AA How It Works? How Alcoholics Anonymous Can Help Your Sobriety Journey

Alcoholics Anonymous  or AA has been around long enough to develop a reputation as one of the most effective recovery programs for those who want to stay sober and help others achieve sobriety. Many professional addiction treatment specialists and centers also integrate AA in their programs to address addiction.

But what makes AA different? How does it work? And how can AA help a person deal and overcome alcoholism? These are just some of the common questions many people who are not familiar with AA ask.

In this post, we'll explore what AA is and how it works, as well as discuss some of the benefits of joining a 12-step program like AA. If you're curious about Alcoholics Anonymous and whether it could be right for you, keep reading.

What Is AA? Some Basic Information to Orient You About the Program

AA is a 12-step program that helps people who have admitted they have an addiction to alcohol and provides support to help them live sober lives. It is one of the most popular resources for people in recovery to help people struggling with alcohol addiction.

Oftentimes, AA is seen as the last resort for those fighting addiction, but you'll be surprised that it can be a great tool to get started on your road to recovery. What makes AA unique is that while it is a self-help program for people with an addiction to alcohol, it's also a community. AA helps individuals build friendships and bonds within the community that will help them maintain sobriety long-term.

An AA meeting usually lasts for an hour and it's free to attend. There are different types of AA meetings, some are open meetings that anyone can attend while there are also closed meetings for members only.

Typical AA meetings start with a round of introductions where each person who attends the meeting introduces themselves and says a few words about their sobriety. The meetings then proceed with a topic or discussion headed by the leader that is relevant to addiction and recovery. The attendees will then take turns talking about the topic or sharing their experiences, strength, and hope with each other.

There are also AA meetings that are purpose-driven. For example, there are meetings for beginners that are held to educate those who are new to AA. There are also meetings that serve as 12-step study groups that help members dive deeper into the 12-step process. Additionally, there are AA meetings for specific groups of people who share similar struggles, such as women or men.

How Alcoholics Anonymous Works To Help People Get Sober and Maintain Sobriety

Perhaps you're wondering how AA can help you get sober and maintain your sobriety. Besides learning about the basics and what the program is all about, it's also important to look at the unique benefits of attending Alcoholics Anonymous.

It's Very Straightforward

One of the best things about AA is its simplicity. Because it's free and there are many available meetings anywhere (even online), it's very easy to attend these meetings and start working the steps.

It's not intimidating especially for people who may not yet be ready to go into a treatment program or have enough money to afford it. Attending an AA meeting can be an effective first step to tackling addiction.

It Offers Support

One of the things that are often difficult for people who are trying to recover from addiction is feeling alone in their journey. When a person struggling with alcoholism feels isolated and feels like no one understands what they're going through, it's even more difficult to get sober.

AA helps address this issue by providing a space where people can meet others who are experiencing similar struggles and help each other out. It's also to find a sponsor that would help them work the 12-step program and stay accountable.

It Keeps You Accountable

When you attend AA, you are often encouraged to attend 90 meetings in 90 days. This is called the 90 Day Challenge that aims to encourage members to be fully focused on their recovery everyday for the first 3 months.

The great thing about attending regular meetings is that it can promote accountability because you are spending time with others who are also committed to working the 12-step program.

It also helps you build a healthy routine. When a person is new to sobriety, it's important that they have a healthy daily routine. This includes eating on time, going to sleep early, and waking up early. AA can be very helpful in establishing this type of routine because the meetings work on a regular schedule.

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, help is available.

Contact Anaheim Lighthouse today.