Alcoholics Anonymous

A local member of AA shared the philosophy behind the organisation and the support it provides, giving his personal perspective on how the programme works.  The AA is based on a 12-step spiritual programme requiring every member to practice the 12 steps.  Addiction is considered by the organisation to be a symptom of an illness.  People who are alcoholics have lost their ability to control their drinking, so the solution is not to go back to drinking any kind of alcohol in any kind of quantity (as even a small amount can lead to losing control again). 

Alcohol is only one drug – people who are alcoholics have a tendency to be vulnerable to any substance – some call this an alcoholic personality.  Alcoholics can also tend to be workaholics as well, which is often why they turn to alcohol to keep them going.  Instead of relieving tension, alcohol ends up fuelling workaholism and leads to a vicious cycle.

The AA realises that misuse of alcohol affects people from every social group, no matter what their profession or level of education.  The programme works well with every social group too.

In recovery, the AA encourages you to take one step at a time and to look at how you can change your way of life.  Step 3 involves handing your life and will over to a god of your understanding (in other words, handing over control to something greater and bigger than yourself).   It helps to realise that you are not the centre of the universe and that you cannot control everything in your life, no matter how much you think you can be in control.

People have to want to be on the programme for it to work for them, because it involves a big change.  They need to sign up for 3 months to give themselves a chance.  It is not easy to change – it needs an act of will to accept support and be prepared to give up control.  But you discover that not only are you managing to live without alcohol, but you also no longer have the craving for all the material things that used to be an obsession.

The AA’s recovery programme centres on living a new type of life that is not self centred – helping others is a key to success.  People who have wrestled with their own addiction are encouraged to become sponsors for others who are starting on the programme, helping them on their own journey to recovery.  Watching people in recovery is amazing and a great privilege to see someone turn from drugs back to a normal healthy life.

The AA does not believe in self-promotion so tends to work in the background, but often uses faith buildings for its local meetings. 

Alongside the AA is another service called Al-anon, which cares for the families of alcoholics, helping them to understand the cause of drinking problems and, if appropriate, support the family member who is giving up alcohol.  They also run a service called Alateen, which works with young people.

The best way to point people to the AA is to give them the national helpline (local rate charged)  0845 769 7555 or visit the website to find a local meeting: http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/

There is a confidential helpline for Al-anon and Alateen (they are based in London)
Tel: 020 7403 0888  or email: enquiries@al-anonuk.org.uk