Category: Alcoholics Anonymous

“We admit we are powerless over alcohol – that our lives had become unmanageable.”

Breaking Down Step One: How To Complete It Properly

Step 1 of the Alcoholics Anonymous Program may seem straightforward and simple, but it is quite multifaceted. AA participants often mistakenly consider this first step completed by default since they are already aware that they have a problem. However, this approach will cheapen the eye-opening experience that the 12 Steps are intended to provide. If you’re looking to get the most out of your program, working Step 1 correctly will make your recovery journey so much more meaningful.

Deceptively simple, many fail to recognize the gravity of Step 1 and take it to mean “admitting that there is a problem”. While that is inarguably a crucial part of overcoming addiction, it falls short of this step’s true goal. Misconceptions like these are the main obstacle to properly working Step 1 and getting the most out of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Acknowledging the problem is not the same as true admittance of how out of control your addiction is

Many alcoholics in the beginning stages of Alcoholics Anonymous assume they have already completed Step 1 by default because they are actively partaking in a program, have checked into a rehab facility, or have taken initiative to find resources online. While these are fantastic steps towards recovering from alcohol addiction, they do not automatically mean that you have genuinely come to terms with how out of control your drinking has become and how severely it has disrupted your life.

You can be in Alcoholics Anonymous and still be in denial

Your body may be physically present at a meeting or therapy session, but your mind can still hold pockets of resistance. You might unwittingly still blame a friend or family member for drinking in your presence, that if you just stayed away from them you wouldn’t be tempted to drink. Or perhaps you feel that your high-stress job drove you to alcohol and once you find a new one, your drinking habits will return to normal. 

Thoughts like these indicate that deep down, you feel that your addiction is the fault of others and that external factors are the true culprit, rather than a lack of your own willpower, discipline, or self-control. Denial is commonplace in addiction recovery; it is a psychological form of self-defense as there can be a lot of shame and stigma tied to addiction. But until you have internalized that you are ultimately the person responsible for the situation you are in, true recovery is impossible. To truly complete Step 1, to admit powerlessness and that you have lost control over your life, requires a deep sense of humility and acceptance of responsibility.

Get Help Working Step 1

Completing step one is a crucial part of the addiction recovery process. However, it can be quite challenging as you must overcome any lingering sense of denial or blame towards others. Coming to terms and facing the reality of your addictions is the most powerful catalyst for positive change – but difficult to do on your own. Find an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting near you today with our helpful and free AA directory. 

According to reports published by Alcoholics Anonymous, there are nearly 2.1 million AA members across the world. That is over 2 million individuals who have a desire to stop drinking alcohol and to stay sober. If this was an easy feat, then alcoholics wouldn’t need a support group. Figuring out how to stop drinking alcohol is something that each and every one of these members has most likely struggled with. Here are 10 things you can do to improve your journey to sobriety:

1. Make a plan
2. Establish a support system
3. Be open-minded
4. Implement self-care 
5. Pay attention to your diet & nutrition
6. Talk to your doctor
7. Find new, healthy hobbies
8. Download a recovery app
9. Set attainable long-term goals
10. Reach out for help

Make a Plan

It’s easier to cope with the struggles of recovery when there is a plan already set. For instance, don’t wait until the cravings have already set in to decide how to overcome them. It is easier to overcome cravings when you have already had coping strategies in place. Consider what you will do and who you will call. What if you get withdrawal symptoms? Will you be in a facility that can treat you? If not, how will you get help in the event of a medical emergency? A treatment center has professionals who will help a client develop and implement a plan for recovery.

Establish Your Support System

Support from family and friends can be extremely helpful through the recovery process, but family members don’t necessarily understand what you are going through. Having professional and/or relatable support usually comes from places outside of your immediate social circle. Alcoholics Anonymous runs support group meetings that can be found across the country and are offered in various formats to meet each community’s needs. Through AA you can also find a sponsor, someone you can call whenever you need to talk and help hold you accountable. For those who don’t feel AA is right for them, there are other support options such as SMART Recovery.

Be Open-Minded

When it comes to getting sober and receiving treatment, stay open-minded. You may not have been someone who ever expected to take a yoga class, but you may end up finding this type of therapy extremely helpful. Additionally, it is ideal to be able to get sober without taking additional medications, but for some people, MAT is the safest route. Medications such as naltrexone have been found to be highly effective for alcohol recovery. Be willing to try different treatments and therapies to find what works for you.

Implement Self Care

Self-care means taking the time to do things that improve mental and physical wellbeing. Massages and yoga classes are 2 examples of common self-care activities, but in reality, self-care looks different for each person. For one person, self-care may be taking a nature walk once a week, whereas for others it might be going golfing. Think about what brings you joy and make it a point to find time for that particular activity.

Pay Attention to Your Diet & Nutrition

What you put into your body can either strengthen or weaken both your mind and body. For one, proper nutrition will improve the detox process by reducing the severity and length of withdrawal symptoms. On the other hand, malnutrition and dehydration can make symptoms significantly worse. Some symptoms, such as cravings, can actually last for months into sobriety. Proper nutrition can actually help reduce these symptoms and promote healing of damage that alcohol causes to one’s heart, brain, and liver. 

Talk to Your Doctor

Alcohol detox can be dangerous for an individual with a severe addiction. Before going “cold turkey”, talk with your primary care physician. They can evaluate your situation and provide advice to minimize any possible risks associated with getting sober. There is no need to risk any complications when your goal is to improve your life for the long term. An alcohol detox facility will provide access to a medical doctor that can help ensure your wellbeing and provide medical attention.

Find New, Healthy Hobbies

When going to bars or staying home with a bottle of whiskey are no longer options, what are you going to do with your free time? Think of sobriety as an opportunity to pick up a new hobby, skill, or activity. Maybe you are going to learn how to code or maybe you are going to grow a garden. 

Download a Recovery App

There are countless applications that you can download on your phone to get portable support. Some of them you can even download for free. For instance, Sober Grid is a free online recovery forum and Sobriety Counter counts how much money you have saved by not drinking. Here is a list of recovery mobile apps:

• 12 Steps AA Companion
• I Am Sober
• Nomo
• Sober Grid
• Sobriety Counter
• Stop Drinking with Andrew Johnson
• Twenty-Four Hours a Day

Set Attainable Long-term Goals

Why do you want to get sober? Are you hoping to improve your relationship with your spouse or children? Do you want to progress in your career? What does this look like? Use these questions to set some goals for yourself. Make sure they are attainable. An example of a strong, attainable goal would be “plan a date with my spouse once a month for 6 months.” Sticking to this goal helps create structure and helps rebuild an important relationship.

Reach Out For Help

Never, I repeat, never think that you have to do this alone. There is always someone who will be willing to talk with you or help you through a tough time. From family and friends to crisis helplines, you are never without an option. At Find Recovery, our helpline is open 24/7. We are here to help direct you to the resources that you need.

Have you ever gone to a party with friends and started off with a few mixed drinks, then taken a couple of shots of tequila in between drinks, then shotgunned a beer, and had a couple more mixed drinks? Well, that is certainly a case of binge drinking, but not all cases are this severe and some are more severe. So what exactly is binge drinking?

According to Merriam Webster, the definition of the noun binge is an unrestrained and often excessive indulgence or an act of excessive or compulsive consumption (as of food). Binge drinking is when you drink excessively, but “excessive” can be subjective? In order to talk scientifically about binge drinking, we need to define where the line is. 

Different organizations define binge drinking differently based on a few different factors. These factors could be the number of drinks consumed, blood alcohol content, gender, and length of use. The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Addiction (NIAAA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) are 2 of the more reputable organizations that provide definitions of binge drinking.

NIAAA – “a pattern of drinking alcohol that brings blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08 percent – or 0.08 grams of alcohol per deciliter – or higher. For a typical adult, this pattern corresponds to consuming 5 or more drinks (male), or 4 or more drinks (female), in about 2 hours.” 

SAMSHA – “5 or more alcoholic drinks for males or 4 or more alcoholic drinks for females on the same occasion (i.e., at the same time or within a couple of hours of each other) on at least 1 day in the past month.”

Binge Drinking vs. Heavy Alcohol Use

We now understand that binge drinking is drinking alcohol to excess, but then what is heavy alcohol use? Aren’t they the same thing? Actually, they are not. 

The NIAAA’s definition for binge drinking isn’t that far off from their definition of heavy alcohol use, “more than 4 drinks on any day for men or more than 3 drinks for women.” However, the way SAMHSA differs the 2 is that binge drinking is drinking heavily within a short period of time whereas heavy alcohol use is binge drinking over a period of time: “binge drinking on 5 or more days in the past month.”

Who Binge Drinks?

According to the CDC (who uses the NIAAA definitions for binge drinking and heavy alcohol use0, about 1 in 6 adults binge drink 4 or more times per month. Additionally, men and people between ages 18 and 34 are the populations most likely to binge drink. Lastly, of the people under age 21 who report drinking any alcohol, the majority participate in binge drinking.

Risks of Binge Drinking

The risks associated with binge drinking are many and are extremely severe. These include:

• Alcohol use disorders/alcohol addiction
• Heart disease
• Accidental injuries (car crashes, falls, and burns)
• Violence towards others and self
• Poor pregnancy outcomes
• Cancer (mouth, throat, esophagus, breast, liver, colon)
• Memory loss
• Learning impairments
• Death

Preventing Binge Drinking

It can be easy to say “don’t drink excessively”, but it is not as easily done. For one, many people don’t know what constitutes binge drinking or how dangerous it can be. Additionally, alcoholism is a powerful mental illness that is not always overcome easily. However, just because preventing binge drinking is difficult, doesn’t mean it is impossible. If you could save yourself or your loved one from the risks listed above, wouldn’t you? Here are 3 things you can do to prevent binge drinking:

• Educate your children, friends, and/or family members on what binge drinking is and it’s risks.
• Set an example and limit your drinks. Say no to the round of shots. Just by you saying no, others who aren’t interested will feel more comfortable also saying no.
• Provide delicious alternatives to alcoholic drinks. Think mocktails. Believe it or not, those fruity mixed drinks still taste amazing without alcohol.

Asking “does AA work for everyone?” is like asking if everyone has the same fingerprint. Of course not! Every human is unique in their biology, how they were raised, and how they react to medications, therapies, and certain situations. Similarly to how you can never know for sure if someone will struggle with addiction until they do, you will never know if AA will work for someone until they try it. 

The Success of Alcoholics Anonymous

How many people does AA work for? Although we know AA will not be the answer for every single individual who struggles with alcoholism, we do know that it helps some people. Additionally, measuring success is not black and white. Is success 1 year sober, 5 years sober, or a lifetime of sobriety? Moreover, can we say the program is successful if someone attends meetings for the first year or so of their sobriety and then stops attending meetings but still maintains their sobriety?

Self-reported Statistics on AA

In 2014, Alcoholics Anonymous conducted a survey of its members. Members were not required to participate, and the survey ended up with approximately 6,000 participants. One question on the survey asked how long the member had been sober1. The results were as follows:

• 27% – Less Than 1 Year
• 42% – Between 1 and 5 Years
• 13% – Between 5 and 10 Years
• 14% – Between 10 and 20 Years
• 22% – Over 20 years

In the Big Book, the program also claims a 50% success rate and that 25% remain sober after some relapses.

Outside Studies on Alcoholics Anonymous

In addition to the surveys and statistics provided by AA, outside groups have preformed studies to try and provide an unbiased understanding of the program’s success. One study was published under the Alcohol Research Current Reviews (ARCR). This was a long-term study that looked at individuals who received formal treatment, informal treatment (AA), and no treatment at all. The study followed up with these individuals after 1 year, 3 years, and 8 years following their initial sobriety. The results were as follows:

• Of the participants who entered AA on their own, half were still sober after 1 year and 3 years, but a fourth of the participants had maintained their sobriety as of the 8-year follow up.
• 46% of individuals who had formal treatment and 49% who attended AA meetings were sober at the 8-year follow-up.
• For some, attending AA meetings was associated with long-term sobriety, but not for all.

Although these were limited studies, they do show that some success is seen with 12 Step programs, but it is not a perfect solution for all. Also, studies have shown that formal treatment and AA meetings together provide better success than one of these programs on their own.

Limitations of 12 Step Programs

Why does AA not work for everyone? Admittedly, there are some limitations to AA meetings and the 12 Step program. These limitations often receive criticism, but studies more often show that AA helps. With that, take these limitations with a grain of salt. 

Loosely Structured Addiction Support

Although 12 step programming does follow a structure, this structure is not strictly enforced. Individuals groups may adjust the way they operate depending on the individual group’s needs. Although many see this as a benefit, it can also be viewed as a limitation. It leaves lots of room for practices that are not proven or evidence-based. These programs are not usually run by trained professionals and they may say or do something a professional may advise against. This brings me to the 2nd major limitation…

Not Formal or Professional Treatment

From the group leaders to the sponsors, AA meetings are not usually made up of people who have any professional experience or training in addiction treatment. The members and leaders work off of their own personal experiences with addiction. As everyone is different and has their own unique experiences with addiction, one cannot necessarily apply their experience and what worked for them to others. Some argue that the lack of formal training could be detrimental, or even dangerous.

Alternatives to AA

There are alternatives to Alcoholics Anonymous for those who do not feel that the program is for them. In addition to traditional 12 Step programs, there are alternatives for people who are not religious. 

• AA Agnostics is a group for people who may be spiritual but do not believe in God in for traditional fashion.
• Formal Addiction Treatment Programs provide a variety of treatment programs from residential treatment to outpatient treatment. Although some do incorporate the 12 steps as a part of their treatment programming, not all do. Others have non-12 step programming and group meetings.
• SMART Recovery is another alternative approach to addiction treatment which many turn to when 12 step programs do not work for them.

At Find Recovery, we know that the answer to “Does AA work for everyone?” is “No”. We also know that AA does work for many. This is a part of why we hope to provide struggling addicts with as many resources as possible. Our goal is to, you guessed it: help you Find Recovery. Check out our directory of Treatment Centers and AA meetings near you to find the recovery path right for you!

An overview of a typical AA meeting structure.

Businessmen do research on their prospects before sitting down to pitch them. Parents research neighborhood crime rates and school ratings before moving into a new home. Some people simply like to be prepared, and there is nothing wrong with that. Even those who struggle with addiction make like to know what they are getting into when attending an AA meeting. The following breakdown of an AA meeting’s structure will help provide insight to those who are new to Alcoholics Anonymous.

AA Meeting Structure

When it comes to the beginning and ending, most AA meetings follow the same general structure. However, each meeting is individually run and may differ some based on the group’s specific needs and interests. For instance, an AA Agnostics group may not say all of the prayers that are usually recited. As a reference point, the following elements make up a typical AA meeting:

1. AA Preamble
2. Moment of Silence
3. Serenity Prayer
4. Newcomers Intro
5. “How It Works” readings
6. Meeting Sharing & Discussion
7. 7th Tradition Contribution
8. Closing Prayer

What do they say at the beginning of AA meetings?

The very first thing that is recited at a typical Alcoholics Anonymous meeting is the AA Preamble. The Preamble is a short reading that states what AA is, what the purpose, is, and what the requirements are.

AA Preamble:

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.

Although the AA Preamble is the first thing they say at the beginning of AA Meetings, there are a few other things said before they get to the topic of the meeting. After a moment of silence, the Serenity Prayer is recited, typically as a group:

Serenity Prayer

God, grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and Wisdom to know the difference. 

Living one day at a time, Enjoying one moment at a time, Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace, Taking, as Jesus did, This sinful world as it is, Not as I would have it, Trusting that You will make all things right, If I surrender to Your will, So that I may be reasonably happy in this life, And supremely happy with You forever in the next.

Amen.

Next, the leader will ask if there are any newcomers. The newcomers are given an opportunity to introduce themselves, and in some cases, all members partake in introductions. This is not a time to share a long story, but to tell the group your name. It is not required, but the individuals may identify themselves as an addict if they so choose. In some instances, the members also share their sobriety date.

As the last element before beginning the meeting topic, a “How It Works” reading may be recited.

What do they say at the end of an AA Meeting?

After the sharing and discussion part of an AA meeting is completed, there are just things done to close out the meeting. The first is the 7th Tradition collection and the last is a closing prayer. 

The 7th tradition states “Every A.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.” This means that it is the member’s own contributions that fund the meetings. This includes purchasing any chips, materials, and refreshments provided during the meetings. No one is required to contribute. In fact, many groups suggest that first-timer refrain from contributing. 

The closing prayer is typically the “Our Father Prayer”:

Our Father, Who Art in Heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done
On earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass
against us.
Lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil,
For Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power,
and the Glory Forever and ever.

Amen.

Once this prayer is completed, the meeting is concluded and the members disperse. They may grab a snack to go, stay and talk with other members for a little, go leave and go about their business.

Members who join Alcoholics Anonymous are working every day to maintain their sobriety and to live a better life. It is a day by day process and it is not easy. Those who maintain sobriety should be proud of their accomplishment. However, many need a reminder of what they are doing and how far they have come. For many, an AA chip fills this role. However, newcomers might beg the question “How do I get an AA chip?” From the milestones to the actual process of receiving the chip, there is more to know then you may think.

AA Chips are earned by members of alcoholics anonymous who achieve certain time periods of sobriety. These are recognized by members as a reminder of their personal length of sobriety or of the achievement they have made. These chips start with a newcomer picking up a chip for 24 hours of sobriety all the way to veteran memberships that have been sober for decades through the program of alcoholics anonymous. The following is a specific timeline that is used to distribute these chips and to mark each milestone and what the coins look like.

1. 1. Silver Chip – 24 hours of sobriety
   2. Red Chip – 30 days/1 month of sobriety
   3. Gold Chip – 60 days/2 months of sobriety
   4. Green Chip – 90 days/3 months of sobriety
   5. Purple Chip – 4 months of sobriety
   6. Pink Chip – 5 months of sobriety
   7. Dark Blue Chip – 6 months of sobriety
   8. Copper Chip – 7 months of sobriety
   9. Red Chip – 8 months of sobriety
   10. Purple Chip – 9 months of sobriety
   11. Gold Chip – 10 months of sobriety
   12. Green Chip – 11 months of sobriety
   13. Bronze Chip – 1 year of sobriety.

After 1 year sober, chips are given out yearly. This means members get a chip at 1 year sober, 2 years sober, 3 years sober, and so on. These milestones are generally the ones recognized in all AA groups, but some groups provide chips for additional milestones. They may be every month for the first year, or even longer. 8-month and 18-month chips are not unheard of. It is really up to the individual chapter to provide these chips at the milestones they choose.

Receiving my AA Chip

In order to receive an AA chip, you must attend AA meetings. At these meetings, members are encouraged to share that they have reached a milestone, and the group leader will present them with the appropriate chip.

Unless you are on parole, there is no one following you and making sure that you aren’t drinking or drugging. It is up to the individual to be honest about their substance use. If you relapse, you are asked to turn in your chips and to start back at day 1. If you lie about this, you are only hurting yourself. The group cannot provide proper support if you aren’t’ honest, and the chips mean nothing if they are representing real milestones achieved.