Alcoholics Anonymous and Alcoholism

Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety’. This is the power of Alcoholics Anonymous – it sets it apart because it is for drunks and run by drinks – we share with each other how to get sober and stay sober.

Alcoholism does not discriminate. The drunk on the park bench is a tiny tip of the iceberg. There are thousands of rich, successful alcoholics, from all backgrounds, all religions, all races, all ages. It is the biggest killer in the world, ahead of heart disease and cancer. It affects the victim physically, mentally and spiritually.

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Alcoholics are not weak, it’s an illness

It is a common misconception that an alcoholic is weak. Most alcoholics have more willpower than average and that is why they can keep themselves together through the progression of the illness – until it is too late and they have full blown addiction. Will power will not make an alcoholic well. Alcoholics physically and mentally crave alcohol even though they know it makes them unwell. By the time an alcoholic is ready to give up their will power (self will) and accept help, they have usually reached a ‘rock bottom’ – they have lost everything or know they will lose everything. The prospect of carrying on drinking is worse that the prospect of not drinking. At this point, an alcoholic is in a bad way spiritually, physically and mentally. We usually hate ourselves and our self-esteem is at an all time low.

Alcoholics Anonymous and 12 step Rehabs

Alcoholics Anonymous is the most successful organisation ever at keeping people sober. However, some need a helping hand to get there and need rehab treatment first. Many good rehab clinics will introduce the alcoholic to AA and the Twelve Step programme, so that once back at home the process of attending AA to maintain sobriety can be continued. The only requirement for attending AA is a desire to stop drinking. AA offers a programme of total abstinence. An alcoholic cannot do controlled drinking. AA advocates not drinking one day at a time. We are never cured, we just stop the illness on a daily basis. We learn how to live and enjoy life ‘on life’s terms’.

The Twelve Step programme gives us the tools to live our lives in a calm and fulfilled way with the Twelve Step Programme. Contrary to popular belief, AA is not a religious organisation but it does advocate everyone having some form of spiritual help from outside their self – this is referred to as their higher power.

Worldwide

AA is now operating in over 100 countries and has millions of members. There is almost certainly an AA meeting local to you on every day of the week and if you want you would be surprised by how many people from all walks of life are there. Once you go to AA, you need never be lonely again.

If you have an alcohol or drug related problem, please call 01462 851414 for free and confidential advice and help.