Despite being around for over 80 years, there is still a certain aura of mystery surrounding Alcoholics AnonymousThe original 12-step fellowship, formed in 1935, to help alcoholics, regain control over their lives. It remains the largest 12-step organization and has contributed to the sobriety of millions worldwide. Read more about Alcoholics Anonymous. Some people say it is a miracle program that saved their lives, while others call it a cult.
The truth is, it is neither. Alcoholics Anonymous is a structured program that aims to facilitate recoveryThe process by which addicts attempt to break the hold a certain substance or behavior has on their lives. This can refer to participation in a wide variety of methods. What they all have in common, is a sense that life is improving and the addict is regaining control. by providing a solid structure for a fulfilling spiritual life, to help addicts overcome their alcoholism.
How AA Works
How does it work? Members of AA regularly attend meetings and find a sponsorAn individual in a 12-step program requires a sponsor to help them work the steps and hold them accountable for their recovery. The sponsor should be readily available when help is needed. A member with a sponsor is considered to be the sponsee.. The support of these individuals is crucial to a successful recovery. They then work the 12-steps outlined in AA literature carefully and methodically. If members genuinely want to quit drinking and follow the stepsThe term "12 steps" refers to the core principles of the approach to addiction exemplified by Alcoholics Anonymous and other similar groups. The 12 steps are a set of guidelines designed to help individuals overcome addiction and rebuild their lives. They were created by the founders of Alcoholics A..., they usually able to find recovery and establish a more fulfilling life in the long run.
Let’s examine the major elements that help AA members remain in recovery and fulfilled in the long run.
Meetings
Members regularly attend meetings with other alcoholics. In these meetings, members discuss the challenges of sobrietyIn 12-step programs, an individual is sober when they are no longer partaking in the behavior or substance to which they are addicted and living a better life following the program. Both are necessary to achieve sobriety.. But they also talk a lot about the benefits of sobriety and following the programThis refers to any official course of treatment for addiction. This could be anything from in-patient facilities, to 12-step programs to harm-reduction programs..
The overall effect of sharing12-step meetings are structured so that member sharing takes up most of the allotted time. It is the bread and butter of the fellowship between members. When sharing, addicts are encouraged to stay on topic and avoid interrupting by engaging in crosstalk. and listening to others who faced similar problems and have overcome them, provide many members with a sense of hope. After all, when you see people who have faced the same challenges and you and come out stronger, it is an inspiring experience.
While members can attend any group they want at any time, it is always best if they find and maintain a homegroup. This means that they attend specific meetings regularly. This creates a sense of community and is essential in building the bonds of fellowshipThis refers to the members of AA and the bonds of support between them. It is this fellowship that allows addicts to share their stories and accept each other in a world that is not always understanding..
Fellowship
One of the most important roles of the group and its members is to alleviate the sense of loneliness and isolation that often accompanies addiction. Addicts can feel rejected by those around them and as if society will never accept them because they are inherently flawed.
AA groups tend to be very accepting of the flaws and failings of addicts, which after all, they understand deeply. However, while very accepting, the group also served to steer members in the right direction: towards sobriety and a healthier lifestyle.
When people think of AA groups, they mostly imagine participation in meetings. And this is certainly one of the most important functions of the group. However, the support and company group members provide each other outside of meetings is just as important.
Most groups have regular activities after meetings. The camaraderie and closeness that develops in these meetings can be one of the most important elements in recovery. This works in two ways – first, it shows alcoholics that they can find social connections, fun and enjoyment in life without alcoholAn organic compound used in many products, most notably intoxicating drinks. Alcohol addiction is known as alcoholism. The first 12-step program was devised to deal with that malady.. They also see that the connection is far more genuine and sustainable than it was in their addiction days. It also alleviates the loneliness and isolation in a more organic and long-lasting manner than the meetings do. Members report making life-long friendships through fellowship. These are the relationships that help keep sober those in recovery in the long run.
Another way that the group members support each other’s recovery is through constant contact. In a newcomers’ first meeting, they are given the phone numbers of several other group members.
Though it can be awkward at first, contact with other members can become a crucial part of recovery. The caring of others makes sober life more fulfilling. They also provide support in times of need. Also, helping others when they are in need helps create a sense of purpose in life.
The Sponsor
Early on in recovery, members are encouraged to pick a temporary sponsor. Someone, they feel a kinship with and can help them make the most of the program. The sponsor should ideally be someone trustworthy who is further along in the program. It is also important that they provide an example of living sober that a sponsee can look up to and hope to emulate in meaningful ways.
One of the most important roles of the sponsor is to guide the memberAn individual who attends 12-step program meetings and has the desire to overcome addiction. under their tutelage and provide support in moments of hardship. While it is important not to turn solely to the sponsor, as bonds with the rest of the group are crucial, they should ideally be the first port of call in these situations.
However, the primary role of the sponsor is to guide their sponsee through the 12-steps.
The Steps
After attending some meetings, getting a sponsor, and making a commitment to remain in recovery, the real work starts. AA is called a 12-step program because the steps outlined in the Big Book of AA are at the heart of the program.
The 12-steps start with taking a deep look at the damage addiction has caused and understand the powerlessness of the addictAn individual with an unhealthy dependence on a substance or behavior. An individual remains an addict even years into recovery and must therefore remain active in recovery. Read more about drug & alcohol addiction & withdrawal at Withdrawal Info. in overcoming it on their own. It continues with a genuine effort to understand and ultimately rectify the pain it has caused others. Finally, the process ends with a spiritual awakening and a dedication to spreading the message of recovery to other addicts in need.
The 12-steps do not work for everyone, but many people find at the end of the process that they are healthier and happier. They are also often more aware of the needs of others and more capable of fulfilling these needs. This can result in more genuine and fulfilling personal relationships.
One of the main sayings prevalent amongst AA members is “it works if you work itA common 12-step saying, often used at the end of meetings. “Working it” refers to the steps. The idea behind the saying is that if you follow the 12-steps, you will be able to maintain recovery and healthy life..” Aside from establishing a new spiritual foundation in life, there is something about the commitment to a program and the sense of belonging which facilitates long-term recovery.
The combination of a social support network and through the patient weaving of a wide spiritual tapestry, AA helps many addicts fully recover. The idea behind all of these components is not just to keep people from drinking. It is to fill the spiritual and social emptiness which led to addiction in the first place.
