AlcoholicsAnonymous as a Resource for Health & Social Care Professionals
Introduction The AA Preamble
What is AA ? A fellowship Shared experience of alcoholism Helping others to recover
What is AA ? Requires a desire to stop drinking No dues or fees Self- supporting
What is AA ? Neither sectarian, denominational nor political Non- controversial
AA’s Primary Purpose To stay sober To help others achieve sobriety
Our aim To inform about Alcoholics Anonymous The 12 Step Recovery Programme
How we can help AA in Great Britain has over 60 years experience. A resource to help patients suffering from alcoholism Recovery is available free.
Some history 1935: AA started in USA Has grown around the world to 160 countries with 2,100,000 members in 110,000 groups 1947: started in Great Britain 40,000 members in 4800 groups in GB and Continental Europe
How AA views alcoholism A progressive illness A spiritual, emotional and physical illness A physical addiction and a mental obsession
How AA views alcoholism Loss of power to control drinking A way of prevention remains undiscovered
AA helps Those who are already alcoholics and want to stop drinking To learn how to live a normal, happy life without alcohol
AA as a service Personal, subjective experience shared with another Totally confidential and anonymous We help ourselves by trying to help others An informal person-to-person approach
Who runs AA? No rules, regulations or official governing authority AA relies on experience-based Traditions, on suggestion and example Local groups are autonomous Individual and collective responsibility
What does it cost? To you and the taxpayer Nothing!
What does AA cost? Each group is self-supporting by members’ voluntary contributions AA accepts no funds from any outside sources All surplus funds are used to carry the AA message to the active alcoholic and to inform the public about AA
More about alcoholics In our experience there is no “typical” alcoholic Drinking patterns differ Confidence, feelings, fear Resistance Rationalisation and denial
What happens at AA meetings? “Open” and “Closed” meetings Usually between 10 and 40 people, lasting about 90 minutes Getting to a meeting – the Helpline Support and reassurance for newcomers
AA’s Pledge NATIONAL HELPLINE NUMBER When anyone, anywhere reaches out for help, I want the hand of AA always to be there And for that: I am responsible
AA Availability There are Alcoholics Anonymous meetings every day of the week throughout Great Britain Professionals can contact the Helpline and local AA Health Liaison Officer Attend open meetings, where visitors are welcome
How to find out more about AA AA General Service Office PO Box 1, 10, Toft Green, York YO1 7NJ Tel: Northern Service Office – Glasgow Tel: Southern Service Office – London Tel: