There are no dues, fees, requirements or restrictions of any kind. The program also recognizes six levels of recovery, ranging from acceptance of having an addiction to prioritizing emotional and spiritual growth. Although the sessions are not as numerous as AA meetings, SMART has an online tool for finding recovery meetings near you.

Co-Founder Dr. Bob’s Major Impact in Ohio

You might see advertisements for treatment programs that claim to be “12-step based,” but you won’t see any that say they are affiliated with AA. At its core, Alcoholics Anonymous is an emergent self-help group, meaning it has a general shared purpose amongst members that also agree on a set of guiding principles, namely, in this case, abstinence from alcohol of any kind. This shared purpose helps unite and bond the members of the group and encourages them to work together towards achieving sobriety. The members work through the 12-step program together and can offer each other emotional and spiritual help throughout the healing process.

Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions ASL – Step Two

• The Big Book in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a foundational text outlining the principles of recovery for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD).
• Unity and functioning had been achieved and put into practice.
• We are not anti-alcohol and we have no wish to reform the world.
• On the other hand, millions have acknowledged their belief that AA and its principles saved their life.

AA is the largest and most successful mutual support organization in the world, with over two million members worldwide in more than 111,000 groups around the world. It is one of the best-known examples of what is known as a “twelve-step” program, in which members use twelve steps as a way to help them overcome their addiction and heal. Founded in 1935, AA is a self-help group with no religious affiliations.

• Through regular support meetings, the organization offers peer support which can be incredibly beneficial for individuals who are looking for recovery from addiction.
• He attributed his success to working with other alcoholics.
• By 1946, however, it was possible to draw some conclusions about the kinds of attitude, practice and function that would best suit A.A.’s purpose.
• The primary purpose of any 12-step group is to carry its message and give comfort to others who are still suffering.
• God or a higher power is mentioned several times throughout the 12 steps.
• In the fall of 1939, resulting in some 800 urgent calls for help.

Step 9: Responsibility

Tradition 8 allows contributions to be used for support services while the groups provide only non-professional, mutual support, ensuring AA or Al-Anon remains an unpaid, nonprofessional organization. One of the principles of 12-step support groups is that each member is responsible for their own recovery. The first part of tradition 7 makes it clear that responsibility extends to the members of each local group as it passes the basket for contributions to pay the rent and maintain its literature library. Even worthy projects such as starting a 12-step club or supporting a shelter for abused spouses should not be entered into as a group project, but rather as an effort of members as individuals, if they so desire. Invariably, these situations can involve struggles over finances and control and can divert a group and the fellowship away from its primary focus on recovery.

Participation in Alcoholics Anonymous and 16-Year Outcomes

By 1939 and the publication of The Big Book, Wilson and Smith revised their principles, expanding them to reflect their work and its progress. AA is, of course, heavily focused on principles of Christianity, but many of today’s groups have modernized the tenets to reflect a more diverse audience. Even so, the 12 Principles of AA have remained its central guiding influence. Many people suffering from alcoholism continue to find success in recovery by participating in AA’s program.

After getting to know its principles, you may want to try the alcoholics anonymous program, or include it as part of your post-rehab aftercare plan. On the other hand, millions have acknowledged their belief that AA and its principles saved their life. By studying the program, how it works, and each of its principles, you can determine if this type of program is ideal for you. Many people find it so helpful that they continue to meet with the group in order to help others as they work to maintain their own recovery. The Central Office is also fully self-supporting through the sale of literature and member contributions.