Alcoholics Anonymous:

 What It Is and How It Works ?

If you are struggling with alcohol addiction, you may have heard of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). AA is a worldwide program that helps people overcome their drinking problems and live sober lives. But what exactly is AA and how does it work? 

What Is AA?

AA is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other to solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. AA is not affiliated with any religion, sect, politics, organization, or institution. AA does not charge any fees or dues. AA is open to anyone who has a desire to stop drinking.

AA was founded in 1935 by two alcoholics, Bill W. and Dr. Bob S., who discovered that talking to another alcoholic was the key to staying sober. They developed a program of recovery based on 12 steps, which are spiritual principles that guide the members to achieve and maintain sobriety. AA also has 12 traditions, which are guidelines for the unity and service of the groups.

How Does AA Work?

AA works through members telling their stories of what they used to be like, what happened, and what they are like now. The AA program, known as the 12 steps, provides a framework for self-examination and a road to recovery, free of alcohol.

The 12 steps of AA are:

1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.
2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

AA members attend regular meetings, where they share their experiences and support each other. AA meetings are either open or closed. Open meetings are for anyone who is interested in AA, while closed meetings are for AA members only.

AA members also have sponsors, who are experienced members who offer personal guidance and support to newcomers. Sponsors help sponsees to understand and work the 12 steps.

What Are the Benefits of AA?

AA offers many benefits for people who want to quit drinking and stay sober. Some of the benefits are:

• Improved physical and mental health
• Enhanced relationships and social support
• Increased self-esteem and confidence
• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Greater sense of purpose and meaning
• Lower risk of relapse and complications

How to Join AA?

If you want to join AA, all you need to do is to find a meeting near you and show up. You can use the AA website or call the AA helpline to locate a meeting. You don’t need to register or make an appointment. You don’t need to bring anything or pay anything. You just need to have a desire to stop drinking.

When you go to a meeting, you will be welcomed by other members who will introduce themselves and explain how the meeting works. You don’t have to say anything if you don’t want to. You can just listen and observe. You can also ask questions and talk to other members after the meeting.

If you like the meeting, you can come back as often as you want. You can also try different meetings until you find one that suits you. You can also ask someone to be your sponsor, who will help you with your recovery.

Conclusion

AA is a program that can help you overcome your alcohol addiction and live a sober and happy life. AA is based on the 12 steps, which are spiritual principles that guide you to recovery. AA is a fellowship of people who share their stories and support each other. AA is free and open to anyone who wants to stop drinking.

If you are interested in AA, you can find a meeting near you and attend it. You will be welcomed and supported by other members. You will also learn how to work the 12 steps and how to stay sober.

AA can offer you many benefits, such as improved health, relationships, self-esteem, and well-being. AA can also help you prevent relapse and cope with challenges.

AA is not a magic solution, but a way of life. AA requires commitment, honesty, and willingness. AA is not easy, but it is worth it.

If you want to join AA, you can start today. You don’t have to wait until you hit rock bottom. You don’t have to do it alone. You can do it with AA.