Alcoholics Anonymous as a Resource for Health & Social Care Professionals

Introduction The AA Preamble

Shared experience of alcoholism Helping others to recover What is AA ? A fellowship Shared experience of alcoholism Helping others to recover

Requires a desire to stop drinking What is AA ? Requires a desire to stop drinking No dues or fees Self- supporting

Neither sectarian, denominational nor political What is AA ? Neither sectarian, denominational nor political Non-controversial

To stay sober To help others achieve sobriety AA’s Primary Purpose To stay sober To help others achieve sobriety

To inform about Alcoholics Anonymous The 12 Step Recovery Programme Our aim To inform about Alcoholics Anonymous The 12 Step Recovery Programme

How we can help AA in Great Britain has over 60 years experience. A resource to help patients suffering from alcoholism Recovery is available free.

Some history 1935: AA started in USA Has grown around the world to 160 countries with 2,100,000 members in 110,000 groups 1947: started in Great Britain 40,000 members in 4800 groups in GB and Continental Europe

How AA views alcoholism A progressive illness A spiritual, emotional and physical illness A physical addiction and a mental obsession

How AA views alcoholism Loss of power to control drinking A way of prevention remains undiscovered

AA helps Those who are already alcoholics and want to stop drinking To learn how to live a normal, happy life without alcohol

AA as a service Personal, subjective experience shared with another Totally confidential and anonymous We help ourselves by trying to help others An informal person-to-person approach

Who runs AA? No rules, regulations or official governing authority AA relies on experience-based Traditions, on suggestion and example Local groups are autonomous Individual and collective responsibility

What does it cost? To you and the taxpayer Nothing!

What does AA cost? Each group is self-supporting by members’ voluntary contributions AA accepts no funds from any outside sources All surplus funds are used to carry the AA message to the active alcoholic and to inform the public about AA

More about alcoholics In our experience there is no “typical” alcoholic Drinking patterns differ Confidence, feelings, fear Resistance Rationalisation and denial

What happens at AA meetings? “Open” and “Closed” meetings Usually between 10 and 40 people, lasting about 90 minutes Getting to a meeting – the Helpline Support and reassurance for newcomers

And for that: I am responsible AA’s Pledge When anyone, anywhere reaches out for help, I want the hand of AA always to be there And for that: I am responsible NATIONAL HELPLINE NUMBER 0800 9177 650 EMAIL help@alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Attend open meetings, where visitors are welcome AA Availability There are Alcoholics Anonymous meetings every day of the week throughout Great Britain Professionals can contact the Helpline and local AA Health Liaison Officer Attend open meetings, where visitors are welcome

How to find out more about AA AA General Service Office PO Box 1, 10, Toft Green, York YO1 7NJ Tel: 01904 644026 Northern Service Office – Glasgow Tel: 0141 226 2214 Southern Service Office – London Tel: 020 7833 0022 www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk help@alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk