Anyone who has a drinking problem, and even those who don’t, have likely heard of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). However, hearing of something and knowing what it is are two different things. For that reason, many people still wonder what is Alcoholics Anonymous. Also, they typically want to know how they can join AA and how a 12-step addiction recovery program works.
What Is Alcoholics Anonymous?
Basically, AA is an international fellowship for women and men who suffer from drinking problems. It’s also important to note that AA is a self-supporting program that’s available nearly everywhere. Anyone can join AA because it has no gender or age requirements. It’s open to everyone who wants to do something about their drinking problem.
How Did AA Get Its Start?
AA has been around for as long as most people can remember. In fact, it first emerged in 1935 as the brainchild of Dr. Bob Smith and Dr. Bill Wilson. However, it’s worth pointing out that AA’s signature 12-step method didn’t emerge until 1946.
The first AA meeting occurred in Akron, Ohio. However, now people can find these meetings all over the United States. Other 12 step programs, like Narcotics Anonymous, have also appeared, and each program has its own take on the 12 steps. The key is that they actually have to want to seek help. AA is a program that can only help those who want to help themselves.
Who Can Join AA?
AA is for anyone who struggles with alcohol abuse or addiction. Again, there are no age and gender restrictions to join. With that said, only those who have a drinking problem can attend AA meetings. People who struggle with other addictions can attend only if they also have an alcohol addiction.
When people look for information about what is Alcoholics Anonymous, they often come across open and closed meetings. As the name suggests, an open meeting is one that is open to the public to attend. A closed meeting is for specific AA members only.
In general, there’s only one major rule that people must follow to join AA. They must have a desire to stop drinking. People who don’t truly want to stop drinking aren’t welcome because their negative desires can influence others.
How Does AA Work?
When people learn about what is Alcoholics Anonymous, they often want to know how it works. Obviously, groups of people hold meetings. However, what happens during these meetings?
In an AA meeting, the members take turns sharing experiences from their drinking problem. It allows them to not only share their troubles but also show others that they aren’t alone. In most cases, people who struggle with alcohol addiction suffer from many similar life setbacks.
During AA, people typically follow a 12-step method. Its goal is to help people live fulfilling lives without alcohol. It basically walks them down the right path one step at a time.
Don’t let Alcohol Consume Your Life
Are you looking for AA meetings in San Antonio TX? If so, you might want to consider enrolling in an alcohol rehab program. At San Antonio Recovery Center, we provide Texas addiction rehab programs such as:
- 12-step philosophy
- Family therapy
- Individual therapy
- Extended-care treatment
- Residential rehab
Don’t let not knowing what is Alcoholics Anonymous keep you from seeking treatment. Get the help that you need today. Contact us at 866.957.7885 to learn more about how we can help you.
