Alcoholics Anonymous Berkshire, UK
This pamphlet has two basic purposes:
1 to provide information about Alcoholics Anonymous: 2 to describe
some of the approaches that doctors familiar with the AA programme use in helping
problem drinkers.
The Report of a Special Committee of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, `Alcohol and Alcoholism' (London, 1979) defines alcoholism in the following way:
'For most people alcoholism is perhaps synonymous with the alcohol dependence syndrome ( ie, the condition which arises when the individual has contacted a dependence on this particular drug ) or `the disease concept of alcoholism', and this is probably its usage by Alcoholics Anonymous. For others, the term has much more inclusive meaning, embracing every type of instance where someone is incurring serious or persistent disability as a result of his drinking, irrespective of dependence.'
Alcoholism, is a progressive illness - spiritual and emotional (or mental), as well as physical. The alcoholics we know seem to have lost the power to control their drinking.
The medical profession has long been an ally and resource of Alcoholics Anonymous. AA shares with physicians a concern for the health and well-being of those who still suffer from the disease of alcoholism.
The rate of growth of AA shows that an increasing number of alcoholics are recovering from this disease. There are almost 97,000 AA groups in 134 countries. Women today constitute 35 per cent of the Fellowship and young people (30 years and under) about 11 per cent. AA members sober more than a year have a very high likelihood of continuing their successful process of recovery.
Denial of the problem is symptomatic of alcoholism.
Alcoholic patients tend to be evasive when questioned about their drinking and
some doctors and nurses may not recognise that alcoholism contributes to the
symptoms. Patients may resist any suggestion that alcoholism is involved and
be equally resistant to the suggestion of Alcoholics Anonymous as a last recourse.
Few doctors have had the experience of having their diagnosis rejected. Few have been told, `I certainly am not a diabetic.' Yet when the doctor makes a diagnosis of alcoholism, an alcoholic will often respond, `I don't drink that much,' or will offer excuses for his or her drinking. Physicians can expect and anticipate this.
Rationalization and denial are part of the alcoholic's illness. Initial rejection of AA is part of the denial mechanism.
AA members, having broken through their denial and faced the harm in their drinking, are particularly suited to helping others break through their denial.
Going to AA `open' meetings is the best possible way to get a feel for the form and dynamics of AA. Try several; no two are exactly alike. Dr Max Glatt, MD, FRCPsych, MRCP, DPM, eminent consultant and Vice-Chairman of the Medical Council on Alcoholism in his book The Alcoholic and the Help He Needs writes:
"Recovered alcoholics who are prepared to talk freely and to answer questions put to them relating to their own past experiences, provide vivid demonstration of the fact that many alcoholics can recover. Such discussions with recovered alcoholics seem very often to provide an eye opener, a lesson which the professional participant is not likely to forget in a hurry, and which thereby may prove very helpful to him and even more so to the alcoholic patients he may meet in the future."
The Royal College of Psychiatrists Report `Alcohol and Alcoholism' already referred to, had this to say about Alcoholics Anonymous:
'Among other influences contributing to new awareness (of the nation's drinking problems) was Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Despite the anonymity of its individual members. AA began to capture public interest and sympathy. The simple message that alcoholism was an illness, and the optimistic declaration that this illness could be `arrested' helped to overcome the popular stereotype and pessimism. A recent community survey found that almost 50 per cent of the people interviewed named AA as a prime source of help for people with drinking problems. In this country, psychiatric hospitals and Alcoholics Anonymous have worked in fruitful partnership with much two-way referral.'
With over 3,300 groups in Great Britain and a growth rate of approximately 8 per cent per year, Alcoholics Anonymous has ensured that in every city and in most towns an alcoholic can turn to the 'phone book and make contact with help, probably within the hour. In addition to the immediacy of help, AA provides a continuity of support which so many alcoholics find invaluable.
AA is listed in most telephone directories and a 'phone call is all that is needed for help. Some doctors dial the National Helpline number while the patient is still in the surgery and then present the patient with the immediate opportunity to reach out for help.
The National Helpline can provide the physician with information about the types of AA meetings in the area.
Having a patient attend the first AA meeting with a member is desirable, although not a must. Most newcomers have many questions. The older member can answer these and reassure the newcomer that others have experienced the same reluctance and fear in taking a first step toward recovery. Sharing experience as peers is the unique service Alcoholics Anonymous offers. In most instances, doctors find AA members not only willing but eager to introduce newcomers to the AA programme.
'It's too religious.'
In fact, AA is not a religious programme, but a spiritual fellowship. It refers
to a `Higher Power' and `God as we understand Him,' but no belief in God is
necessary; atheists and agnostics find plenty of company in AA.
'I don't want to stand up and bare my soul in front of a lot of other people.'
Only those who wish to do so speak at AA meetings.
'I don't want to meet with a lot of losers. It's too depressing.'
AA more accurately represents a cross section of `winners', in the sense that
they have survived the disease. AA members are an interesting representation
of society at large. If patients go to enough meetings, they are sure to find
people with whom to identify.
'I can't go there. All those people are sober and I'm not. I'd be too ashamed.'
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. Members who
are still drinking are encouraged to `keep coming back'. Sober alcoholics are
not going to sit in judgement on someone who cannot stop drinking, since not
being able to stop drinking is what brought them to AA.
'I don't want everyone to know about my drinking.'
Anonymity is and always has been the basis of the AA programme. Traditionally,
AA's never disclose their association with the movement in print, on the air,
or through any other public medium. And no one has the right to break the anonymity
of another member anywhere.
Non-alcoholics are welcome at `open' AA meetings. (Closed meetings are for alcoholics only.) We invite doctors to visit and see what AA offers the alcoholic.
Many doctors have found the following pamphlets helpful in introducing patients to AA:
This is AA
44 Questions
Is AA for You?
Young People and AA
AA for the Woman
Too Young (for teenagers)
A Newcomer Asks
Time to Start Living (for the older alcoholic)
A Member's Eye View of AA
Mail address:
AA General Service Office,
P.O. BOX 1,
Stonebow House,
Stonebow,
York YO1 7NJ
Telephone: (01904) 644026
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 or fees for A.A. membership; we are self-supporting through our own
contributions. A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization
or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses
nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other
alcoholics to achieve sobriety.
© 1947 AA Grapevine Inc. Reprinted with permission.
National Helpline Number 0845 769 7555
Website address www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
Alcoholics Anonymous Berkshire, UK