alcoholics anonymous what does of course mean

by Laurel Hickle 8 min read

Full Answer

What is Alcoholics Anonymous?

Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who come together to solve their drinking problem. It doesn’t cost anything to attend A.A. meetings. There are no age or education requirements to participate.

Are you confused by Alcoholics Anonymous terminology?

When people first attend Alcoholics Anonymous they can be bit confused by the terminology used. It can even seem like the regular members are speaking a different language. There are a lot of words that have special meaning for this group. Luckily, it does not usually take long to become familiar with the terminology used.

What does it mean to be an AA member?

In AA, it means never going near alcohol again. This is the date when people stop drinking. Many members like to celebrate this date each year. It is also referred to as their AA birthday. AA is based on a foundation that puts an emphasis on anonymity.

What is Step 2 of Alcoholics Anonymous?

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) helps recovering alcoholics work through 12 steps to aid with sobriety. Step 2 focuses on preparing alcoholics to let go of their need for control over everything in their lives by introducing the concept of a higher power. If you're having a hard time staying away from alcohol, AA can help.

How long does it take to go through the 12 steps?

Most sponsors encourage the AA newcomer to attend 90 meetings in 90 days. That may seem like a lot and it may seem like a long time to commit to going to meetings. However, most 12-step programs, including those for people addicted to drugs, encourage new members to commit to those 90 meetings in 90 days.

What are the 4 Horsemen of AA?

Momentarily we did—then would come oblivion and the awful awakening to face the hideous Four Horsemen—Terror, Bewilderment, Frustration, Despair.

What does o mean in AA meetings?

Open meetings are available to anyone interested in Alcoholics Anonymous' program of recovery from alcoholism. Nonalcoholics may attend open meetings as observers. At both types of meetings, the A.A. chairperson may request that participants confine their discussion to matters pertaining to recovery from alcoholism.

What does step 12 in AA mean?

What Is Step 12? In Al-Anon, the twelfth step reads "try to carry the message to 'others'" and in Alcoholics Anonymous it says "to alcoholics." But the principle is the same. In order to work all 12 of the steps, you must try to help others.

What are the 9 Bedevilments AA?

We were having trouble with personal relationships, we couldn't control our emotional natures, we were a prey to misery and depression, we couldn't make a living, we had a feeling of uselessness, we were full of fear, we were unhappy, we couldn't seem to be of real help to other people -- was not a basic solution of ...

Who fights the Four Horsemen?

ScudIn Scud: The Disposable Assassin by Rob Schrab, Scud fights and kills the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. In the novel "Darksiders: the Abomination Vault", the Four Horsemen undertake the role of destroying legendary magical weapons known as the "Grand Abominations".

What does Goya mean in AA?

GOYA. Get Off Your Ass. Medical, Ass, Love.

Can a man sponsor a woman in AA?

According to The Alcoholism Guide, “You can choose your own AA sponsor if they agree to sponsor you, but AA prefers them to be of the same sex, believing that mixed sex sponsor pairs cause unwanted complications… It is not forbidden to have a sponsor of the opposite sex, but it is not advised.”

What does fine mean in Alanon?

FINE = Frantic, Insane, Nuts and Egotistical… FINE = Freaked out, Insecure, Neurotic and Emotional…

What does moral inventory mean?

A moral inventory is a written objective assessment of your life, including character deficits, strengths and weaknesses, and an overarching look at the damage you've caused with your addiction. This step, although difficult, is an important part of achieving long-term sobriety in drug rehab.

What does you can't keep it unless you give it away mean in recovery?

Another oral tradition says, "You can't keep it unless you give it away." Having received healing and spiritual renewal, we can retain them only as we offer them to others...

What are the three parts of step 12?

The principles of AA Step 12 are:AA Step 12: Spiritual Awakening.AA Step 12: Carrying The Message.The Icing On The Cake: Practicing The Principles.

What is step 2 of AA?

Step 2 focuses on preparing alcoholics to let go of their need for control over everything in their lives by introducing the concept of a higher power.

What does it mean to admit you need help?

Admitting you need help means making yourself subordinate to those who are helping you, at least temporarily, so that they can guide you in the right direction. This is what Step 2 encourages you to do, except for that it puts the problem onto a spiritual plane.

Why is anonymity important to AA?

It protects privacy but also keeps the organization’s focus on its philosophies, rather than its members. AA members should never express opinions on social or political issues as representatives of AA, though they can do so in their personal lives outside the group. Since anonymity lets AA put its principles before its personalities, it allows all members to remain humble and serve the organization rather than elevate their own profiles.

What is the only requirement for AA membership?

The only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking. Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or AA as a whole. Each group has but one primary purpose—to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers.

What are the 12 steps of AA?

The 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous are known around the world, but the organization also has another set of twelve guiding principles, known as the 12 Traditions of AA. These 12 traditions outline AA’s philosophies and provide guidelines for members, groups, and the AA society as a whole. There are two versions of the 12 Traditions ...

What do the 12 traditions state about AA?

The 12 Traditions state that every member of AA is a part of a greater whole and the welfare of the organization depends on the contributions of everyone at every level.

How many versions of the 12 Traditions of AA are there?

There are two versions of the 12 Traditions of AA—the original long-form version, and the more commonly used shortened version.

Do AA groups go into business?

The Twelve Traditions also state that AA groups should never go into business, and while they may work with hospitals, clinics, and other facilities, they must stay independent of them.

How A.A. works

Members use the Twelve Steps to maintain sobriety. Groups use the Twelve Traditions to stay unified.

Who Are A.A. members?

We are people who have discovered and admitted that we cannot control alcohol. We have learned that we must live without it to live normal, happy lives.

Recommended Resources

This pamphlet describes who A.A.s are and what we have learned about alcoholism.

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