AA and Group Recovery

Experiences Leading Groups:

The Benefits of Alcoholics Anonymous and Group Facilitations

One of the most gratifying and transformative experiences in my life was going to my first Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) group meeting. AA is a support and recovery group that is entirely facilitated by former addicts. It is the original 12-step group format. The purpose of AA is to enable people to have a life in recovery and overcome the grip of their addiction. AA is based upon a commitment to abstinence. It is one of the oldest types of support groups of its kind. There is a bible, called the Big Book, which outlines the basic principles of the group, and which guides the facilitation of the group.

Some aspects of AA which are unique are that there are open and closed meetings. Open meetings are for recovering addicts, their families, friends, and people contemplating sobriety. Closed meetings are for members who are actively trying to stay sober (even if they have recently lapsed). Membership is anonymous. Group members go by first names and admit to powerlessness over alcohol. Participation is voluntary, although some people may come to the group based upon the pressures that they have received from loved ones who are concerned.

The group meets in a church basement for approximately an hour, although meetings vary depending upon the number of people who attend. The number of participants may vary, given that participants from other groups may come for support. Sometimes someone who is really struggling with sobriety may need the support of a group before his or her regular meeting; also, sometimes people spontaneously decide to attend. The major requirement is a commitment to abstain from alcohol, even though some members may struggle and have lapses.

Demographically, membership is varied. Members of AA can be young or old, male or female, although the majority of regular participants tend to be middle-aged. Many have experienced economic difficulties or family estrangement, as a result of their issues with alcohol. A wide variety of racial and ethnic identities are also encompassed, as well as members of the LGBT+ community. Although group membership is anonymous, many intimate details about members’ lives are shared. Members share a common struggle, including the facilitator, and sponsors of those who are new on their recovery paths are recovering addicts themselves.

Group meetings are advertised both locally and also on the AA website. Many members also find out about the group via friends and therapists. The goal of the meeting is ultimately support and helping members achieve sobriety. Meetings generally begin with individuals introducing themselves as alcoholics, and sharing their truths and struggles. (There is a slightly different format for open meetings where non-addicts are present). Setting formal expectations and norms are part of AA, including a commitment to staying sober, being respectful of other members, but also confronting them with hard truths about their addictions. Meetings also honor sobriety milestones in the lives of members. Finally, meetings conclude with the serenity prayer.