Getting through alcoholism is no easy path and one would direly need the support of others who share the same feeling. This is the sole purpose of why Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was founded. The patients and their loved ones will both have a difficult time in undergoing recovery, so a support group would be an ideal source of strength.
This support group adapts the 12-step recovery program in conducting its sessions and sharing. All members of the Alcoholics Anonymous are experiencing alcohol use disorder, and all will share one’s insights and experience in overcoming alcohol dependency.
Based on medical studies, a huge percentage of patients who have undergone the AA program have successfully achieved a sober life even after the treatment program. It truly helped patients build a stronger and positive habit and attitude towards a healthier life.
What are the guide principles for the AA 12 steps program?
The creation of AA group sessions is based on the popular 12 steps recovery program. It is based on a belief that an external higher authority is there to help us in doing the right thing.
The incorporation of spirituality greatly helped patients develop a stronger will power to overcome alcoholism. Moreover, it promotes self-introspection and obedience with the rules of living a healthy and morally-upright life.
Like other organizations, the AA 12 step program is governed by a constant and firm tradition. These principles ensure that the main objective of group therapy is achieved. Below are the guide principles of AA 12:
- Maintaining privacy through anonymity is well kept to uphold the principles before any identification.
- Even at online and offline media, we keep the utmost discretion for the anonymity of our AA members. We do this for attraction and not promotion.
- AA group does not give any comments about the issues happening outside the room.
- Service committees are formed for the overseer of the AA group sessions. Creating an organized group with a complicated hierarchy is never encouraged.
- AA group will only employ professional service workers, but it would always maintain a non-professional entity.
- AA groups are always financially supported by their members, and it never asks outside contributions.
- AA groups will never join any money-making schemes that shall redirect the sole purpose of helping patients get a sober life.
- The main purpose of the AA group is to facilitate and foster sobriety and freedom from alcoholism.
- Every small group under the AA must be autonomous in their sessions but must be cohesive with other groups for interaction.
- To join the AA session, the patient must have a genuine desire to recover from alcoholism and avoid any relapse.
- The acceptance of a Higher Power in providing external guidance and support for sobriety.
- The unity of AA members must be present for the success of one’s recovery.
What is the Organizational Structure of AA?
The AA 12 step groups do not have a well-defined organizational structure like any other social or political groups in society. The people who spearheaded the AA groups are those previous alcoholics who now live a sober life.
There are no permanent leaders in the small AA groups, rather, the members can appoint a temporary leader to guide them. The leader can be replaced at any moment depending on the assessment of the members. Nevertheless, service committees are created to facilitate the entire operation of the smaller AA groups.
Most AA groups are self-supporting and they can accommodate donations from the outside. However, the group is never allowed to endorse any person or political party for the sole purpose of making money. This is highly prohibited as it can redirect the main objective of the AA group, that is, helping alcoholics achieve sobriety.
What is inclusive in the AA 12 Steps?
Enrolling in an AA support group will help any patient form a positive behavior and coping mechanism that shall reduce triggers and relapse. This therapy is typically incorporated for inpatient treatment programs. Below are the twelve steps for AA group therapy:
- Self-awareness of one’s dependence on alcohol
- Acceptance of a Higher Power that shall help patients recover from alcoholism
- Allowing the Higher Power to take control of one’s life
- Performing a moral inventory of oneself
- Accepting one’s mistakes and shortcomings to God, to others, and oneself
- Preparing oneself for God to correct mistakes and bad behavior
- Genuine humility in asking God’s assistance for recovery
- The patient creates a list of names: one is for the people who have wronged them and second will be for the people they have wronged for
- Directly asks forgiveness to people as long as it can never harm them
- Habitual listings of the mistakes committed
- Frequent communication with God through prayers and meditation
- Reaching spiritual enlightenment
Takeaways
The superior and reliable assistance of Alcoholics Anonymous support group truly helps patients achieve long-term sobriety. To ensure quality group therapy sessions, always be sure to consult with a licensed therapist and doctor.
Inpatient treatment programs are the best choice when alcoholism is severe. When progress can be seen, the patient can switch to an outpatient treatment program. Overall, one requires the attention of medical personnel in getting the right rehab treatment program.
