Facebook Twitter Instagram Linkedin Tiktok
Rolling Hills Recovery Center combination logo

Our Location

855-559-8550

Get Help Now
Get Help Now
855-559-8550
Rolling hills recovery center combination logo
Take The First Step Now
Contact Us
Check Insurance
Take The First Step Now
Contact Us
Check Insurance

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Modified:
  • Reading Time: 8 minutes
  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Last Update:
  • Reading Time: 8 minutes
Explore Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and its 12-step program, a supportive path to recovery from alcoholism.
Start With a Phone Call
Check Insurance

The Role of AA in Alcohol Recovery

Bringing Hope to Recovering Families Since 1935

If you or someone you know has a problem with alcohol, it may be time to seek help.
Some common signs of alcohol dependency and addiction are:

  • Spending more money than you should on alcohol.

  • Inability to stop drinking despite wanting to.

  • You have been jailed for something related to alcohol use.

  • You are spending a great deal of your day drinking. 

  • Alcohol is impacting your life negatively.

  • Your loved ones have told you that you have a problem.

Fortunately, there is help, and you do not have to fight alone. Alcoholics Anonymous may be an excellent place to start if you or a loved one is experiencing any negative impact from alcohol.
 
Often referred to as AA- Meetings, Alcoholics Anonymous is a free, spiritual-based 12-step program and support group geared toward people struggling with alcohol.

Table of Contents

large group room at rolling hills recovery center.
Yoga room at rolling hills recovery center nj
picture of a candle on a shelf at rolling hills and a slogan saying you got this.
Levels of Care
Popular Topics
Families & Addiction

Navigating Recovery

Going Through the 12 Steps

When participating in AA meetings, one of the first things you will be introduced to is The Big Book. The big book is where you will find the 12-steps, the foundation of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Everyone participating in the 12-step program is encouraged to go through the 12 steps, which are as follows:

The 12-Steps of AA

  1. We admitted that we were powerless over alcohol that our lives have become unimaginable.

  2. We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves will store us to sanity.

  3. Made the decision to turn our will and our lives over to God as we understood him.

  4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.

  5. Admitted to God, ourselves, and another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

  6. We were entirely ready to have him remove all these defects of character.

  7. Humbly asked him to remove all our shortcomings.

  8. Made a list of all we have harmed and became willing to make amends with them all.

  9. Made the mends whenever possible, accept when to do so would injure them or someone else.

  10. Continued to take a personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admit to it.

  11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we. understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His Will for us and the power to carry that out.

  12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps we tried to carry this message to other alcoholics and to practice these principles in all of our affairs.

woman pouring tea to her friends during meeting

AA's Inclusive Approach to Recovery

Can Anyone Join AA?

Yes, Alcoholics Anonymous is open to everyone regardless of age, sex, nationality, education, or status; all are welcome to join AA meetings in their area.

What Should I do to Prepare for an AA Meeting?

You can prepare by setting the attention that you are ready for a life of sobriety. Remember that, as with anything, the addiction program can only be as effective as you allow it to be. Attitude, motivation, and support will go a long way in reaching your desired outcome.

Did You KNow?

Most Major Insurance Will Help Cover the Cost of Treatment
anthem-white
cigna-1
mcr-aetna-white
mcr-beacon-white
med-mutual-white
prc-magellan
TRICARE_Logo_png
Call Today (855) 559-8550
Check Your Coverage
You Could Be Covered
100% for Treatment

The Endless Journey with AA

How Long Does the Program Last?

AA meetings are a continued program that lasts indefinitely. Each meeting will be at least once a week for an hour on average (some may go a little under an hour or a little over, depending on the program and what is taking place at that specific meeting). Indefinitely, you can participate in AA meetings for as long as you like. Some make AA meetings a natural part of their lives, while others stay just long enough to complete the 12-step process in full. How long you join AA meetings is entirely up to you and your specific circumstances.

AA meetings are an OUTPATIENT recovery treatment program only. This means there is no extended or overnight stay. You go to your meetings, and you go home that same day.

Have Questions About AA? Rolling Hills Recovery Center Is Here To Help.

A patient navigator is ready to help. Our team of dedicated professionals are here to help 24 hours a day.

Call (855) 559-8550

Guidance and Accountability

Will I Have a Sponsor?

Sponsors are recovering alcoholics. They have been through a recovery program (usually a 12-step program but not always.)

They work as an accountability partner to you, someone to hold you accountable and keep you on the right track to sobriety.

SPONSORS:

  • Are an added support system.

  • Have been clean for an extended period.

  • Are mentally, emotionally, and spiritually able to provide encouragement and support. 

  • They are not to be looked at sexually or romantically.

  • Are not a best friend or here to tell you “feel good lies.”

  • Are here to be honest, and blunt with you concerning your recovery.

  • The sole purpose is to help you on your recovery journey.

  • Are not responsible for keeping you out of trouble (that’s your job).

  • Are not obligated to provide your financial assistance.

  • They can discontinue the relationship with you if they need to do so. (You can also stop the relationship if you think you two are not compatible or feel uncomfortable about the relationship in any way).

Our Patient Navigators Are Here When You Need Them

Our experienced staff is available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have. Call today and change your tomorrow.

We're Here When You're Ready

Find Out Why We Have a 4.9 Rating on Google

Testimonials & Stories of Hope

AA's Global Impact and Success Rates

Additional Information

-AA was founded in 1935, making it one of the oldest addiction recovery groups.

-A recovering addict started AA to provide support to the families of addicts.

-Statistics show that 50% of AA members are successful at remaining sober, 25% relapse but come back, and 25% Do not attend or fail to work the program properly and thus stay in their addiction.

-Most people are referred to AA meetings more than any other recovery group.

-AA is non-profit and free of charge for anyone anywhere in the world.​

-A 2018 count of AA meetings worldwide came out to be 120,300 groups and 2087,840 members (AA remains one of the most popular recovery groups.)

Master bedroom at grandview estates inpatient alcohol rehab
Living room area at grandview estates alcohol rehab program

Your Path to Freedom Begins Today

Don't Wait Any Longer. Transform Your Life Today.

Our caring treatment navigators are standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week ready to help you or your loved one. When you call Rolling Hills Recovery Center you can trust that you will find the help you need – at no cost or obligation to choose our program. Get started right now.

Call Today (855) 559-8550
Get a Callback Now
Request a Confidential 100% Confidential Callback

We Make Getting Help Easy

Our Simple Admissions Process

Treatment Planning
Assessment

Our clinical and medical teams review your personal history and circumstances in order to determine the best treatment plan based on your needs.

Schedule Admission Date
Intake

During intake you will be asked some more questions about your background & medical history. This allows us to fully formulate your treatment plan.

Tour the Facilities
Personal Tour

One of our caring team members will take you around the clinical facilities and introduce you to the rest of our team and current community. 

Settle In
Unwind & Relax

We know that the first day of treatment can be overwhelming for anyone. We work with you to ensure you ease yourself into the treatment process.

Our Admissions Process

Starting Your Journey with AA

How Can I Get Started?

Getting started with Alcoholics Anonymous has never been easier. Since there are no pre-qualifications, initial enrollment process, screening, or cost, getting started with AA meetings is as simple as showing up for a hosted meeting in your area.

You can get started with Alcoholics Anonymous in just three simple steps:

Step 1: Locate an available meeting near you. You can do this by simply searching or checking out the local listings posted on the walls of other treatment centers, clinics, and hospitals. Many facilities will post about upcoming meetings in the area since AA is so popular.

Step 2: Once you’ve located a place offering AA meetings note the day, time, and location. AA meetings are usually hosted once a week for approximately one hour each. The time of sessions may vary depending on each facility, so be sure to get the correct time and day.

Step 3: Now that you have the location, the time & day of a meeting, all that’s left to do is SHOW UP!

Arrive at your first AA meeting on time with an open mind and heart, ready to connect with others. Remember that those there are either just like you or have been where you are.

This is your new support system; they can help you with the tools you need to stay on track. It’s okay to be a bit nervous at first; however, with time, you will get used to it and enjoy your AA meetings. One thing to always keep in mind is that you get back what you give out. Put forth the effort by showing up on time, never missing a meeting, coming focused and ready to learn, and being open to sharing your own experiences and things that have helped you with addiction.

Doing these things gives you a high chance of staying in recovery. Ultimately it will be a combination of your effort, the support, and tools you learn in AA meetings, as well as the 12 steps that will help you on the path to sobriety. Alcoholics Anonymous is just a tool; you hold the key to fundamental transformation and sobriety.

Facebook Linkedin X-twitter Pinterest Instagram

Written By:

Angel Alexander

Angel alexander pic edited
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Mental Health Writer

About Author:

Angel Alexander is certified in mental health studies and mental health coaching. Angel has over nine years of freelance writing experience and seven years in mental health and substance abuse writing. Angel is currently in her 2nd year of studies at Wallace Community College for the study of psychology.

Medically Reviewed By:

Dr. Carl Williams Ph.D., LCADC

carl williams expert contributor
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Expert Contributor

About Reviewer:

Dr. Williams presently serves on the board of Directors for two non-profit service organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, Philadelphia, Pa, and a Ph.D. with a concentration in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University. In Cincinnati, Ohio. He is licensed to practice addictions counseling in both New Jersey and Connecticut and has a pending application as a practicing Psychologist in New Jersey.

Start Your Journey

Stay Informed & Up-to-Date

Related Articles & Topics