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Alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of death in America, so we constantly take active measures to reduce this public health nightmare. One of the oldest and most widely used resources for fighting this disease is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Boasting more than 2 million members, the organization is easily the largest available program combating alcoholism.
Like other addiction programs, though, this group has its detractors. Whether it’s misleading claims that AA is a religious organization or challenges to the program’s efficacy, people have long questioned whether the system is right for those battling alcohol addiction. Once you understand the program in it entirety, though, you’ll realize that it offers hope for many.
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship and mutual aid organization with the stated purpose of helping members overcome alcoholism. The group began in 1935 when the founder, Bill Wilson, began having meetings alongside others struggling with alcohol addiction. While these groups were male-oriented in the beginning, it was only two years before the first female member joined.
Within a few years of its founding, the organization had released what’s now known as “The Big Book.” This literature provides the pathway of how people can overcome addiction. It set out many of the principles of AA and eventually became one of the best-selling books of all time. The Twelve Steps mentioned in the book have been adapted to all 12-step programs.
These are the basis for recovery in the program:
Alcoholics Anonymous also follows the Twelve Traditions. These are rules that guide relationships within groups, between groups, with other parts of the organization, and with society as a whole. They gear everything about the program towards helping people stay sober while assisting other members and maintaining anonymity.
Anonymity in the group is so important, in fact, that there was debate over whether newspapers should include founder Bill Wilson’s full name in his obituary. They also urge members to remain anonymous in public media while groups are to avoid becoming affiliated with outside organizations. Within Alcoholics Anonymous, the focus is only on sobriety.
If you’re struggling with alcoholism or other substance abuse disorders, contact us at Transformations Treatment Center today. Our staff of professionals can help get you started on the road to recovery.
People from all backgrounds are welcome in Alcoholics Anonymous. The Third Tradition lays out the only requirement for membership: “The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking.” Friends and relatives can attend open meetings, but they cannot become members. Al-Anon and Alateen were created for the loved ones of problem drinkers.
Some people avoid membership because they believe AA is a religious-focused group. Since the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions both mention either “God” or a higher power, this is an understandable conclusion. In reality, this higher power only needs to be something that a member sees as greater than themselves.
Each of the following forces are frequently used by members who don’t want to involve religious beliefs:
People of all religious affiliations – and those with no affiliation at all – find themselves welcomed in Alcoholics Anonymous. The program endorses no specific denomination or scripture. Bill Wilson started this process when a friend recommended that the program focus more on the science of treating alcoholism rather than religion. The religious terminology simply stuck over the years.
The organization also takes no stance on political or other divisive issues. Members need to feel welcome regardless of their beliefs, so the focus remains combatting the addictive nature of alcohol. Groups also charge no fee or dues for joining, so on the question of who can join Alcoholics Anonymous, the answer remains “anyone who wants to overcome alcoholism.”
Another issue some people have with AA involves the debate over its efficacy. Several studies have concluded that the program is effective for increasing abstinence to alcohol, but some conflicting research exists. In the Surgeon General’s 2016 Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health, however, it was concluded that Alcoholics Anonymous was effective.
There have been many studies over the years, but a 2009 meta-analysis looking at the bulk of research found that AA members had abstinence rates that were around twice as high as those found in people trying to quit without the program. Another meta-analysis in 2014 found that a direct link to improved abstinence rates existed with Alcoholics Anonymous membership.
As with all programs, though, certain factors increased the rate of success:
Even though there’s plenty of evidence supporting the effectiveness of Alcoholics Anonymous, researchers continue to delve into whether the program works. One of the most recent studies into the question – a 2020 review from Cochrane Library – found that AA members had a higher abstinence rate than individuals using all other treatment options.
The effectiveness of Alcohol Anonymous really comes down to the individual. While AA can be a powerful tool, there may be better options out there for you. Contact us today at Transformations Treatment Center and we can help you decide the best path forward for overcoming alcohol addiction.
The question of whether Alcoholics Anonymous is right for any particular person can have several answers. While it may be helpful for someone, for instance, there could be similar programs available that cater more to their individual needs. Women for Sobriety, Secular Organizations for Sobriety and Moderation Management are just a few alternatives.
The only definite way to know whether AA is right for you is to attend a few meetings. The organization offers a quiz, however, that can help potential members decide if the 12-step program is right for them. Here are a few of those questions:
There are 12 questions in the full quiz and answering “yes” to at least four signifies a drinking problem. This doesn’t necessarily mean Alcoholics Anonymous is the best program for you, and even if it is, the organization will typically be more successful when used as part of a larger treatment plan.
Regardless of the resources you decide to use to reach sobriety, though, the most important thing is to get started now.
With over 118,000 groups meeting every week across the world, finding an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting is a simple process. You can use the organization’s meeting page – linked in the Sources section below – to find groups that meet every day of the week in every state and 180 countries. You’ll also find information on phone and virtual meetings here.
Virtual meetings became increasingly popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. In-person treatment and recovery options during coronavirus became less available, but fortunately, thousands of virtual meetings take place throughout the week. These involve video meetings, chat groups, email communication and several options with 24/7 availability.
There are also dozens of telephone Alcoholics Anonymous meetings throughout the week. Several groups meet every day, so no matter your schedule, there’s always a good time available. For individuals who may not yet feel comfortable meeting face-to-face, virtual and telephone options are ideal for continued recovery.
Among the most common addictions, alcohol is surpassed only by tobacco in its number of victims. While this fact is disheartening, it also means that no one is alone in the struggle. If you’re dealing with alcoholism, there are many pathways to recovery. Alcoholics Anonymous is often one piece of the puzzle, but it’s important to find a program that works for you.
At Transformations Treatment Center, we believe that addiction recovery is only possible with a customized treatment plan that’s focused on the individual. The right strategy for you may not work for someone else. Contact us today to learn more about how our certified staff of professionals can help you take your life back.
Sources
Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings
https://www.aa.org/pages/en_US/find-local-aa
Alcoholics Anonymous
Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs
https://www.jsad.com/doi/abs/10.15288/jsa.1978.39.1577
Surgeon General Report
https://addiction.surgeongeneral.gov/sites/default/files/chapter-5-recovery.pdf
Journal of Addictive Diseases
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2746426/
Cochrane Library
https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD012880.pub2/full
