Alcoholics Anonymous Essay Example For Students

Alcoholics Anonymous Essay Defining Alcoholics AnonymousFollowing is the definition of A.A. appearing in the Fellowships basic literature and cited frequently at meetings of A.A. groups:Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues of fees for A.A. membership; they are self-supporting through their own contributions. A.A is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, of institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Their primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety. Alcoholics Anonymous can also be defined as an informal society of more than 2,000,000 recovered alcoholics in the United States, Canada, and other countries. These men and women meet in local groups, which range in size from a handful in some localities to many hundreds in larger communities. Although alcoholism, according to the AA philosophy, can never be curedthat is, the alcoholic can never safely drink againthe alcoholic can recover to lead a productive and normal life as long as he or she remains sober. Since its inception the organization has also reduced popular misconceptions of alcoholics by educating both professionals and the public about the nature of alcoholism. The related organizations of Al-Anon and Al-Ateen provide similar support to the families and children of alcoholics. Other organizations, such as Overeaters Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, and Co-Dependents Anonymous have adopted the 12-Step program for recovery. Social Issues