Explained: The Types of Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings

At its core, Alcoholics Anonymous is more of a self-help group than a form of psychotherapy. It provides a strong system of peer support and encourages those affected by addiction to take responsibility for their own recovery. In this sense, it could be argued that it has some similarities with therapeutic models alcoholics anonymous — though ultimately, it offers different methods and approaches than more traditional forms of therapy. Alcoholics Anonymous is an example of a mutual aid group – a group formed voluntarily by people with common problems. AA aims to provide mutual support, understanding, and comfort through shared experiences.

AA meetings are gatherings where recovery from alcoholism is discussed. One perspective sees them as “quasi-ritualized therapeutic sessions run by and for, alcoholics”.[59] There are a variety of meeting types some of which are listed below. At some point during the meeting a basket is passed around for voluntary donations. AA’s 7th tradition requires that groups be self-supporting, “declining outside contributions”.[20] Weekly meetings are listed in local AA directories in print, online and in apps. A.A.’s Twelve Steps are a set of spiritual principles. When practiced as a way of life, they can expel the obsession to drink and enable the sufferer to recover from alcoholism.

Alcoholics Resource Center

Sobriety is about dealing with life without having to use a substance like alcohol to help you cope. It’s also important to note that meeting effectiveness depends on finding a meeting that’s right for you. There are many different types of meetings for different groups of demographics. For example, an intercity group of AA members who are mostly homeless is not likely to help a struggling young mother with an alcohol problem. An open meeting is open to the public, while a closed meeting is for members only.

Each group is an autonomous unit, but several organizations offer guidelines for incorporating the 12 traditions that many groups use. A participant in the program works through the 12 steps in order with a goal of integrating each step into his or her life. Alcoholics Anonymous places a strong emphasis on fixing fractured relationships and returning to health in all areas of life, so participants are encouraged to fully work through each step.

A.A. Can Support Professionals

All autobiography is subjective, and chances are if you landed in Alcoholics Anonymous you’ll have many interesting life experiences related to your drinking to share about. Alcoholism and drug addiction are often referred to as ” substance abuse” or “chemical dependency.” Alcoholics and nonalcoholics https://ecosoberhouse.com/ are, therefore, sometimes introduced to AA and encouraged to attend AA meetings. The 12 Principles of AA is essentially the work of AA’s founders, but early in AA’s history, the organization listed six principles, many of which were influenced by the founders’ experience with The Oxford Group.

• However, many people who complete step 4 of AA say they feel newfound confidence after they honestly face what they’ve been through and done.
• For Wilson and Smith, surrendering to a ‘higher power’ was an integral part of their plan’s development.
• Has been helping alcoholics recover for more than 80 years.
• In step 4, you made a catalog of your past, and in step 6, you admitted them and released yourself from the guilt and shame.

The format is to read out of the book, then whoever wants to share can. Like Big Book studies, these meetings are a great way to gain insight into others’ understanding of Alcoholics Anonymous and how they apply the program to their lives. Big Book studies are where the group reads a section of the book Alcoholics Anonymous together and people share about their understanding of the passage. In these shares, members usually relate the reading to their own life experience. These meetings are a great way to gain a deeper understanding of what the book means and how others relate to it.