How AA Works: Overcoming Alcohol Addiction with 12 Steps

Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. has helped people overcome their old ideas and the struggles of alcohol abuse and addiction since 1935.[1] Using the 12-step approach (inspired by God-given principles), this organization has continued to help the most vulnerable population overcome the hold alcohol has on them and their families. [2] 

In this blog, you’ll learn more about Alcoholics Anonymous, its 12-step approach to treatment, and how to know if AA is the right alcohol recovery program for you. 

What is Alcoholics Anonymous?

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a peer support program designed to help people overcome alcoholism and alcohol cravings.[3] The group is based on a 12-step faith-based model to hold members accountable for their drinking and offer supportive affirmations to help them recover and remain sober. AA meetings are free to join and located throughout the United States. Anyone with an alcohol use disorder can join AA, though it is advisable to receive treatment alongside a science-backed program.[4] 

How are Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings Structured? 

AA meetings are available in multiple formats and structures. They may be classed as open or closed and held virtually or in person. 

AA Meeting Types: Open vs Closed

An open meeting is available for both nonalcoholics and individuals struggling with alcoholism.[5] In fact, anyone interested in AA may attend an open meeting, including family members. Closed meetings, on the other hand, are for those who have a desire to completely abandon alcohol.[6] 

Regardless of whether the meeting is open or closed, it will always be run by an AA member. In these meetings, members will discuss how drinking has affected their own lives and the lives of their loved ones, as well as the steps they took to stop. According to AA.org, AA meetings aim for members to share their experiences, strengths, and hopes with each other so they can solve their common problems together.[7] 

Meeting Locations 

People may attend AA meetings in person, online, or over the phone. 

In-Person Meetings

In-person meetings are held in shared or rented spaces such as:

• Churches 
• Office buildings
• Treatment centers
• Recreation centers
• Recovery centers
• Local clubhouses 

Some in-person meetings are held outdoors, such as in a park, when the weather is nice. 

Virtual Meetings: Online and Telephone

Online AA meetings are held on video platforms like Zoom.[8] Some meetings require the participants to share the camera so that their faces are shown, and others allow the members to turn their videos off and join only with audio. Telephone meetings are available using a dial-in number.

What to Expect in an AA Meeting

Every AA meeting is led by a leader or chairperson. They open the meeting, select the topic, and distribute relevant information. The first requirement for a member is to admit they are an alcoholic. This is followed by a turning point that involves following the 12 steps to overcome alcoholism. However, this is done with God’s help and not through self-seeking ways. According to AA literature, it is not our own power that leads to the complete abandonment of alcohol but our choices with God’s help.

Most of the meeting’s discussion will derive from the following literature:[7]

• Alcoholics Anonymous “Big Book”
• Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions
• As Bill Sees It
• Daily Reflections
• AA Grapevine

Meetings begin with pre-selected members sharing what they were like, what happened, and what they’re like now, as described in the Big Book.[7] Although these members are preselected to speak, general criteria for being chosen for this task exist, such as a specified period of sobriety. 

Since the 12-step program is an essential focus of Alcoholics Anonymous, most meetings dedicate a few days a week to focus on its principles. They may choose to highlight one principle at a time or discuss multiple things in each meeting. Some groups like their members to read this information out loud at the beginning of the meeting before discussing it. 

An example of a typical Alcoholics Anonymous meeting format is:[7]

1. A preamble and remarks from the meeting chair.
2. Observing a moment of silence or reciting the Serenity Prayer for God’s help.
3. Introduction of new members and existing members.
4. The recapital of information from Chapter 5 is titled ‘How It Works’ from the Big Book, and Chapter 3 is titled ‘More about Alcoholism.’
5. Statement from the chair about the importance of anonymity and the privacy principles of AA.
6. Observing a moment of silence or praying aloud.

After an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, group members may pair together and discuss the day’s topics. Some may want to share their experiences with alcohol withdrawal and sobriety. This part of the meeting is a social time for the members to get to know each other. This is very helpful, especially for members who don’t have familial support or support from friends. 

Beginner Meetings

While the information discussed in a beginner group and a regular group is the same, the format followed by the beginner group may differ slightly. For instance, beginner groups are usually led by a group member who has accomplished a certain period of continuous sobriety. Additionally, members will discuss more steps from the 12 Steps or 12 Traditions manuals in these meetings.[7] Typically, they will focus on steps one through three, one at a time. 

What are the 12 Steps of AA?

The 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous focus on God’s assistance and one’s ability to push aside self-centered thinking, self-reliance, and self-pity to achieve peace of mind.[9] This improves one’s personal relationships and self-esteem.

The 12 principles, as published by aa.org, are:[9]

1. We admitted our powerlessness over our illness, or drugs and alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.
2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3. Made a decision to turn our self-will and our lives over to the care of our Higher Power.
4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5. Admitted to our Higher Power, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
6. We’re entirely ready to have our Higher Power remove all these defects of character.
7. Humbly asked our Higher Power to remove our shortcomings.
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make to them all.
9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with our Higher Power, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to drug and alcohol addicts, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

Is AA a Court-Offered Program?

Alcoholics Anonymous meetings can be court-ordered.[10] Someone who has a DUI or a criminal charge due to being under the influence of alcohol may be required by the court to enter a treatment program or attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. However, many of the members attend Alcoholics Anonymous at will.

Is AA Effective on Its Own?

According to research published by Stanford, Alcoholics Anonymous has helped more people achieve sobriety than therapy alone.[11] Research revealed that its success was partly due to the 12-step principles, easy accessibility, and affordability for individuals without insurance. However, this doesn’t mean that Alcoholics Anonymous is effective in treating all cases of alcoholism. 

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism recommends attending a treatment program run by a medical professional combined with attending AA meetings for greater success in achieving sobriety.[4] 

How Do I Know If I Could Benefit from AA Meetings?

According to Alcoholics Anonymous, many members attend their first meeting after being pressured by family or friends.[7] They may not be ready to admit they have a drinking problem or may not think that they have one at all. However, it’s important to note that people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) are more likely to receive the help they need from attending Alcoholics Anonymous and other substance abuse treatment programs. 

What is Alcohol Use Disorder?

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is characterized by the inability to stop drinking despite suffering negative consequences.[12] 

If you answer yes to two or more of the following questions, you may be diagnosed with alcohol use disorder.

 In the past 12 months, have you:[12]

• Wanted to drink so badly you couldn’t think of anything else?
• Drink more or for longer than intended?
• Tried to cut down or stop drinking but couldn’t?
• Gotten so sick from drinking that it affected your way of life or caused issues at work or school?
• Spent a lot of time drinking or suffering from the effects of drinking?
• Avoided pleasurable activities to drink instead?
• Continue to drink despite it causing strife with your family or friends?
• Engaged in risky behaviors such as driving or operating heavy machinery under the influence of alcohol more than once?
• Gotten blackout drunk?
• Decided to drink even though it previously made you feel depressed or anxious?
• Continued to drink despite it causing or exacerbating pre-existing health problems?
• Required more alcohol than previously to feel any of its effects?
• Needed more drinks than usual to feel drunk?
• Suffered with withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop drinking?

It’s important to know that even if you have attempted to stop drinking and have relapsed, there are treatment programs available to help you achieve sobriety safely and comfortably.

AA Adjunct Treatment Programs 

Aside from Alcoholics Anonymous, common AUD treatment programs include detox, medications, and behavioral therapy. These programs are offered at a treatment facility via outpatient, intensive-outpatient, partialized hospitalization (day treatment), and residential and intensive inpatient levels of care. 

Medication-Assisted Detox

Detoxification is the process of refraining from a substance long enough for it to be processed and eliminated from the body. The problem with substances like alcohol is that they are very addictive, and after abusing it for some time, the brain and body change in a way that makes them dependent on its presence.[13] 

When it isn’t present, motivation centers in the brain, prompting the person abstaining to seek out more alcohol. During this period, they can experience terrible symptoms such as headaches, nausea, diarrhea, and tremors. These are signs of alcohol withdrawal syndrome.[14] 

To avoid the cycle of withdrawal and reintroduction, people with AUD can enter a medication-assisted detox program and receive FDA-approved medications to curb alcohol cravings. These medications can also treat or deter the symptoms of withdrawal so they may safely abstain from alcohol. 

Medication-assisted detox programs are overseen by licensed medical professionals in a treatment facility or hospital setting.

Is Alcohol withdrawal syndrome dangerous?

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome may also result in life-threatening effects such as a seizure or coma.[14] To avoid these symptoms, many people reengage in drinking alcohol, which they are then rewarded for by the brain. Unfortunately, this is often followed by a feeling of guilt, depression, and displeasure. 

Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapy is a type of counseling that involves collaborating with a mental health counselor or psychiatrist to identify behaviors that contribute to alcohol abuse.[4] You will learn strategies to change these behaviors during therapy by developing essential life skills and coping mechanisms. In each behavioral therapy session, you will also focus on setting achievable goals.

Examples of behavioral therapies include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)[15]
• Dialectical behavioral therapy
• Acceptance and commitment therapy 

Prescription Medications 

Medications for alcohol use disorder can be used alone or in combination with other treatments, as stated by the National Institute on alcohol abuse and Addiction.[4] In the United States, there are three medications approved for the treatment of AUD.

They include:[4]

• Naltrexone reduces the urge to drink. 
• Acamprosate decreases symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. 
• Disulfiram causes unpleasant side effects when alcohol is consumed, making it undesirable to drink.

AUD Treatment at Southeast Addiction Center GA 

Do you continue drinking despite no longer wanting to? If so, you may benefit from an alcohol addiction treatment program. At Southeast Addiction Center GA, we offer a variety of treatment programs for people struggling to abstain from alcohol. We have helped thousands of individuals overcome alcoholism and achieve lasting sobriety through our science-backed programs and holistic services. 

Contact us today to find out how we can help you on your road to recovery.