Alcoholics Anonymous is a self sustained organization that fellowships men and women who struggle with alcohol dependence. Their establishments stand to change the way people think about alcohol and assist with the recovery from alcoholism. Operating on a 12 step program, Alcoholics Anonymous provides a spiritual awakening that motivates behavioral changes, while under the support of fellow AA members.
Participation in the Alcoholics Anonymous treatment plan is on a voluntary basis. Meeting are held in almost every town across the United States. They are generally informal and allow for open discussion. Plus, there is no charge for attending. Donations are accepted my members, but not required. The only requirement is a desire to be clean and sober.
The Alcoholics Anonymous program assists each new member with finding a sponsor, or mentor who provides emergency support and ensures that the program is followed in the proper manner. The 12 steps of recovery involve actions such as admitting the problem, accepting responsibility, apologizing to friends and loved ones, and giving back to the community.
Many people attend AA as part of a follow up program to an inpatient or residential treatment program. AA is a program that requires long term treatment and continued follow up care, Alcoholics Anonymous has helped many people overcome their problems with alcohol addiction. However, statistics show that the majority of participants drop out before treatment occurs. Only about 25% continue to attend meetings after the first year and more than 1/3 of all members drop the program within the first month. The American Psychiatric Association recommends sustained treatment in combination with outside resources such as Alcoholics Anonymous.
