Trying to stop drinking can be challenging. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has a long and interesting history. AA is a fellowship of people who share their experiences, strengths, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problems and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership. AA provides a valuable service to people struggling with alcoholism and their families.
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcoholism, Northpoint Recovery can help. We offer a variety of evidence-based treatment options that are designed to meet your unique needs. We also provide a supportive environment where you can share your experiences with others going through similar challenges. Contact us today by calling 888.296.8976 to learn more about our alcohol addiction treatment program.
A Brief History of AA
Alcoholics Anonymous was founded in 1935 by two men, Bill Wilson and Dr. Robert Smith, who were struggling to stay sober. The pair met in Akron, Ohio, and they decided to start holding meetings to help other alcoholics achieve sobriety. AA quickly grew in popularity, and today there are more than two million members worldwide.
AA is based on the 12 steps, a set of principles that guide members on their journey to recovery. The 12 Steps emphasize the importance of admitting powerlessness over alcohol, making amends for past wrongs, and helping other alcoholics achieve sobriety. AA meetings are typically held in churches, community centers, or hospitals. Members share
How Alcoholics Anonymous Works
The 12-step program encourages members to take responsibility for their alcoholism and take steps to improve their lives. The 12 steps are:
- We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.
- We came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
- We made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
- We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
- We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
- We were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
- We humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
- We made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
- We made direct amends to such people whenever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
- We continued to take personal inventory and promptly admitted it when we were wrong.
- We 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.
- 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.
The 12-step program is designed to help people take responsibility for their alcoholism and make positive changes in their lives. AA also stresses the importance of helping others who are struggling with addiction. Members are encouraged to share their experiences with others to help them recover from alcoholism.
What to Expect in AA Meetings
AA meetings are open to anyone who wants to stop drinking. There are no membership dues or fees, and you do not need to be a member to attend. AA meetings are typically held in church basements or other community spaces. They usually last for one hour and typically involve a group of people sharing their experiences with alcoholism.
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcoholism, Northpoint Recovery can help. We offer a variety of evidence-based treatment options that are designed to meet your unique needs. We also provide a supportive environment where you can share your experiences with others facing similar challenges. Contact us today by calling 888.296.8976 to get started.