Alcoholics Anonymous

Thank you for choosing to read this paper, it was written specifically to be of aid to you.

What makes Alcoholics Anonymous so "anonymous" is that no records or files are kept, no information is shared, no medication is prescribed, no employers are contacted, no welfare services are provided and no information is shared with police officials. Sometimes, you just have one of those regrettable nights where you've surpassed your limits and done something incredibly stupid. Perhaps you've hurt a friend, family member or spouse by your drunken words or actions. Or perhaps you feel your control over your binge drinking to be slipping at a rapid pace. You don't feel that you're an "alcoholic" per say, but you'd like to take a positive step in the right direction regardless.

When you go to Alcoholics Anonymous, you'll likely be given a sponsor or peer, who's been through what you're enduring. They know what it's like to lose control when drinking alcohol, they know what withdrawal feels like and they've overcome the desire to use alcohol consumption to mask other problems. In an "open meeting," anyone can drop in, while "closed meetings" are reserved only for people who want to stop drinking completely. Sub-groups may target men only or women only, gay/lesbian/bi alcoholics and minority groups, if you prefer. Generally, you'll hear stories of overcoming addiction and you'll likely participate in a round-table group discussion. There are usually a few prayers and passages read from "The Big Book," which is like the recovery from alcoholism bible. In "step study meetings," each step will be focused on in great detail, one meeting at a time.

You may be wondering, "How effective is Alcoholics Anonymous?" Generally speaking, the real determining factor is your own determination. If you really want to start over and live a healthy life, free from alcohol addiction, then you likely will. However, those who attend AA meetings by mandate generally relapse within the year. Various studies have been done to determine the overall effectiveness of AA, with mixed results. Early studies in the 1960s found that those who attended meetings actually partied more afterwards.

By contrast, a 1998 NIAA study and a 2001 Department of Veteran Affairs study both found that the best addiction treatment is AA. In the latter study, 45% of the men who went through a 12-step AA program were abstinent after 1 year, compared to 36% of those receiving cognitive/behavioral therapy. Of course, AA is not for everyone. For instance, staunch atheists aren't likely to embrace any treatment model with religious overtones.

It can be tricky to direct a loved one to Alcoholics Anonymous because most binge drinking alcoholics feel their behavior is "normal." One approach is to hand the drinkers AA pamphlets and allow them to assess whether they require assistance or not. Another approach is to offer to go with your loved one to a meeting. Some people are pushed to the limit and are forced to offer an ultimatum, "either an AA meeting or me!" Whatever the case may be, the most effective addiction treatment is naturally the one that the drinker decides upon for him or herself.

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