What does AA mean in MISCELLANEOUS

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a nonprofit, international organization that provides support and peer guidance for individuals with substance use disorders who are seeking to recover from alcoholism. AA's twelve-step program utilizes group meetings and other forms of peer support to help people affected by alcohol addiction.

Any individual who is facing a problem related to their drinking or has suffered from an addiction to alcohol can attend an AA meeting. These meetings provide an open, welcoming environment where those struggling with alcoholism can share their experiences with one another and receive guidance on how to recover.

The first step is for the member to recognize that they have lost control over their drinking, admit that it has caused problems in their life, and take ownership of the issue. The rest of the steps involve working through principles such as humility, acceptance, faith, surrendering your will, making amends with those you have harmed, and helping others achieve sobriety.

Besides providing guidance through its 12-Step Program, Alcoholics Anonymous offers numerous resources aimed at helping members maintain sobriety after completing the program such as Alcoholic Anonymous literature discussing recovery topics like relapse prevention or leadership roles; fellowship activities such as sharing meals together; access to telephone hotlines offering advice; social events; and community service opportunities.

No — participation in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is free and open to anyone regardless of economic status or ability to pay for services. There may be costs associated with obtaining materials for the 12 Step Program or attending certain offsite events such as picnics but these costs are minimal compared to traditional treatment programs.