Let’s take a closer look at the positive aspects of support groups in general during the recovery process. Get the help you need from a therapist near you–a FREE service from Psychology Today. You how does aa work can just sit and listen and learn more about recovery, or you can share about your situation. Anyone with a desire to stop drinking is welcome, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, income or profession. There have been only a handful of scientific studies on Alcoholics Anonymous, but the little data that is out there shows that AA works. After 9 months, members receive yearly medallions on their sober anniversary to commemorate multiple years in the program.
- Alcoholics Anonymous is a worldwide fellowship where individuals come together to share experiences, strength, and hope to recover from alcoholism.
- Calls to any general helpline will be answered by treatment providers, each of which is a paid advertiser.
- It’s one of the most well-known, but there are many other excellent peer support groups out there.
- Fun and friendship are a huge part of Alcoholics Anonymous.
- You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
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There are no age or education requirements to participate. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something https://ecosoberhouse.com/ about their drinking problem. Independent service dedicated to helping people find AA meetings. Helping people find AA meetings and support in their journey to recovery.
The Twelve Steps Program
Some sources claim that AA has a low success rate at 5% while addiction specialists report a slightly higher rate at 8%–12%. The Big Book claims a success rate of 50%, and a 2020 review found that none of the studies found AA to be less effective than other interventions or no intervention. While the review shows that AA is at least effective across the board, research shows that about 40% drop out of the program within the first year. As positive as the findings are for the 12 steps, Kelly cautioned against using the review’s findings as proof that AA is a one-size-fits-all solution for alcohol addiction. The same thing that appears to work for AA — the rerouting of social networks — could, after all, work as well for other mutual help groups, like SMART and LifeRing, if they were just as common. The review didn’t look at how and why AA and 12-step facilitation treatment work, but Kelly and other researchers have studied that question for years.
How Effective Is Alcoholics Anonymous in Achieving Sobriety?
SMART Recovery is less rigid, but it’s also less commonly found in communities. CBT costs money and often requires insurance, but some people may benefit from its more holistic and individualized approach. If one AA meeting isn’t working, try attending a different meeting or group altogether.
Donations help cover costs like meeting space and literature. AA was founded in 1935 and has guided people through addiction ever since. marijuana addiction And in recent decades, a growing body of research has shown that it can be incredibly effective. This page, which includes the Twelve Steps, is often read at the start of meetings.
When you call, you’ll speak with a trained specialist who can help you understand your options and find the resources you need without judgment. SAMHSA also offers online treatment locators that allow you to search for mental health and substance use treatment centers near you, making it much easier to take that first step toward getting professional help. Sometimes, all you need is a straightforward way to see your progress and stay motivated. Apps like Nomo offer a simple, no-frills approach to tracking your journey. You can create customizable “clocks” to count your sober days, which provides a powerful visual of how far you’ve come.
- Marlon checked into a 30-day treatment facility, where he learned more about Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
- Kelly noted the positive results likely stem from the mutual support AA provides as well as the program’s ubiquity—and not necessarily one of the program’s unique traits.
- In some cases, courts may recommend AA meetings as part of sentencing or rehabilitation for alcohol-related offenses, though AA remains independent of legal matters.
Every meeting is a new opportunity for hope and recovery. If you’re considering A.A., the most important step is simply showing up to a meeting. You don’t need to make any commitments or decisions about your drinking. The only requirement is a desire to stop drinking, and that desire can develop over time.
