We welcome new members, but we do not recruit them. Contributions to help cover expenses are optional. We respond to the needs of online A.A through our service committees. This website does not contain a meeting finder. Resources below for a meeting list in that location and the surrounding area.
- But, for a group to keep going, all kinds of service must be done.
- The process includes creating a human being the exact nature of personal shortcomings, addressing these flaws, and achieving a spiritual awakening through prayer and meditation.
- The information provided on our resources is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
- AA provides a safe space for members to share their struggles, experiences, and successes with one another in order to acquire strength, understanding, and companionship.
If you repeatedly drink more than you intend or want to, you may be an alcoholic. Information for people who may have a drinking problem. Also useful for those in contact with such people. We are not anti-alcohol and we have no wish to reform the world. We are not allied with any group, cause or religious denomination.
Meeting Guide is a free-of-charge meeting finder app.
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. According to numerous studies, the true success rate of Alcoholics Anonymous is difficult to measure. First and foremost, it’s important to keep in mind that conversations surrounding addiction can be difficult and delicate.
Real Experiences from Real People
This could be an apology to a former partner, an acknowledgment of negligence as a parent, or an apology to family or friends who have dealt with the consequences related to drinking. Individuals and interested professionals can visit the GSO Archives in New York City. We also offer online exhibits and a timeline of A.A. How did Oxford House a meeting between a New York stockbroker and an Akron surgeon lead to a global movement? Who were some of the people important to the growth of A.A.? If you are looking for a short write-up of the history of Alcoholics Anonymous, start here.
We navigate you towards AA meetings and sustainable recoverystrategies, helping to avert the anguish of relapse. Here, you’ll find a trove of resources tailored torecognize and reshape detrimental behavioral patterns, empowering you to surmount the hurdles of alcoholaddiction with confidence and resilience. AA meetings are gatherings where individuals struggling with alcohol addiction come together to shareexperiences, strength, and hope. They offer a supportive environment to discuss challenges and successesin sobriety. When bringing up AA, it’s important not to pressure the person into taking any specific action or attending a certain meeting.
- AA takes a more personal approach by encouraging individuals to name their own problems with alcohol instead of enforcing a diagnosis.
- We admitted we were powerless over alcohol — that our lives had become unmanageable.
- Join, Share, Grow Attend your chosen AA meeting and immerse yourself in a transformative experience.
- AlcoholAwareness.org is dedicated to providing support and resources for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction.
- Meetings in person or online and connect with resources near you.
The 12 Steps of AA
From Alcoholics Anonymous’ (AA) perspective, the definition of alcoholism is inclusive and understanding. AA does not have a formal or scientific definition of alcoholism but generally considers it a physical craving and a mental compulsion to drink alcohol. This means that individuals can still drink even when the consequences are negative, experiencing a sense of loss of control once they start and obsessing about https://gisearenasfit.com/2023/01/11/signs-of-dopamine-addiction-and-how-to-break-the/ alcohol when not drinking. There are no official rules for sponsorship and you are free to choose your own sponsor.
The emphasis is placed on exchanging personal experiences and finding commonalities in the issues members face, rather than classifying everyone according to a specific diagnostic category. This approach helps participants feel connected and supported in their journey towards sobriety. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings are confidential and free of charge, welcoming anyone seeking support for alcohol-related challenges. These sessions offer shared experiences, communal support, and actionable guidance.
Deaf Alcoholic Vodcast Now on AA Grapevine
It should be someone you are comfortable talking to. You can even switch sponsors if the one you have is not a good fit for you, but you need to make sure that it is someone who can help you in your journey. A sponsor should be patient, understanding, and empathetic as well as knowledgeable and experienced in the battle against alcoholism. They should be able to guide you through AA and hold you accountable. “aa-meetings.com made it easy to find a nearby group. I began with an online meeting, and the resources provided gave me the confidence to move forward.” At AA Meetings Directory, we simplify your search for nearby AA meetings.
There are no dues or fees for AA membership. Groups often take a collection to pay for the meeting’s expenses, such as coffee, rent, and literature, and AA members are welcome to contribute as much or as little as they like. Newcomers and visitors are not expected to contribute to the collection. Let the General Service Office know of any experiences or challenges your group faces or has solved.
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is an international fellowship of people whose primary purpose is to provide mutual support and recovery from addictive drinking.
- In recent years, online meetings have become popular, allowing members to connect virtually through platforms like Zoom and What’s App.
- It was called the AA prayer in the 1940s.76 Often recited at meetings, it emphasizes the concepts of acceptance, courage, and wisdom, which align with the principles of the AA program.
- AA was established when its two founders, Bill Wilson and Bob Smith, attempted to address the alcohol problem among their group of friends in New York in 1935.
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) outlines a 12-step program to help members achieve and maintain sobriety.
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. Willpower must also be developed in order for individuals to stay sober. It takes courage and perseverance for an individual to break away from their addiction and live a life of sobriety. Through the will of power, members learn how to stay committed to recovery despite any setbacks or challenges they may face.
With its wide range of activities, it provides a support system not only for individuals but also families affected by addiction. AA aa definition 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. Members are encouraged to reach out and support others who may still be fighting their battle against addiction, providing another layer of healing for more than just themselves. Alcoholics Anonymous has an impressive record of success; millions have found solace in its fellowship and healing through its 12-step program. If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol dependency or addiction, contact your local Alcoholics Anonymous office today.