How Does Alcoholics Anonymous Help Recovering Alcoholics?

Alcoholics Anonymous is a program that helps people overcome a drinking problem. It is based on a 12 step program that aims to help alcoholics quit drinking and to stay sober permanently. Many people have great success with this program and are able to beat their addiction to alcohol and stay sober. In order to be success with A.A. you must have the desire to stop drinking and the motivation to remain sober.

What is A.A.?

Alcoholics Anonymous operates on the principal that alcoholism is a lifelong disease that must be managed through group support for the rest of an alcoholic’s life. It is a voluntary program that has a large membership of men and women of all ages and from all walks of life. A.A. is a free program and the only requirement to join is the desire to stop drinking. There are over 100,000 A.A. groups worldwide with over two million members. With so many chapters, there is a meeting in just about every part of the U.S.

How A.A. Supports Sobriety

A.A. is not a program for everyone depending on their beliefs regarding alcoholism and their desire to remain totally sober. A.A. advocates total sobriety, advising members to not drink any alcohol, ever and helps members stay away from drinking one drink at a time one day at a time. A.A. works through support where all members share their experiences and encourage other members to remain sober.

Is A.A. Really Anonymous?

Alcoholics Anonymous operates on a principal of anonymity. They do not disclose the identity of any members to the public or media. They also do not keep records of members or maintain case histories. Many newcomers to alcohol support groups worry about their identity being disclosed to the community, but this does not happen in A.A.

What happens at an A.A. Meeting?

Normal meetings are lead by a senior group member and focuses on sharing the short term triumphs, or hardships faced by all the members. Everyone shares how their sobriety is going and looks to other members for advice and support. Some A.A. meetings are open to the public and can include anyone from the community. These meetings are held to inform non alcoholic community members about A.A. and their mission.

How to find your local A.A. Chapter

Alcoholics Anonymous is listed in any phone book where there is a local chapter. You can also visit their website to find meetings near you. A.A. does not provide medical treatment for alcohol abuse including drugs to help with withdrawal. They also do not provide social services such as housing, handouts, or vocational counseling. A.A. exists to help support people who wish to stop drinking and support their continued sobriety.

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