When you hear AA, the chances that you would know what the initials stand for are high. Alcoholics Anonymous is a group founded on a firm resolve to treat and fight Alcoholism. Founded more than 80 years ago, the organization is the oldest, most popular, and most successful in the world. It has reached every country and has millions of members who are actively fighting Alcoholism and helping others with the same problem. Used as a treatment for Alcoholism, AA has inspired many other organizations such as the Narcotics Anonymous (NA). More than 60% of Americans treated with Alcoholism and at least one out of 10 Americans have attended at least one AA meeting.
Since the mid-20th century, the organization has revolutionized the treatment of Alcoholism by formulating new treatments, from behavioral therapies to drugs. AA programs offer hope to many people around the world since it is everywhere and nearly cost-free. Researchers have been looking into the effectiveness of the AA approach to cure alcohol addiction. These discoveries may be essential in assisting other substance users.
What are its aims and means?
Alcoholics Anonymous is based on the 12steps which are written in the ‘big book.’ They are guidelines that help individuals battling with Alcoholism find a spiritual transformation while being able to take responsibility for their lives and helping people around them. It guides you on discovering your weaknesses and accepting that you have lost control over alcohol and other drugs and that this has made your life unmanageable. AA guides you to seek spiritual guidance through meditation, making amends, prayer, and by admitting to your sins, mistakes & errors. Recovering from Alcohol addiction is a slow and gradual process that requires patience and determination.
Though the AA program teaches the belief in a higher power, it is not a religious organization. There are no limitations to what the higher power can be. The program is always open to everyone, and there is no formal requirement for membership. Members’ contributions cover minimal costs, and privacy is always observed. AA members don’t discuss other topics during meetings other than Alcoholism and how to help each other. The tales and routines are aimed at encouraging their members to overcome their addiction and maintain their recovery. These meetings can also serve as a social activity which can be used as an alternative to drinking.
Is AA effective?
If you are looking for a support group after seeking out treatment for Alcoholism, AA meetings would be the perfect place for you. You get to benefit from AA’s 12 step approach. However, it would be best if you considered a path to recovery that is comfortable for you. Some people may not prefer a spiritual approach, while others would greatly benefit from it. The 12-step facilitation provides you with reading materials and also encourages you to attend meetings.
Researchers have invested time and resources in comparing the effectiveness of AA to other recovery programs. The studies have repeatedly confirmed that most people who participate in AA programs do better than those who don’t. A study showed that about 40 percent of alcoholics who entered the AA program after treatment were still involved in AA support groups 24 months later. Out of those, more than 80 percent had been abstinent for the previous seven months.
What is AA’s success rate?
‘Success’ may be a vague term to describe the effectiveness of recovery programs. Patients have different weaknesses and may behave differently during recovery. Some patients are able to quit completely, while others relapse. Additionally, some patients are able to quit even after relapsing. There isn’t an exact statistics that guarantees how effective the AA program is on an individual. It varies based on many factors. Some members of AA refuse to participate in studies so that they could maintain their anonymity. Also, most patients might not want to admit they have relapsed.
The Alcoholics Anonymous program is built around confidentiality, and this is one of the significant factors that makes it a success. Several studies have shown that people who support each other to fight a common problem are more likely to avoid relapsing after 36 months than those who have tried to quit on their own. People who seek professional help for their drinking problem are likely to recover than those who don’t. This is partly because they have accepted they have a problem they cannot fight on their own. Combined with other inpatient and outpatient programs, AA provides better outcomes. If you are looking for help in treating your alcoholism, don’t hesitate to call us on 833-820-2922.