Why Is AA Always Recommended for Drug or Alcohol Treatment in MA?

AA, or Alcoholics Anonymous, is a recovery program that is followed by many people who struggle with alcoholism or alcohol addiction. It was founded in 1935 after a meeting between an Akron, OH, struggling Doctor and a New York stockbroker. Today, it is one of the most popular programs for helping those with drinking problems achieve and maintain sobriety. 

Although it’s not for everyone, AA has many beneficial aspects that make it a popular choice. For starters, it is entirely built on the premise of one alcoholic helping another and promotes the use of “sponsors” who are essentially mentors with more years of sobriety (and AA practice) under their belt. 

And, for those who are struggling with drug addiction rather than alcohol, there is also a program focused on that known as NA, or Narcotics Anonymous. The program uses the same 12-step recovery plan and Big Book (kind of like the AA and NA “bible,” if you will), but it has a dedicated focus on addicts with drug problems rather than those struggling with alcohol addiction. 

Although they’re similar, these are two separate struggles and come with their own worries and needs for recovery. That’s why there are two separate programs available today. And while the concepts of AA and NA make sense and have proven to be effective for more than 85 years, there are still instances where they might not be right for everyone. 

The Reasons to Choose AA 

For many people, there seem to be only two options for alcohol addiction: AA or an addiction treatment facility. There’s a lot more out there to consider. These are just the most successful and standard options. Treatment facilities are also ideal for those who have severe addictions because alcohol withdrawal can become dangerous if not carefully monitored. However, some people prefer AA, and courts even mandate it for people who make recurring appearances for alcohol-related incidents. 

So, why is it so popular? Here are a few reasons. 

• AA promotes interdependence and takes shame and secrecy away from many alcohol addictions. 
• The Big Book shows people how to connect with their “Higher Power” and believe in something other than themselves.
• AA is easy to find. Even in small towns, there’s bound to be at least one meeting. The AA website has a complete list of meetings around the country, including locations, times, and types. (While most are general meetings, some are just for women or just for the men, or they might be open or closed—closed meetings are for existing members and don’t allow outsiders. Open meetings are the ones anyone can walk into off the street if they need help.)
• AA offers motivation and helps people help themselves. They learn to understand the nature of addiction as a disease and hear stories from others that can inspire them. Plus, they often feel like they have more responsibility and accountability in staying sober. 
• Mentoring and meeting new people is a great way to help those who struggle with addiction to leave old lifestyles and friends behind because they have a new network of connections. 

What if AA Isn’t for Me?

Some people won’t find the AA method to be helpful. There are also those with severe addictions for that medical intervention, and inpatient treatment is the only practical option. That’s okay—AA and NA are not for everyone, and they don’t have to be. Your goal is to find the alcohol recovery program that works for your addiction, whatever that may be. 

You can find other groups and programs or consider joining a church or checking out other religions. Some people find that turning to religion helps them in ways similar to AA, but without the 12 steps. The best way to start is to contact an addiction recovery center or reach out to a recovery counselor to discuss your options and determine the best options for your drug and/or alcohol recovery. 

Can You Do AA and Rehab Together?

Another common question is whether they have to choose one or the other. The short answer is no. If you find the right addiction treatment center in Massachusetts, they will have a variety of addiction treatment programs and pathways to help people recover. That list will often include the incorporation of AA meetings and a program, either within the facility or outside of it, with transportation and other resources to help those in rehab get to the meetings and get the most out of their recovery. 

If you’re ready to learn more about AA, alcohol rehab treatment, and other recovery options in Massachusetts, or if you have questions, reach out to Meta today. 

[author] [author_image timthumb='on']/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/img-ed-480x572.jpg[/author_image]  [author_info]Reviewed by Ed Lepage, Executive Director

Ed Lepage completed the drug and alcohol certificate program at the University of Massachusetts Boston and has been working in the substance abuse dependency field for the past seven years. He has also worked extensively in peer recovery-based programs offering “real-world experience” to those that suffer from substance use dependency. Full Bio [/author_info] [/author]