Info Concerning Alcoholics Anonymous
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The most foundational info concerning Alcoholics Anonymous is most likely contained in The
Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous and in The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Alcoholics Anonymous, Sobriety, and "One Day At A Time"
Alcoholics Anonymous is a worldwide organization of men and women from all
walks of l ife
who share experiences, strengths, and aspirations with one other in the hope that they may solve their mutual
problem and assist others in their quest to recover from alcohol dependence.
The only condition for AA membership is a desire to quit drinking alcohol. Therefore, total
abstinence from alcohol is advocated by the organization.
Members make a conscious effort to refrain from drinking and they accomplish this "one day at a
time." Sobriety is achieved through mutual support as members share their hopes, their strengths, and their
experiences.
There are no fees or dues for AA membership. Alcoholics Anonymous is self-supporting through
its own member contributions. AA is neither aligned with any religious denomination or sect nor associated with any
political institution or organization.
Moreover, AA does not wish to involve themselves in anything that is controversial and neither
sanctions nor opposes any causes. The major purpose of AA members is to remain sober and help other alcoholics to
attain sobriety.
The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous
Part of the recovery program that A.A. suggests is articulated in the Twelve
Steps. Based on the experiences of Alcoholics Anonymous's earliest members, the 12 Steps represent
the documented practices and principles, acquired through trail and error, the early members established in
order to maintain sobriety.
The Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous
During its first decade, the early members of Alcoholics Anonymous developed a number of
practices and procedures that fostered the continuation of the informal structure of the
organization.
| Alcohol detoxification is the process of letting the body rid itself of alcohol
while managing the withdrawal symptoms in a safe environment. This form of treatment is typically
done under the supervision of a medical practitioner and is frequently the first step in an
alcoholic treatment program. |
In 1946, in the organization's international journal entitled the Alcoholics Anonymous
Grapevine, the aforementioned principles and guidelines were documented by the founders and early members and
became known as the Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous.
| "Binge alcohol use" is defined as drinking five or more alcoholic drinks at one
sitting on at least one day in the past 30 days. According to Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration (SAMHSA) in their 2002-2003 "National Surveys on Drug Use and Health,"
North Dakota had the highest rate (31.4%) in the nation for binge alcohol use by persons who were
12 years old or older while Utah had the lowest rate (15.9%). |
Info Concerning Alcoholics Anonymous: Conclusion
As discussed above, perhaps the most basic and important info concerning Alcoholics
Anonymous is contained in The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and in The Twelve Traditions of
Alcoholics Anonymous.
| Long-term excessive drinking can lead to pancreatitis (that is, an inflammation of
the pancreas). Pancreatitis is associated with severe abdominal pain and excessive weight loss and
can result in death. |
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