Closed meetings are for those who https://ecosoberhouse.com/ have a desire to stop drinking. Robert is our health care professional reviewer of this website. He has a nursing and business/technology degrees from The Johns Hopkins University. Another option is to do an online search for “Alcoholics Anonymous” and the location where you’d like to attend a meeting. The central ideas of AA were originally based on Christianity and its influence is apparent in many AA meetings today.
- To find your closest local entity, please search via A.A.
- We are not a medical center or doctors and cannot prescribe treatment.
- This inclusive approach ensures that everyone feels welcome, and the primary focus remains on overcoming alcohol dependence and supporting each other, regardless of individual religious beliefs.
- Please use this form to let us know if you are an A.A.
- We are not responsible for the quality of services provided by institutions listed on our websites.
The Big Book
Finally, emphasize that the decision of whether or not someone joins AA is up to them—you are simply there for assistance if needed. First and foremost, it’s important to keep in mind that conversations surrounding addiction can be difficult and delicate. You want to make sure you come from a non-judgmental place of understanding and compassion when you approach the topic. It’s best to start the conversation with a frank discussion about how much you care for the person and want to help them. Once they understand that your intent is not to lecture them but to provide support, they may be more open to discussing AA further.
Big Book ASL – Chapter 5 – How It Works
- Navigating conversations around addiction can be difficult—but with the right approach and knowledge of AA, you can have an incredibly productive dialogue about help and support.
- We are people who have discovered and admitted that we cannot control alcohol.
- There are also closed meetings where only people who have quit drinking and want to do it again attend.
- Honesty is one of the most important foundations of recovery in that it allows individuals to be truthful with themselves and others about their addiction.
- AA also places an emphasis on reaching out to other people with the same issues and connecting with them so that you can lend each other the strength and hope needed to stay sober.
These sessions offer shared experiences, communal support, marijuana addiction and actionable guidance. Whether you are newly sober or have been in recovery for years, there is a space for you, available both virtually and in person. Reasons for starting a new group vary, but the ways to go about it are basically the same. Group is the need for one as expressed by at least two or three alcoholics; the cooperation of other A.A.
AA Meetings Frequently Asked Questions
While some studies have suggested that it can be a useful tool in recovery, other research has failed to show evidence of its ability to promote abstinence or reduce relapse risk. For this reason, many believe that other forms of treatment, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are more effective in engaging individuals with recovery. The twelve steps that make up the core what is aa of Alcoholics Anonymous provide a framework for having honest conversations about what members are experiencing. The steps focus on topics such as acceptance, forgiveness, responsibility, and making amends. Participants report feeling more connected to themselves and others as they progress through the steps, as well as receiving strength and encouragement from fellow members. As such, step calls provide an invaluable resource in helping individuals sustain their sobriety.
