It is the spiritual aspect of AA that turns people off and sends them to alternatives, said Smart Recovery executive director Mark Ruth. AA and other 12-step programs recommend the use of a higher power to help members recognize something, even if it isn’t God or any religious deity, has a power greater than they are. Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who come together to solve their drinking problem. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about their drinking problem. In https://ecosoberhouse.com/ the United States, alcohol is tied to more deaths than any other drug and represents the majority of treatment cases for substance use disorders. On top of that, alcohol leads to at least $250 billion in lost productivity and costs related to health care, crime, and incarceration annually, according to the New York Times’ “The Upshot.”
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- Department of Veterans Affairs showed abstinence rates of males recovering from alcohol use disorder at 1 year and 18 months.
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a global organization designed to help people overcome alcohol addiction.
- Take our free, 5-minute substance use self-assessment below if you think you or someone you love might be struggling with substance use.
- By contrast, the abstinence rate was nearly twice as high for those who did attend AA or another similar 12-Step facilitation program without any aftercare.
And finally, the spiritual side of AA—an advantage for some—can be a minus for others. Especially for people who are more science-oriented, the faith-based aspect leaves them cold. They don’t want to share their private thoughts with other people. Many prefer to deal one-on-one with a therapist or counselor. AA has been around for more than 85 years, but scientific evidence didn’t start to build about its effectiveness until around the 1990s, Kelly says. To be a member of AA, all that is required is that a person suffers from alcoholism – it’s one of the traditions (which will be detailed below).
Secular Organizations for Sobriety (S.O.S.)
In Marlon’s first year of recovery, he left his job, got a divorce, and moved. All three major life changes could have triggered him to start drinking again. Building a fulfilling life in recovery involves creating new habits and finding joy in daily activities. Focus on developing a positive mindset, forgiving yourself, and looking forward to the future. Engaging in activities that excite you, building supportive relationships, and exploring new interests can help create a meaningful drug addiction and rewarding life in sobriety.
How to Find an A.A. Meeting
Kelly explains that it can boost cognitive and behavioral coping abilities, which are key to remaining abstinent. In 2014, Alcoholics Anonymous conducted a study regarding its success rate with over 6,000 members. Of the members surveyed, 22 percent had been sober for 20 years or more.
Further, insurance plans sometimes don’t cover rehab, which makes the cost even greater. At Ria, we offer weekly meetings with certified counselors to help members stay on track and build skills for long-term change. Ria Health offers several FDA-approved medications for alcohol use disorder.
“Pure and simple, it links people to an indigenous, ubiquitous community resource. If you’re treating a chronic illness, you want to link people to something that can help sustain that gain made initially in treatment, but over time.” If one AA meeting isn’t working, try attending a different meeting or group altogether. Because it’s so accessible, you likely won’t have problems finding other meetings. Sometimes, Patterson notes, you may meet someone at a 12-step or SMART meeting who is simply attending these meetings and not getting professional treatment. Marlon stuck with AA and went on to work in drug and alcohol treatment and recovery. He’s now a licensed alcohol and drug counselor and CEO of both the nonprofit Vegas Stronger and rehab CrossRoads of Southern Nevada.
Explore the program
- Directories and community centers that serve shared-affinity groups may be sources of specialized AA meeting information.
- These elements help build a strong social network, which is crucial in overcoming addiction.
- Use the Rehab.com directory listings to find treatment centers.
- AA’s best known feature is the Twelve Steps, principles intended to guide people toward recovery.
According to the researchers, AA may result in between 22% to 37% of participants remaining abstinent, whereas other treatment programs may result in about 15% to 25% of participants remaining abstinent. Yes, there are several alternatives to AA, including therapy (like cognitive behavioral therapy), mindfulness and meditation practices, and other support groups. Digital apps like Reframe also offer support, resources, and community for those looking to reduce or quit alcohol. While alcohol is the main focus of AA meetings, many of the ideas and methods behind it are “transferable” to other conditions such as (some) eating disorders, gambling, or other forms of substance misuse. Throughout the last few decades, 12-step “offshoot” groups such as NA (Narcotics Anonymous), OA (Overeaters Anonymous), and GA (Gamblers Anonymous) have become increasingly common.
Does Alcoholics Anonymous Work? Scientific Review From Dr. John Kelly and the RRI
Especially for those with devout religious beliefs, AA offers a parallel universe, with adherents encouraged to surrender to “a higher power” (not necessarily God). Some people consider this relationship a plus in their journey to recovery. In 2020, an updated study of AA found that for many people, the method works quite well. Further, the study showed that people who use other methods to reduce drinking, and combine them with AA participation, often had better outcomes than either one alone. “Anyone struggling with their drinking can walk into a meeting full of people who’ve been there and are ready offer support,” said Smith, an attorney.
Alcoholics Anonymous: Definition, How it Works, Principles, Benefits, Alternatives
- It’s about fostering personal growth, accountability, and connection.
- If the ideals and goals of 12-step programs appeal to you, it may be able to help maintain abstinence for a period of time.
- Dr. John Kelly of the MGH Recovery Research Institute led the most rigorous scientific review of Alcoholics Anonymous performed to date.
- AA has chapters in 180 different countries with millions of active members.
After this, members are often still encouraged to attend meetings regularly for the rest of their lives. The idea is that constant vigilance and support are needed to prevent triggers and general stressors from creeping up on members and causing relapse. Remember that while AA has been instrumental in helping numerous individuals achieve sobriety, it’s important to note that it may not be equally effective for everyone. While AA is autonomous, many treatment how does aa work centers incorporate its Twelve Steps and principles into their programs, enhancing recovery efforts. Big Book meetings focus on AA’s foundational text, “The Big Book.” In these gatherings, members explore the book’s contents, which include the Twelve Steps and personal stories of recovery. These meetings offer inspiration, hope, and a connection with someone who has successfully overcome alcoholism.