“When I stopped living in the problem and began living in the answer, the problem went away.”
~ Alcoholics Anonymous
According to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 86.4 percent of people ages 18 or older reported that they drank alcohol at some point in their lifetime. While it may not lead to an addiction for some, it does for others. Alcohol has touched all of our lives in one way or another, whether it is personally or through someone we care about. Because April is Alcohol Awareness month, I want to dedicate a post to one of the most helpful, renowned support groups for those working to overcome an addiction to alcohol: Alcoholics Anonymous.
WHAT IS ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS (AA)?
Alcoholics Anonymous is an international group of men and women who have had or are working to conquer a drinking problem. AA is open to all races, politically neutral, self-supporting, and is available almost everywhere. There are no age or education requirements, and membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about his or her drinking problem.
HOW DID AA START?
Alcoholics Anonymous was founded by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith, who were both recovering alcoholics. In 1935, Alcoholics Anonymous began as a community-based fellowship which encouraged sobriety for other recovering alcoholics. These two men developed the 12 steps to aid their attendees, and later introduced the 12 traditions to help further define the group’s purpose and achieve continuity for AA groups across the country (and later around the globe). AA paved the way for other support groups; today Narcotics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, and Overeaters Anonymous are just three of the many groups that have modeled themselves after the AA meeting concept.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN TENETS OF AA?
The original steps are still intact and many former addicts credit the group with helping them through recovery. The 12 steps that govern all AA group meetings are presented in linear fashion, but participants see them as an ongoing circle. The following steps may be revisited until the recovering addict is comfortable in that stage of their recovery process:
- Admit powerless over alcohol
- Accept that a higher power, in whatever form, will restore your sanity
- Make a decision to turn your will and life over to a higher power
- Take a moral inventory of yourself
- Admit to a higher power, another human, and yourself the nature of your wrongdoings
- Accept that a higher power will remove your character defects
- Humbly request the higher power remove your shortcomings
- List people you hurt during your addiction and be willing to make amends
- Make amends to those people unless it would harm them
- Continue to take a personal inventory, and when you’re wrong, admit it
- Use prayer and meditation to connect with the higher power
- Carry the message of AA to other alcoholics and continue to practice the principles of the 12 steps in your daily life
DOES AA WORK?
Because AA is anonymous, some members of the group do not participate in studies since it could breach anonymity. Many want their participation in AA to remain unidentified, in line with the group’s original intention. Additionally, participants might not want to admit to relapse. A New York Times article stated that AA claims that up to 75% of its members stay abstinent. Alcoholics Anonymous’ Big Book touts about a 50% success rate, stating that another 25% remain sober after some relapses. Though it is difficult to know just how effective it is, it is safe to say that many people have been helped by regularly attending AA. Just how effective depends on the participant.
CAN AA WORK FOR THOSE WHO DON’T BELIEVE IN GOD?
The first time I read through the twelve steps, I was surprised how often God was referred to. While the faith-based program of AA may be effective for some, it does not work for everyone — particularly those who do not subscribe to God as a higher power. Might I offer a solution: AA founder, Bill Wilson, encountered the term “higher power” in the book, Varieties of Religious Experience, by William James. In this book, James offers many examples from Christian traditions, as well as non-Christian examples. One of the best examples of “higher and friendly power” is borrowed from Henry David Thoreau walking in the midst at Walden Pond feeling a sense of connection to pine needles. He cited other examples of a “higher power” to potentially include moral principles, patriotism, civic engagement, and even a higher or better self. Therefore, the term “higher power” does not have to be a faith-based term and thus varies from participant to participant.
You could go to an AA meeting in Los Angeles, London or Lima and each one would be carried out in a similar fashion. This is because the steps and traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous are the foundation for every meeting. In each meeting, members will get to know one another, discuss progress and relapses, and support each other through sponsor programs. Although it can be difficult going to an AA meeting with complete strangers and admitting to such a personal issue, it is the only place where every participant knows exactly how you feel. They have been where you are and can support you in your journey. That is powerful. To quote AA literature: “The feeling of having shared in a common peril is one element in the powerful cement which binds us.” This instantaneous bond cultivates a unique feeling of community and understanding that is incredibly helpful to those recovering from alcohol addiction.
The only real way to find out if Alcoholics Anonymous can help you is to give it a try. See for yourself if you think the help and support from others struggling with the same problem can help you stay sober. As Alcoholics Anonymous has no dues or fees, you have nothing to lose in choosing to visit a few meetings. I strongly encourage it. Call now at 877-600-9205 or go online and use a meeting finder to find a meeting in your area. Click here if you are local to the Dallas/Ft. Worth area and could benefit from community resources. In like manner, if you feel you could use professional help, I invite you to contact me today or schedule a session to begin your journey toward recovery. I am here to help you along the uphill road of addiction recovery!
Melissa Cluff is a licensed marriage and family therapist based in Lewisville, Texas, personally seeing clients in the North Dallas area.
Resources:
- Addiction Center: “Alcoholics Anonymous”
- Alcoholics Anonymous
- Alcoholics Anonymous: “The 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous”
- Alcoholics Anonymous: “The 12 Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous”
- Alcoholics Anonymous: “Find Local AA”
- Alcoholics Anonymous: “What is AA?”
- Alcohol Rehab Guide: “Alcoholics Anonymous”
- American Addiction Centers: “What is the Success Rate of AA?”
- Cluff Counseling: “Addiction 101: The Analogy of the Driver’s Seat”
- Cluff Counseling: “Choosing the Right Therapist for You”
- Cluff Counseling: “Community Resources”
- Cluff Counseling: “Creating Conversation Around Your Mental Illness”
- Cluff Counseling: “The Leading Cause of Addiction is Not What You Think”
- Cluff Counseling: “Strength in Numbers: Support Groups”
- Cluff Counseling: “When Addiction Raises Your Child”
- Cluff Counseling: “Willpower: The Powerful Pre-Step in Addiction Recovery”
- CRC Health: “What are AA Meetings?”
- Good Reads: “Alcoholics Anonymous Quotes”
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: “Alcohol Facts and Statistics”
- Recovery.org: “About the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) 12-Step Recovery Program”
- Very Well Mind: “An Overview of Alcoholics Anonymous”
- Very Well Mind: “Find a Support Group Meeting Near You”
- Wikipedia: “Alcoholics Anonymous”
- William James: The Varieties of Religious Experience
