What is A A.? Alcoholics Anonymous

However, the use of this symbol has lessened significantly in recent decades. Alcoholics Anonymous, or AA, is a well-known recovery organization throughout the world. The circle and triangle symbol was first adopted by AA in the 1950s, but it has since been phased out of regular use despite its recognized presence within the group. 12-Step AA meetings are often held in public, accessible buildings with lots of parking, such as churches, schools, coffee shops, and restaurants.

Bill W. & his spiritual awakening

There are many different ideas about what alcoholism really is. The explanation that seems to make sense to most A.A. Members is that alcoholism is a progressive illness that can never be cured but that, like some other diseases, can be arrested. Before they are exposed to A.A., many alcoholics who are unable to stop drinking think of themselves as morally weak or, possibly, mentally unbalanced.

Organization and finances

The degree of spirituality in an AA meeting largely depends on the group’s format and the preferences of its members. AA membership is open to anyone with a drinking problem and a genuine desire to stop drinking. There are no age or education requirements needed to participate. Meetings are opened by the chair, with some meetings then calling for recitation of the Serenity Prayer or a moment of silence. New attendees are then encouraged to introduce themselves, though they don’t have to if they aren’t comfortable doing so. However, the organization reinforces that it is not interested in who made the referral to A.A.

What is the History of Alcoholics Anonymous?

Do they truly help attendees achieve and maintain sobriety? Typically, both NA and AA meetings begin with reading the 12 Steps. You may also hear people reciting the serenity prayer or the 12 Traditions. After that, you’ll find that meetings are all quite different from each other. Some meetings may include speakers, or people sharing about their experiences. Others will involve discussions or reading from a chosen textbook.

• Everyone’s experience with AA is different, and it’s important that one evaluates its effectiveness.
• AA meetings can be spiritually inclined, but they are not inherently so.
• It was founded in 1935 by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith.
• These meetings foster a sense of community and allow members to learn from one another’s insights.
• Do they truly help attendees achieve and maintain sobriety?
• We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies.

Is “Addictive Personality” Real?

The Serenity Prayer is commonly used in AA meetings as a tool for reflection and guidance. It was called the AA prayer in the 1940s.[73] Often recited at meetings, it emphasizes the concepts of acceptance, courage, and wisdom, which align with the principles of the AA program. The prayer encourages individuals to accept things they cannot change, to find the courage to make changes where possible, and to seek the wisdom to distinguish between the two.

Is AA a Selfish Program?

AA works through a mutual support model where individuals struggling with alcohol addiction share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs. At the end of the day, there is no definite answer when it comes to the true success rate of AA. Studies indicate that short-term and long-term abstinence rates climb significantly among substance abusers who participate in AA programs or similar groups.

What is AA? How it Works, History & Types of Meetings

Specialized meetings cater to specific demographics or needs within the AA community. Examples include meetings for young adults, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, or professionals. AA members, often referred to simply as “members,” are individuals from various walks of life who have acknowledged their alcohol use disorder and are committed to quitting drinking. Members attend AA meetings to discuss their struggles, receive support, and offer support to others, creating a nurturing and empathetic community dedicated to achieving and maintaining sobriety. Fortunately, there are many different types of meetings for people from different backgrounds or with similar situations. There are no dues or fees, so it doesn’t cost anything to try it out.

Sobriety in AA: We made changes to stop drinking

• All Addiction Resource content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
• These countries often include the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and various European nations.
• While AA is not a religion, it involves faith in a higher power that can strengthen members when battling addiction.
• Members of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) work together to stay sober and help each other abstain from alcohol.
• Discussion meetings encourage open dialogue among participants on various aspects of recovery.

It welcomes members of all religions, agnostics and atheists alike. You don’t have to sign up what does aa stand for alcohol or achieve anything to be a member. We work through the offer of help and suggestion only.

Spirituality

• Understanding them can genuinely enrich your journey to sobriety.
• When you attend AA, you are attending a group that is based upon helping people who struggle with alcoholism.
• Speaker meetings feature one member, often with significant recovery time, sharing their journey of addiction and recovery.
• Despite its long history and the fact that it boasts over 2 million members across the globe, people still have many questions about the success rate and rules of AA programs.