Alcoholics Anonymous was the first twelve step recovery program founded by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith in 1935. The basic text of Alcoholics Anonymous, known as the Big Book, was published in 1939 and laid out the original twelve step program of recovery from alcoholism. Since that time, Alcoholics Anonymous has undergone minor changes, but at its core the program outlined by the Big Book has remained the same. Alcoholics Anonymous is described as “an international fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem. It is nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial, apolitical, and available almost everywhere. There are no age or education requirements. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about his or her drinking problem.” Members of A.A. are suggested to attend meetings, find a sponsor, and work the twelve steps as outlined in the Big Book. Meetings are regular occurrence and allow members to share their experience, strength, and hope with others, as well as allow newcomers to share and meet other members. There are a variety of different meeting types, including discussion, book study, speaker, meditation, and many others. A newcomer should explore the different types of meetings offered in their area and find one that they can join as a “home group.” In their home group, they can provide service, take on group responsibilities, and build relationships with other members of that meeting. Sponsorship is strongly encouraged to find a sponsor, that is, a person who has successfully recovered from alcoholism by working the twelve steps and is willing guide a newcomer through the process. The goal of the twelve-step program of recovery is to have a spiritual awakening through the process that allows one to rely on a power greater than him or herself as a means of maintaining sobriety. The final step of A.A. states: “Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.” At this point, we are putting into practice the spiritual principles we have developed through working the twelve steps and find that it is our turn to sponsor newcomers and aid them on the journey of recovery, so that they may achieve the same sense of peace and serenity in sobriety as we have.
Your story can be one of redemption and recovery from addiction and alcoholism. You can begin building a brighter future by making the decision to seek help today. Oceanfront Recovery, a treatment facility in beautiful Laguna Beach, offers inside and outside 12-Step meetings as part of the Residential Program. For more information about individualized treatment options, please call today: (877) 279-1777
