New attendees are then encouraged to introduce themselves, though they don’t have to if they aren’t comfortable doing so. However, the organization reinforces that it is not interested in who made the referral to A.A. If you repeatedly drink more than you intend or want to, you may be an alcoholic. Information for people who may have a drinking problem. This pamphlet answers many of the common questions people have about alcoholism and A.A. What techniques or treatments are working for you right now?
- AA does not accept external funding or contributions.
- The support and guidance you’ll receive from this community can be a pivotal step toward lasting recovery.
- In other words, try moderation for a short time and see how it goes.
- The idea is that constant vigilance and support are needed to prevent triggers and general stressors from creeping up on members and causing relapse.
- AA uses a 12-step program to help alcoholics recover from alcoholism and maintain sobriety.
FAQ: Alternatives to AA and 12-step programs
- In recent years, online meetings have become popular, allowing members to connect virtually through platforms like Zoom and What’s App.
- Topics can range from personal experiences to the challenges of sobriety.
- The anonymity statement of AA underscores the importance of confidentiality, stating that anonymity forms the spiritual foundation of their traditions, reminding members to prioritize principles over personalities.
- There are no dues or fees, so it doesn’t cost anything to try it out.
- A 2014 study showed that “baseline motivation and self-efficacy” are key predictors of moderation success (5).
- AA assists individuals struggling with alcoholism through mutual support, regular meetings, and adherence to the 12-step program.
Because r/stopdrinking is public, you can read its discussions without commenting or even creating a Reddit account. An economic relief program aimed specifically at helping Native American communities during the Great Depression, the legislation marked a sharp U-turn in federal policy alcoholics anonymous toward Indigenous peoples. Anonymous World ServicesVisit A.A. World Service’s official website to read online pamphlets about A.A.
Comparative effectiveness and cost effectiveness
- Kelly led a 2020 analysis that reviewed the scientific evidence of AA’s effectiveness across 35 studies — involving the work of 145 scientists and the outcomes of 10,080 participants.
- The Central Office is also fully self-supporting through the sale of literature and member contributions.
- Others attend due to pressure from a loved one or because they are required by the court, such as after being arrested for drunk driving.
- If you or someone you know is grappling with alcohol addiction, consider attending an AA meeting in San Diego, CA, or your local area.
- Alcoholics Anonymous meetings may be accessible, but do they work?
() Provide drying out or nursing services, hospitalization, drugs, housing, jobs, money or other welfare services. There are hundreds of thousands of in-person meetings across the globe, virtually and telephone conferences. Other than these general guidelines, membership in Alcoholics Anonymous largely works however you want it to work. How involved an individual is in the organization is up to that person, though it’s generally believed that the more effort members put in, the better off they’ll be. Yes, AA meetings prioritize anonymity and confidentiality to create a safe space for sharing.
- During mingling, people can get to know other members and exchange phone numbers with those who can provide support when it’s most needed.
- Anyone can attend an open meeting, but closed meetings are for members only.
- AA is an informal society of more than 2 million recovering alcoholics throughout the world.
- If you do wish to participate, you can create a free Reddit account to comment on others’ posts and make your own.
Long-term recovery effectiveness
We know our own sobriety depends on connecting with other alcoholics. Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who come together to solve their drinking problem. There are no age or education requirements to participate. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about their drinking problem. The Serenity Prayer is commonly used in AA meetings as a tool for reflection and guidance.
We are not allied with any group, cause or religious denomination. We are people who have discovered and admitted that we cannot control alcohol. We have learned that we must live without it to live normal, happy lives.
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The Twelve Traditions were introduced in 1946, guiding AA’s structure and unity. They emphasize anonymity, humility, and group cohesion, ensuring AA’s continued effectiveness and longevity in helping individuals with alcohol use disorder. These meetings foster a sense of community and allow members to learn from one another’s insights. They are suitable for those who value shared experiences and mutual support.
How Does AA Work?
AA often conducts hospital meetings, serving as an essential part of alcohol treatment programs. Patients with a drinking problem can attend AA meetings to find guidance and encouragement to quit drinking and stay on track with their sobriety journey. A 2020 review looked at 27 studies involving a total of 10,565 participants and noted that A.A. And other twelve-step programs are effective for increasing abstinence. The authors also reported that these programs appear to be as effective as other alcohol treatment methods. AA meetings differ in format, with variations including personal storytelling, readings from the Big Book, and open discussions.
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There, new individuals are often encouraged to share their stories, and get advice and information about Twelve-step program the program from other members. New members are also encouraged to go to 90 meetings in 90 days – three months of daily AA meetings – in order to help them through the often very difficult early period of addiction recovery. Open meetings tend to include a formal speaker who shares their story. These meetings are also an excellent opportunity to learn more about AA and other 12-step programs, regardless of whether or not you want to participate in one. Kelly and his team examined studies published in the past couple of decades in which people were randomly assigned to AA or other 12-step programs by health professionals. The Twelve Steps is a structured program outlined in The Big Book, designed to lead individuals from acknowledging their powerlessness over alcohol to achieving spiritual awakening and maintaining sobriety.
