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Beach House Rehab Center » Blog » How Do AA Meetings Work?
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a non-profit organization that provides support services to those suffering from alcohol abuse. AA meetings and sponsored events are strictly volunteer-oriented and known for their non-judgmental atmosphere and encouragement of rigorous honesty. AA meetings are offered in a variety of public and private settings all around the world, with the core of the program revolving around the 12 Steps— a practical guide for overcoming the compulsion to drink through a combination of self-honesty, moral earnestness and spiritual commitment. AA meetings are free for all participants, with no monthly or annual dues or religious, philosophical, or political requirements.
The organization was originally founded in 1935 by Dr. Bob Smith, a surgeon, and Bill Wilson, a New York stock broker, both of whom described themselves as “hopeless alcoholics.” The mutually beneficial and now legendary association between the two men sparked an entire movement that emerged from the grassroots level and eventually achieved global significance. In the early years of its existence, the organization attracted die-hard supporters and boasted a remarkable success rate. For example, in 1945, just 10 years after its inception, AA boasted a 100 percent success rate among five-year members. Although subsequent decades would see that number gradually decline with the introduction of attendees participating only as a result of family pressure or court orders, AA has still helped millions of people achieve sobriety.
Long-respected as an informal society with no centralized governing authority, AA groups operate according to a similar guiding philosophy while retaining individual autonomy. The character and flavor of each group is determined by its local members and varies as widely as the socioeconomic landscape. AA currently features over 115,000 groups around the world and more than two million members.
AA meetings are divided into two primary formats: open meetings (O) and closed meetings (C). At open meetings, both those suffering from alcohol addiction and guests such as family members or friends are invited to participate. In closed meetings, attendance is strictly limited to alcoholic members only. In AA pamphlets and literature, various codes are used to help identify meeting specifics and help members and guests understand expectations prior to arrival. Like many traditions, AA features its own nomenclature that is an integral part of the organization’s culture. For example:
Typically, the system of codes used for these meetings appear in combinations. These combinations help establish exact expectations and simplify the process. For example:
True to its non-dogmatic nature, AA members are not required to complete every step, or even follow them entirely— the only qualifying condition is the desire to stop drinking. Membership in AA is as simple as attending a meeting, during which time newcomers are informally welcomed into the organization. Veteran members frequently encourage newcomers to seek knowledge and advice from fellow members and to strengthen their early recovery by attending 90 meetings in 90 days. During this same introductory period, members are also encouraged to work with an AA sponsor who can serve in the capacity of mentor and guide on the journey to sobriety.
AA meetings usually begin with a chairperson reading directly from the AA Preamble, followed by the Serenity Prayer— a time in which the majority of members join together in a recital of faith-based words designed to inspire courage, humility and wisdom. Afterwards, new members are asked to introduce themselves, although this remains optional. The majority of AA meetings feature a poster or plaque displaying the 12 Steps, which serves as the organization’s core philosophy and time-tested creed. To paraphrase AA literature:
One longstanding AA tradition involves new members receiving a meeting schedule in addition to the names and numbers of people they can call whenever they feel the urge to drink. This aspect of the program is voluntary, and those individuals whose names and numbers appear are driven by a genuine desire to help. AA strongly believes in its founders’ philosophy of brotherhood (or sisterhood), solidarity, and support, and no member is ever left without a helping hand in their time of need. In fact, community solidarity among AA members is so strong that any member tempted to drink at public facilities such as airports can identify themselves as a “friend of Bill W.” and receive anonymous help from someone in the program.
The challenges that accompany alcohol addiction can be exasperating for those caught in its grips, hijacking their lives and making prisoners of friends and family members who are forced to sit on the sidelines and witness the self-destruction. Without the structure provided by a solid program and highly supportive organization, many alcoholics relapse after a brief period of self-motivated treatment. Even those fully committed to AA and actively working the steps can attest to the difficulty of maintaining long-term sobriety in a world filled with temptation. Among the numerous benefits associated with AA are:
As with any program, organization, or institution, AA has its own unique challenges. Critics like to cite a high drop-out rate and routinely question the program’s appropriateness for everyone suffering from alcohol addiction. Additionally, certain AA members may be perceived as dogmatic, inflexible, and almost cult-minded in the strength of their convictions. Secular critics like to attack the program’s God-focus and deeply spiritual aspect, in addition to what they perceive to be its monopolistic nature. After all, it is the single largest, most renowned recovery program in the world.
None of these criticisms, however, can change the fact that AA has helped literally millions of people transform their lives in the decades since its inception. More importantly, it remains the philosophical cornerstone of most drug addiction treatment centers and is valued for its rich historical tradition and contemporary appeal.
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