COOPERATION WITH THE PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITY CPC COMMITTEE – ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS MOVEMENT

PRESENTATION AGENDA Presentation of the Alcoholics Anonymous movement An AA member’s share Question period Distribution of the documentation kit, with a brief description of its contents 2

ANONYMITY Respect for the spirit of the A.A. movement Humility Equality 3

“Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other so they may solve their common problem, and help others to recover from alcoholism. 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 cause. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety”. DEFINITION OF ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS 4

HISTORY OF THE A.A. MOVEMENT Since the beginning of our movement in 1935, many physicians have helped and supported us. As a matter of fact, one of our two founders, Dr. Bob was a physician, and many of our members today are in the medical profession. Dr Bob Bill W. In 1951, the American Public Health Association, supported by 12,000 doctors, presented a “Lasker Group Award” to Alcoholics Anonymous in recognition of its unique and highly successful approach to that age-old public health and social problem, alcoholism. 5

ALCOHOLISM, A DISEASE: A combination of a mental obsession for the drink, and a physical allergy, or reaction to alcohol 6

THE COMBINED EXPERIENCE OF AA MEMBERS REVEALS THAT: The alcoholic drinks for the effect The disease is progressive Progresses without the knowledge of its victim A change in personality 7

THE COMBINED EXPERIENCE OF AA MEMBERS REVEALS THAT: An insidious disease A disease of “denial” Must “hit bottom” A family and societal scourge Need for Al-Anon Family Groupes 8

A PROGRAM OF RECOVERY: A NEW WAY OF LIVING CONSISTING OF 12 STEPS SPIRITUAL IN NATURE Admission of powerlessness and complete surrender Faith in a “Higher Power” of one’s own conception Conducting a moral inventory of oneself and a repairing of the damage done Making prayer and meditaion a part of one’s life Helping other Alcoholics achieve sobriety 9

SOBRIETY IN AA Total abstinence from alcohol The first drink insatiable thirst 10

AA TODAY More than 2 million members More than groups In 170 countries Greater Montreal Area: Approximately 750 meetings per week 11

AA COMMITTEES USEFUL TO THE PROFESSIONAL Help Line Public Information Cooperation with the Professional Community Treatment Centers Detention Centers Website 12

WHAT AA DOES NOT DO Provide the willingness Medical diagnoses Provide hospital services, medication, social assistance Accept contributions from outside sources Provide reference letters Provide educational programs, research or professional treatment 13

WHAT AA DOES Open and closed meetings Personal sharing and support Sponsorship Recovery Program... One day at a time 14

AA AREA 87 WEBSITE 15

AA INTERNET AND WEBSITES – MONTREAL AND N.Y. 16

AA AND THE PROFESSIONAL You are welcome to attend AA “open” meetings Speak with AA members 17

SHARING

QUESTIONS 19

THANK YOU