When it comes to helping alcoholics overcome their addiction and live sober lives, the granddaddy of all organizations is “AA”. They have been helping people struggling with alcohol abuse since the book “Alcoholics Anonymous” first came out in 1939. The book tells, among many others, the story of Bill Wilson, a young soldier who learned to drink in the military and kept going with it until drink got the better of him. He had to fight back, and he did.
Bill was one of the co-founders of AA, and his work went on to help millions of others fight back against alcoholism. As a form of outpatient alcohol treatment, AA’s precedent established some key ideas about fighting addiction in all its forms.
About Alcoholics Anonymous and the Traditions
People suffering from alcohol abuse are often ashamed of their situation, and the risk to their reputations often prevents them from seeking other alcohol treatment centers. However, AA’s first-names-only tradition lets alcoholics fight back with the help of others while still preserving their privacy.
Working as a group against an individual’s problem is also a key concept. AA popularized the idea of establishing a team that helps each of its members win their battle. Emotional support is vital, and that has become a bedrock principle of Alcoholics Anonymous.
We follow that tradition at Transformations Treatment Center by offering group therapy as one of our strategies. Not only a variety of professionals – medical doctors, nutritionists, behavioral therapists – but others who are on the same path to sobriety also provide support for alcoholics wishing to beat the disease.
Next is AA’s concept of “Twelve Steps.” This famous program is important in two different ways – it establishes the view that recovery is not a single miraculous moment – BLAM! You’re cured – but a series of moments that each lead you to the goal of sober living. Also, a major part of the Twelve Steps is the sentiment that as an alcoholic, you are not in control. A higher force guides you. Admitting that and surrendering one’s will and care over to your Higher Power, releases a huge burden on the alcoholic.
A line of questions often arise – What if I’m not religious? What if I’m not sure about God? AA takes care of that. Step #3 in total:
(We) made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
This qualification retains the usefulness of the idea without turning the whole process into a religious or denominational debate. Basically it says that whatever Higher Power you respect and/or worship, the persuasion is the same – release the burden and stay grounded in what you can do.
Those with alcohol addictions (alcoholism, alcohol abuse, a “drinking problem”) need treatment. Whether it’s through an outpatient program like AA, or an inpatient program such as what we offer at Transformations Treatment Center, help is available. A simple call to TTC at (888) 991-3296 is all it takes to get the help you need.
And it all began with Bill.
Our Accreditations
