Alcoholism in America Part 2

So, what exactly is Alcoholics Anonymous, and what does it do as an organization? A.A. was first fueled by its many volunteers of men and women from all walks of life worldwide. Whether active-duty military, veterans, white-collar, blue-collar, middle class, homeless, young or old, black, white, brown, yellow, or red, the organization accepts anyone who wants to change their behavior. One of the criteria for being a member is that the alcoholic must have the desire to stop drinking. The individual must be willing to change the behavior. Legal, marital, and job issues have forced the person to attend a weekly meeting.

In this organization, there are not fees or dues as it is estimated that there are over 120,000 groups and over 2,000,000 members in approximately 180 countries. A.A. is a peer support group not affiliated with any religious organization and is led by former alcoholics. To lead the group, the chairperson may be sober for more than six months with another sober alcoholic nearby for assistance in guiding the group. A.A. groups are fully supported by donations from its members and non-group members. A.A. program model is an initiative of total abstinence. Staying sober is accomplished by sharing struggles, stories, and testimonies at regular group meetings.

Are You Ready to Change?

Founded in June 1935 by a New York stockbroker and an Ohio surgeon, both alcoholics themselves, the organization has grown to assist other individuals who are broken, hurt, and have a sense of “hopelessness” to overcome and persevere from the disease of alcoholism and to help their fellow man who also struggles, Kurtz, E. (2010) as one of the men stated that hot June night, “I just do not anything to drink.”

Anyone looking to be free from the addiction of alcoholism can attend a local A.A. support group meeting in their city. Those who walk through the doors are never judged based on their history, never looked down upon, and never turned away. A.A. will not solicit anyone to become a member; it is strictly up to the individual; it will not provide detox, nursing or rehabilitation services, or hospitalization on the premises. Neither does the organization provide housing, food, clothing, money, or any other social servicing. A.A. provides a safe place to be yourself, share your story, and be embraced and accepted by your peers.

For more information for yourself, a friend or a family member please visit https://www.aa.org

Reference:

Kurtz, E. (2010). Not god: A history of Alcoholics Anonymous. Simon and Schuster.