AA does not require membership fees or dues, and it does not have any religious or political affiliation.

AA is not a treatment program, and it does not provide medical or psychological services. Instead, AA provides a supportive community of individuals who are committed to sobriety.

Members are encouraged to find a sponsor, who is an experienced member of Alcoholics Anonymous who can provide guidance and support.

Members are also encouraged to work the 12 steps with a sponsor. This involves working through each of the steps, starting with admitting powerlessness over alcohol and ending with carrying the message of recovery to others.

AA meetings can take many forms, including speaker meetings, discussion meetings, and step meetings. Speaker meetings feature a member who shares their experience, strength, and hope with the group.

Discussion meetings involve members sharing their experiences and thoughts on a specific topic. Step meetings focus on working through the 12 steps.

The Benefits of Joining AA

Joining Alcoholics Anonymous can provide numerous benefits for individuals struggling with alcoholism. Some of these benefits include:

Supportive Community

AA provides a supportive community of individuals who understand the challenges of addiction and are committed to helping each other achieve sobriety. Members attend meetings where they share their experiences, strength, and hope with each other. This sense of community can be invaluable for individuals who may feel isolated or alone in their struggles with alcohol.

Accountability

Members are encouraged to find a sponsor who can provide guidance and support as they work through the 12 steps. Having someone to hold them accountable can be a powerful motivator for individuals trying to maintain sobriety.

Coping Skills

Through working the 12 steps, members learn coping skills that can help them deal with the stresses and triggers that may have led them to drink in the past. They also learn how to take responsibility for their actions, make amends where necessary, and develop healthy relationships.

Continued Growth

AA is not just about achieving sobriety - it's about continued growth and personal development. Members are encouraged to continue attending meetings even after achieving sobriety so that they can continue to work on themselves and help others in their recovery journeys.

Overall, joining AA can be an incredibly positive step for individuals struggling with alcoholism. It provides a supportive community, accountability, coping skills, and opportunities for continued growth and development.

Types of AA Meetings

There are various types of AA meetings available, and finding the right one can be crucial to maintaining sobriety. Below are some of the different types of AA meetings you may encounter:

Open Meetings

Open meetings welcome anyone who is interested in AA or has a desire to stop drinking. These meetings may include non-alcoholics, such as family members or friends of alcoholics.

Closed Meetings

Closed meetings are only open to those who have a desire to stop drinking. This provides a safe space for individuals to share their experiences and struggles with others who understand what they're going through.

Speaker Meetings

Speaker meetings feature an individual sharing their personal story of recovery with the group. They may also share how working the 12 steps has helped them maintain sobriety.

Discussion Meetings

Discussion meetings involve members discussing a specific topic related to alcoholism and recovery. Topics may include coping strategies, dealing with triggers, or building healthy relationships.

Step Meetings

Step meetings focus on working through the 12 steps. Members work through each step together, providing support and guidance for each other along the way.

How to Find an AA Meeting Near You

If you're interested in attending an AA meeting, there are several ways to find one in your area:

1. AA's website: The official website for Alcoholics Anonymous provides a directory of local meetings searchable by location.
2. Local phone book: Many local phone books include listings for AA groups in your area.
3. Your doctor or therapist: Your doctor or therapist may be able to provide information on local AA groups and recommend ones that would be a good fit for you.
4. Word of mouth: If you know someone who attends AA meetings, ask them if they can recommend any in your area.

Attending an AA meeting can be a powerful step towards recovery from alcoholism. Whether it's an open, closed, speaker, discussion, or step meeting, finding the right one for you can provide a supportive community and help you maintain sobriety.

How to Become a Member of AA

To become a member of Alcoholics Anonymous, all you need is a desire to stop drinking. There are no membership fees or dues, and there is no formal process for becoming a member.

The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. If you have that, you're welcome to attend any AA meeting - it's as simple as that.

At your first meeting, you'll likely be greeted by other members who will welcome you and offer support. You may be asked if you'd like to introduce yourself or share your story, but this is entirely optional.

After attending meetings for a while, some members choose to get more involved in the organization by taking on service positions or becoming sponsors themselves.

One important thing to note is that anonymity is an essential part of AA. Members do not share personal information with each other outside of the meetings, and they do not disclose who else attends the meetings unless given permission to do so.

In addition, what's said in an AA meeting stays in the meeting. Confidentiality is crucial for creating a safe space where members can be open and honest about their struggles with alcoholism without fear of judgment or repercussions.

Overall, joining AA is a straightforward process - all you need is a willingness to stop drinking and attend meetings regularly. From there, you'll find support from other members who understand what you're going through and can provide guidance and encouragement along the way.

The Role of a Sponsor in AA

A sponsor is an experienced member of AA who provides guidance and support to newer members as they work through the 12 steps. Sponsors are individuals who have already achieved sobriety and have experience working through the program.

Sponsors play a crucial role in helping new members navigate the challenges of recovery. They provide guidance on how to work the 12 steps, offer support during difficult times, and serve as a sounding board for members' thoughts and feelings.

Sponsorship is an informal relationship - there's no official process for becoming a sponsor or finding one. Instead, members often ask someone who has more experience in AA to be their sponsor.

Sponsors are typically people who have been sober for at least a year and have worked through all 12 steps themselves. They're not therapists or counselors - they're simply individuals who want to help others achieve sobriety.

Working with a sponsor involves regular meetings, phone calls, or texts where members can discuss their progress in recovery and receive guidance on how to continue moving forward. Sponsors may also share their own experiences with alcoholism and recovery, providing hope and inspiration for those just starting out on their journey.

One of the most significant benefits of having a sponsor is accountability. Members know that they'll need to report back to their sponsor on their progress, which can be a powerful motivator for staying sober.

Overall, sponsors play an essential role in helping members achieve long-term sobriety. By offering guidance, support, and accountability, sponsors can help newer members navigate the challenges of recovery and build a strong foundation for lasting change.

FAQs

What is Alcoholics Anonymous?

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a worldwide fellowship of individuals who are committed to sobriety. AA provides a supportive community where members can share their experiences, strength, and hope with each other.

How does Alcoholics Anonymous work?

Alcoholics Anonymous is a peer-support program. Members attend meetings where they share their experiences, thoughts, and feelings with each other. They also work through the 12 steps of the program with a sponsor.

Do I have to be religious to join AA?

No, you do not have to be religious to join AA. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. AA has a spiritual component, but members are free to interpret this in any way they choose.

Is there a cost associated with joining Alcoholics Anoynmous?

No, there are no membership fees or dues associated with joining AA. Meetings are free and open to anyone who wants to attend.

Can I attend an AA meeting if I'm not an alcoholic?

Yes, some meetings are open to non-alcoholics who want to learn more about the program or support loved ones who are struggling with alcoholism.

Are AA meetings confidential?

Yes, anonymity is an essential part of Alcoholics Anonymous. Members do not share personal information outside of the meetings, and what's said in the meetings stays in the meetings. Confidentiality is crucial for creating a safe space where members can be open and honest about their struggles without fear of judgment or repercussions.

How can I find an AA meeting near me?

There are several ways to find an AA meeting near you:

1. Check the official website for Alcoholics Anonymous
2. Look in your local phone book
3. Ask your doctor or therapist for recommendations
4. Ask someone you know who attends meetings

Summary

In conclusion, Alcoholics Anonymous is a worldwide fellowship of men and women who share their experiences, strength, and hope with each other to recover from alcoholism.

The 12-step program provides a spiritual framework for individuals to achieve sobriety and maintain it over time.

AA is a peer-support program that provides a supportive community of individuals who are committed to sobriety. Meetings are free, and anyone can attend. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcoholism, AA may be a helpful resource.

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