Many people have heard of Alcoholics Anonymous and the 12 step ideology. As the largest alcoholism support group worldwide, Alcoholics Anonymous has assisted in recovery and long-term sobriety for millions of people. Despite its popularity, many are unaware of the specifics of the program or what the 12 steps are. If you or a loved one is considering joining Alcoholics Anonymous, it is important to be well-informed about the program.
What is Alcoholics Anonymous?
Alcoholics Anonymous, or simply AA, is a support group for recovering alcoholics. According to their website, Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship that brings men and women together so that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. Founded in 1935 by two recovering alcoholics, AA currently has over two million members worldwide. Because the program is funded by donations, no payment is required to become a member.
The 12 Steps
Alcoholics Anonymous established the 12 steps as a list of guidelines designed to help reach recovery. They have since been implemented within many recovery organizations and addiction treatment programs. The 12 steps are listed below.
- We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
- Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
- Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
Is Alcoholics Anonymous Right For Me?
Alcoholics Anonymous may not be for everyone. Some individuals may prefer residential addiction treatment or intensive behavioral therapy. Some people may decide to do all three. If you decide to join an AA group, you’ll be pleased to know that they are considered very effective. As stated in the 2016 Surgeon General of the United States Report, scientific evidence proves the effectiveness of 12-step mutual aid groups focused on alcohol and 12-step facilitation interventions.
We Are Here To Help
If you have questions regarding 12-step based programs and addiction treatment, we are here to help. Addiction is a devastating disease and you do not have to fight it alone. The founders of Asheville Recovery Center, as well as many of our addiction therapists, have struggled with addiction and now enjoy life in recovery. They understand the struggles of addiction and how difficult it is to overcome on your own.
At Asheville Recovery Center, specialists have combined various therapies, treatments, and 12-step approaches to develop an effective, hybrid model of treatment designed to fit every individual’s unique circumstances.
If you feel that you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, our specialists are on standby and ready to help. Call (828) 518-6996 and speak with an addiction expert today so you can take the first step towards a rewarding life of sobriety.
