The following points of AA rehab center information are prepared under the supervision of Consultant Addiction Psychiatrist Dr Bruce Trathen MBBS MRCPsych, and Senior Addictions Therapist David Goodlad FRSPH MA Dip. MBACP (Snr. Accred) UKRC NCAC CADC.

Accessing reliable and accurate information can be confusing and time consuming. Triage Advisors are here to help you make fully informed and accurate decisions. Call 0845 370 0203.

Alcohol Information: AA

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is an organisation dedicated to the provision of help for alcoholics delivered by alcoholics. It allows individuals to share experiences and advice, and to support one another throughout the often difficult process of alcohol abstinence.

AA meetings are now easily accessible to people all over the UK. The meetings are spiritual rather than religious, and are open to theists, agnostics and atheists alike. Through regular meetings and from the help of a sponsor, AA aims to help individuals address their alcohol dependence in a step based way.

Is AA for me?

AA is for anyone who suspects that their drinking is causing them problems, whether that is emotional, financial, or with loved ones. AA meetings are not run by professionals, but by people who have been or are going through what you or your loved one is.

People thinking about attending AA meetings but who have concerns around this should note the following:

• AA is spiritual and not religious. The requirement is a belief in a Higher Power rather than a God, and atheists are more than welcome
• There is no requirement to talk in AA meetings
• Anonymity is strictly protected
• AA meetings are free

Does AA work?

Residential treatment, the majority of which is based on the AA philosophy, is the most intensive form of support for people with an addiction. For instance, the National Treatment Outcome Research Study (NTORS) conveyed that whilst in-patient and community based program results were comparable, in-patient programs treated those with more severe and long-standing addictions (Gossop et al., 1996). Research conducted by the National Treatment Agency and Commission for Social Care Inspection (2008) further demonstrated that residential rehabilitation had better treatment outcomes than any other form of treatment. Moreover, those people who followed a stay in rehab with AA meetings were more likely to be abstinent one year later than those who were not attending AA (Hoffman & Miller, 1992). 

If you suspect that you or your loved one has an alcohol dependence, call us now. Triage Healthcare works with 12-step treatment centres throughout the UK and abroad. We can provide you with a list of your local meetings. This can be either your first step towards sobriety, or for when you leave a treatment centre. AA meetings form part of a comprehensive aftercare package also consisting of one-to-one specialist addiction counselling.

References

 Gossop, Marsden and Stewart, D. (1996). NTORS after five years (National Treatment Outcome Research Study):Changes in substance use, health and criminal behaviour in the five years after intake. National Addiction Centre. Sourced at http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_4084908

How can DryOutNow.com help?

Our professional advisors are available to you 12 hours daily, 7 days a week, to help you with expert, completely practical advice about drug addiction and alcoholism, free-of-charge. All appropriate forms of treatment can be arranged wherever you live. Telephone 0845 370 0203 now for advice in confidence.