Alcoholics Anonymous is known as one of the most effective programs available to help recovering alcoholics maintain their sobriety. The program is a place where participants can discuss their struggles and share their stories in a safe environment. It can reduce the risk of returning to alcohol and is ongoing to ensure the individual always has a support system.
Many people are familiar with AA but are not sure how it works or why it’s so effective. The program has a design and operation that has been consistent over the years, which is why it’s still a great resource today. Here are a few main ways that AA helps those with alcohol addiction.
A Support System
It can be challenging to remain sober and avoid returning to alcohol for individuals who feel alone and isolated. AA is successful because it provides each participant with a support system. Meetings consist of different people discussing their struggles and experiences in a safe setting that is confidential. Many attendees can develop more confidence and strength by participating in AA meetings because they feel understood and have similar experiences to other people in the group.
Although they may not feel understood by their loved ones, AA can help them to feel like they have friends who aren’t judging their actions. This allows them to have a place where they can get advice that makes it easier to maintain their sobriety and work through new challenges as they try to abstain from alcohol. Attendees get the chance to get a new perspective and learn more about their previous addiction. When they become educated, they can feel more empowered to maintain sobriety long-term.
AA is a great way to continue receiving therapy and support after completing a drug rehab program. Programs are often three to 15 months following completement of an alcohol addiction program, deepening on the individual. Some people need more on-going support, while others regain their confidence and are capable of maintaining their sobriety long-term without the help of the group.
Participate in 12 Steps
Alcoholics Anonymous is designed to have 12 steps that attendees must complete, which is standard for every recovery group managed by the program. The steps include admitting your faults and mistakes, making the decision to quit alcohol, turning your life over to God, making a commitment to improving yourself, and making a moral inventory of yourself.
These steps are proven to be effective because they give attendees the chance to reflect on themselves and make improvements where their needed. Many people find that they can learn practical ways to grow over time, which can reduce the risk of relapsing and returning to alcohol abuse. Due to the unique design and success of Alcoholics Anonymous, it’s prompted similar types of groups to be created, which include Gamblers Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.
Accountability
The accountability that is offered in AA is one of the reasons why so many individuals find success with the program. They can lean on other people to help them stay clean and can have a place where they get the encouragement they need to maintain their sobriety. Attendees know they always have a place where they can open up and discuss their struggles. They can always have someone to reach out to if they’re struggling with triggers and are thinking of going back to alcohol.
Thorough Assessments Performed
Alcoholics Anonymous performs thorough assessments of attendees to get a better understanding of their history of addiction and their current mental and emotional state. The assessments make it easier to determine how well they’re able to abstain from alcohol in social settings and if they may be experiencing depression or anxiety. The assessments can make it easier to improve behavioral changes and necessary changes in social networks. Attendees are given the tools they need to change their lifestyle and establish boundaries to avoid alcohol use in the future.
Religious Practices
Many different religious practices are integrated into AA and are encouraged in each attendee’s personal time, which can allow many people to become more in tune with their emotions and focus on God. By strengthening their relationship with God, it can help them learn how to forgive themselves and value who they are as an individual. Many of the religious practices include journaling and praying, which have proven to be effective in recovery. Call us today at 833-497-3808. if you want to learn more about AA and how it helps alcohol addiction. Our counselors are available 24/7.