This is a list of Wikipedia articles about specific twelve-step recovery programs and fellowships. Additionally, some programs have adapted the twelve-step approach in part. While AA operates independently, the treatment industry sometimes incorporates AA’s Twelve Steps and principles into its programs.
- Then the meeting comes to life with an appointed person sharing their experience, strength, and hopes, along with what the program has done for them.
- The rule is that people aren’t supposed to gossip about what others share in the rooms; but people in AA are human and in various stages of recovery.
- Specialized meetings cater to specific demographics or needs within the AA community.
- 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.
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- You may choose to speak at your first AA meeting, or you might opt to simply observe and listen.
- This financial model reinforces Alcoholics Anonymous’ commitment to self-sufficiency and its primary focus on recovery.
- You can also search for a meeting in your area the old-school way by looking up AA in the white pages of your local telephone book and calling the number for information on meetings in your area.
- Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who have experienced problems with drinking.
- Instead, its only concern is the person attending.
- The chair will often ask if there are any people new to A.A.
Topics can range from personal experiences to the challenges of sobriety. Big Book meetings focus on AA’s foundational text, “The Big Book.” In these gatherings, members explore the book’s contents, which include the Twelve Steps and personal stories of 5 types of alcoholics recovery. Alcoholics Anonymous offers two types of meetings—open and closed meetings. Anyone can attend an open meeting, but closed meetings are for members only. Open AA meetings welcome anyone interested in the program or learning about alcoholism.
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What it means is that we have ups and downs in sobriety, though hopefully not the level of drama and chaos we experience while drinking. It’s helpful to know that when you’ve had a hard day, or just a weird one, there’s maybe a specific kind of AA meeting that could help you feel better. Yes, it is miraculous for an alcoholic or anybody else who likes to drink to go for a lifetime without drinking.
- Local entities provide their meeting information voluntarily.
- The primary purpose of AA is to carry its message of hope to those struggling with alcohol abuse.
- It should be noted that even when you read that a certain group meeting is closed, it doesn’t mean that you can’t walk in or that you have to be invited.
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However, closed meetings are only available to its members. The goal of AA meetings is to provide a safe, confidential space where people can talk about their addiction to alcohol, discuss challenges they face, and offer support to other people who are on the same journey. Twelve-step groups such as AA can play an important role in recovery. It is important to https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/why-we-have-a-fear-of-being-sober-5-fears-about-it/ consider what you might gain from each type of meeting these groups offer, whether they are open or closed. If you are interested in joining AA or attending an open meeting to learn more, you can find meetings in your area or online by visiting the Alcoholic Anonymous website. How do you determine whether a closed or open meeting is the right choice for you?
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. Ultimately, AA’s effectiveness is subjective and varies from person to person. Many find it a valuable resource in their journey to sobriety, while others may seek alternative approaches or a combination of methods to address their alcohol abuse and addiction.
Types of 12-Step Programs
They can also ask questions that didn’t seem appropriate or didn’t arise during the meeting. BetterHelp can connect you to an addiction and mental health counselor. NIAAA’s study also revealed that the highest success rate was for people who participated in formal treatment and AA. Each AA program has guidelines for who counts as a member, and meetings are usually closed unless otherwise stated. Only people who have a drinking problem are eligible to join AA.
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Many non-alcoholics may attend these and no one assumes because you are there that you are alcoholic. One member, Barb M., relates that the thing she was most relieved about was the non-imposing feel that she got when she first began attending meetings. In some meetings, people are randomly called on, the thinking is, that it prevents the same people from constantly sharing, overriding the more shy, quieter people. In other meetings, at the end of the prayer, everyone may say a popular AA slogan, such as, “meeting makers make it.” The chairperson asks if any newcomers or first-timers are attending the meeting who would like to introduce themselves by their first name.
Alcoholics Anonymous Family Groups (Al-Anon) is a 12-step program for the loved ones of people in recovery based on its own 12 Steps. Al-Anon provides support, encouragement, and education for family members. Other studies have analyzed the effectiveness of peer support, in general, during substance use recovery and found that it contributed to a variety of improved outcomes. Outcomes were also improved for individuals with co-occurring substance use and mental health issues. Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) is an international program focused on supporting people during alcohol recovery, with a goal of helping them achieve and sustain sobriety. Meetings cost nothing to attend and are available almost everywhere.