Author: Find Recovery Editorial Team

The Find Recovery Editorial Team includes content experts that contribute to this online publication. Editors and recovery experts review our blogs carefully for accuracy and relevance. We refer to authority organizations such as SAMHSA and NIDA for the latest research, data, and news to provide our readers with the most up-to-date addiction and recovery-related content.

What is AA? The Basics of Alcoholics Anonymous

What is AA?

AA, or Alcoholics Anonymous is an international fellowship that meets regularly to help individuals and families who struggle with alcoholism. All individuals who acknowledge they have a drinking problem and have a desire for recovery are welcome at AA meetings. 

As each AA group is self-funded and there are no dues or fees required, those who believe in the program and want to make it accessible for others may dedicate a significant amount of time to doing so. This may include securing 

What is the meaning of AA?

AA stands for Alcoholics Anonymous. Literally speaking, that means that it comprises groups of individuals who have identified as alcoholics and are meeting with an understanding of anonymity. Figuratively speaking, Alcoholics Anonymous often has a slightly different, deeper meaning for its members.

For some, Alcoholics Anonymous is a tool for support to maintain their sobriety but for many others, it is a way of life. The 12 Steps and 12 Traditions of AA lead the decisions and actions in everyday lives of many AA members. Members may see AA as a path to a new life or they may find a new family in their fellow members. Alcoholics Anonymous is truly life-altering for a great number of people.

Click Here to download the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous

Click Here to download the 12 Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous

What is the purpose of AA?

The purpose of AA is quite simple, it is to help individuals who struggle with alcoholism to get sober and stay sober. 

What is AA NOT?

  • AA is not for profit.
  • AA is not allied with any group, cause, or religious denomination.
  • AA is not limited to age, gender, social, economic, or cultural backgrounds (although individual meets may be limited in some regards).
  • AA is not an organization was works to recruit members. Members join based on their own choice. 
  • AA is not a medical treatment program.
  • AA is not a cure for addiction. There is no cure for addiction.

Find An AA Meeting Near Me

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What is Addiction?

According to Google, the definition of addiction is “the fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance, thing, or activity” and the definition of addicted is “physically and mentally dependent on a particular substance, and unable to stop taking it without incurring adverse effects.” 

When someone refers to dependence, they may be referring to the physical dependance that the human body develops to certain substances. Alcohol, heroin, and cocaine are some common substances that the human body can become physically dependant on. Once the user stops, they will likely experience withdrawal symptoms. 

Addiction and continued use of mind-altering substances cause changes in brain chemistry that leads to changes in behaviors. This disease is marked by an individual continuing the usage of a substance despite negative consequences to their health, relationships, career, and financial status. 

Addiction Vs. Abuse

Substance abuse is when a substance is used in a way that is indulgent and/or delinquent. An individual can abuse a substance without being addicted, but abuse of certain substances can easily and quickly lead to addiction. Abuse of alcohol and drugs is never a good or safe idea. Overdose on substances such as heroin can happen at any point, even the first use. It simply is not worth the risk of abusing any substance.

Diagnosing Addiction

Diagnosis of addiction can happen on 2 levels: a personal level, and a clinical level. An individual can identify as an addict but not be diagnosed with an addiction or vise versa. Some people are forced into treatment via a court order or social pressure, but those who acknowledge their addiction are likely to be more successful in achieving long term sobriety.  In order to be diagnosed with a substance use disorder, more commonly referred to as drug and alcohol addiction, there are certain criteria that a physician will look for. This includes:

  • Tolerance
  • Withdrawal
  • Cravings
  • Hazardous Use
  • Much time spent using
  • Neglected major roles to use
  • Activities given up to use
  • Used larger amounts/longer
  • Failed Attempts to Quit or Control Use
  • Social or interpersonal problems related to use
  • Physical or psychological problems related to use

If 2-3 of these criteria are met, it is considered a mild use disorder, 5-4 is moderate, and 6 or more criteria are diagnosed as a severe substance use disorder.

If you suspect that you or a loved one is suffering from a substance use disorder, help is just a phone call away. Call our helpline via the number in the banner at the top of this page to speak with an addiction specialist.