Alcoholics Anonymous, or AA, promises to help guide individuals on their journey from alcohol addiction to sobriety. As such, the support group is available for people at any stage of their recovery. They have much to gain from AA, whether they’re currently trapped in addiction or have already graduated from alcohol rehab. We believe Alcoholics Anonymous can be a valuable resource when combined with holistic programming for alcohol abuse treatment. Recovery support groups provide consistency, empathy, focus, and support in the healing process. During treatment for alcohol addiction at Chapter 5 Recovery, we can help you connect to a local chapter of AA. Notably, your care plan can be created to include AA peer support meetings as an extra layer of assistance in your recovery. If you’re not sure how AA helps, let’s discuss the program and how its steps and “Promises” guide healing.
What is Alcoholics Anonymous?
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a peer-led recovery support group for people struggling with alcohol addiction. It is available and beneficial for people at any point in their journey. AA meetings are held all over the world, both in person and remotely. They are run by group leaders who are graduates of the AA program themselves. Having maintained their own sobriety, they understand the challenges and wins of the process. Notably, Alcoholics Anonymous is not a treatment center. It is a program that is especially beneficial when participated in along with professional alcohol support. Because AA leaders are not licensed addiction or mental health professionals, the program shouldn’t be the only step you take towards sobriety. It’s also important to work with alcohol addiction counselors and doctors through medical rehab. This way, individuals engage in the inner work of healing along with practical tools and steps to remain sober.
Why Do People Go to AA Meetings?
Millions of people have attended Alcoholics Anonymous over the years. It continues to be one of the most popular alcohol support groups. Roughly 1.9 million people were active members in 2021, according to the company’s latest membership survey. Clearly, there is a reason why so many people trust AA to support them on their alcohol addiction journey. There are certainly many benefits of the program. For one thing, AA provides ongoing, empathetic support from peers who relate. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) can be an isolating condition. You can find strength in peers who are fighting the same disease. Additionally, AA breaks down the recovery journey into 12 well-defined stages. These present concrete goals for people to work towards and a sense of accomplishment when they achieve them.
It is very important for people with an addiction background to stay motivated in their sobriety. Notably, alcoholism is a chronic condition. This means it can be treated and recovered from, but you are at risk of relapse at any point. Even years down the line, it’s necessary to stay rooted in your personal motivation to avoid alcohol to prevent relapse. AA supports members at all points in the journey and helps instill self-motivation.
What Stage of Recovery Does AA Happen?
People are often aware of AA but do not know when it’s the right time for them to join. To answer this question, you are welcome to join Alcoholics Anonymous meetings at any point. Commonly, AA is part of the aftercare stage, once you’ve graduated from formal treatment. For example, we help our alumni find peer recovery support groups, including AA, after they’ve finished detox, inpatient, and outpatient treatment. The reason why it’s recommended for those who’ve completed treatment is that they’re in the best place to work through AA’s 12 steps. Having built independence in their sobriety already, setting and accomplishing goals is their next priority.
However, you can begin AA whenever you want to. For some people, AA gives them the boost they need to enter professional treatment alongside the program. Markedly, your identity will remain anonymous throughout the program for extra peace of mind. What matters most is your personal drive and commitment to meet the goals.
What Are The Promises of AA?
Alcoholics Anonymous includes a component of programming called The Promises. The AA Promises are 12 natural outcomes of sobriety and spiritual growth. Although The Promises aren’t guaranteed, they are likely to come about if the individual maintains their sobriety in the 12-steps. Essentially, these Promises can be thought of as a change in attitude as a result of the work. The Promises are found after Step Nine, which calls the individual to make amends.
Here are some examples of The Promises:
Promise 1: We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness
Promise 4: We will know peace
Promise 6: The feelings of uselessness and self-pity will disappear
Promise 9: Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change
Promise 11: We will intuitively know how to handle situations that used to baffle us
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What Are the 12-Steps of AA?
As mentioned, there are 12 steps of AA that members work through to complete the program. There is no set timeline for completing the steps. For some people, it takes years. The steps provide goals for each member to work towards in their recovery journey.
Here are some of the steps:
Step 1: Admitting you are or were powerless over alcohol (depending on where you are in your journey)
Step 5: Acknowledging your shortcomings
Step 9: Making amends to those you’ve hurt
Step 11: Seeking purpose in a higher power
Step 12: Continuing to practice what you’ve learned as you proceed
The steps offer direction, spiritual awakening, personal accountability, and growth. You can learn more about them on the Alcoholics Anonymous website.
Tips for Attending AA for the First Time
If you’re preparing to begin AA, you’re preparing to find a supportive community of peers who understand your addiction experience. Beginning Alcoholics Anonymous can be a profound step in your recovery. However, it’s understandable that you might feel nervous. Knowing what to expect from the meetings and the program can help alleviate your anxiety. Here are our best tips for attending your first AA session.
Go in With an Open Mind
The best thing to do when attending any new program or meeting is to ensure you keep an open mind. With self-driven programs like AA, you get out of it what you allow yourself to. That means you can control your experience according to your mindset. Try to lower your expectations for how it should work and go in with an open mind. When facing new ideas or experiences, it’s easy to be skeptical and closed off. Yet, Alcoholics Anonymous has helped millions of people find support in their sobriety. Give it a chance to see if it will be a good fit for you.
Actively Listen to Others
Peer recovery support groups are about both listening and sharing. Make sure you come ready to listen to your peers, because they will have insightful stories. Some of the other members will be farther along in their recovery journey and others less-so. Thus, all members can all learn from and encourage each other with their histories. Respectful listening is important in AA meetings to facilitate a positive environment and motivate each person to reach their goals.
Share When You’re Ready
As mentioned, sharing is an important step in Alcoholics Anonymous and other recovery support groups. However, there is no pressure to share anything with the group before you are ready. You might not want to share anything at your first meeting, and that’s completely fine! Some people take longer before they feel a sense of trust with their peers. And some people feel nervous about public speaking in general. But remember that AA is designed to be a safe and supportive environment where others relate to your experience. Because AA is anonymous, the details of your experience will remain confidential. Plus, you only have to share what you’re comfortable talking about. As you continue to attend meetings, it is likely that your comfort level will increase.
Work the Steps Outside of Meetings
In each meeting, you will feel encouraged to continue moving forward towards your goals. No matter where you are in the 12 steps, keep working on them throughout your week. You’ll be able to bring your updates, questions, and challenges to each meeting. Part of the abstinence process is working on the 12 steps to stay consistent. Therefore, you can grow in independence during AA by working on the steps outside of meetings.
Alcoholics Anonymous is not the only road to alcohol addiction recovery. It’s best utilized when combined with professional alcohol addiction treatment. We can help you find a recovery support group that is a perfect fit for you. Feel free to call us with any questions about AA, the AA Promises, alcohol rehab, or admissions to Chapter 5. We are ready to speak with you!
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