1. Alcoholics
Anonymous
as a Resource
for Health & Social Care Professionals

2. Introduction
The AA Preamble

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

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

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

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

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

8. 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.

9. 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

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

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

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

13. 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

14. 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

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

16. 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

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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. How to find out more about AA
AA General Service Office
PO Box 1, 10, Toft Green,
York YO1 7NJ
Tel:
Northern Service Office – Glasgow
Tel:
Southern Service Office – London
Tel: