Behind alcohol use, there are real stories of both struggles and triumphs. But overcoming addiction like alcohol use disorder does not happen overnight. It requires effort and resources. One such resource common to many LA success stories is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). We will read more about AA and its success stories further below.
What Is Alcoholics Anonymous?
Alcoholics Anonymous, or AA, is an informal peer group for those considering or seeking addiction recovery from alcohol use. What began as a small group in Ohio now boasts a strong presence in over 180 countries, with 2 million or more success stories.
AA believes that the power of recovery lies within fellowship – sharing, learning, and growing together. The core philosophy of the group is the 12 steps – of admitting powerlessness over alcohol use, seeking help, introspection, making amends, service, and personal growth. As you navigate these 12 steps within AA meetings along with fellow members, you will be able to achieve sobriety.
What Are AA Meetings Like?
Alcoholics Anonymous meetings have a format that provides structure to every meet. These meetings are conducted in treatment centers, church buildings, office buildings, community centers, and even on the beachside (if you are in LA, of course!).
AA meetings are either open or closed. Open meetings, as the name suggests, are open to everybody. Whether you have just begun exploring or want to support a loved one, open AA meetings are ideal to attend. Closed meetings are limited to those who have the desire to stop drinking, so they are more intimate and focused.
On the other hand, there are also speaker meetings, Big Book meetings, and step-study meetings. In the speaker meetings, one speaker will share their success story as others learn and take inspiration from it. Big Book meetings involve reading and reflecting on the “Alcoholics Anonymous” book – the core AA literature, basically. Step-study meetings involve group reflection on the 12 steps.
Depending on your preferences, you can also find specifically tailored meetings for young adults, women, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, and so on. It is all about being in your comfort zone as you recover.
Whatever meeting you wish to attend, all meetings are free of cost. You can contribute monetarily if you want, but this is not mandatory.
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AA Success Stories – Hear Right From the Members Themselves!
Alcoholics Anonymous functions on the strict principles of anonymity and privacy, so all of these stories are right from the AA repository, but they are going to be anonymous.
Success Story No. 1
One AA member says that his descent into alcoholism was shaped by a very traumatic incident – his mother’s murder. After spending years being homeless, he began to numb his pain and suffering with alcohol. One day, during a rather dramatic moment in the desert, the man begins praying for help when he finds AA and begins rebuilding his life with spiritual surrender. Sobriety not just gives him another life, it reunites him with his lost family members and transforms him into a devoted AA member who is now dedicated to service.
This one reads like a modern-day miracle – the man and the family live happily sober now.
Success Story No. 2
Raised in a religious Southern family, this teacher’s first drink began a downward spiral right into public humiliation, job losses, depression, and even institutionalization. Homeless and heartbroken, he meets a social worker who shares her own success story of addiction recovery with AA and brings him to his first meeting. While resistant in the beginning, this rather new experience leads to a spiritual awakening where he finds sobriety and purpose with his fellow members’ encouragement and support.
Success Story No. 3
A radio disc jockey recounts how his binge drinking began during his adolescent years. He even recorded numerous stints while being drunk. The day of reckoning came when he committed a crime in his drunkenness that led to a jail sentence of 20 years. In prison, he began reading from the Big Book of stories such as this, which sparked hope within him. However, when AA meetings began in the chapel, it marked a turning point. Over 3 1⁄2 years of being sober now, AA restores his sanity, balance, and hope for release – which he hopes to give back by helping other inmates.
Success Story No. 4
A Native American woman began drinking during her teens, which led to running away from home and prostitution. It was this trauma, repeated jail time, and losing custody of her child that plunged her into deeper addiction. But no matter how deep the addiction, recovery can always become your reality. For this woman, it was a chance encounter at a laundromat that led her to AA and the 12 steps – she not only found sobriety, but honesty, spirituality, and purpose. Today, she shares her success story with her community as she inspires many more toward the same.
Success Story No. 5
This story follows a woman whose drinking led to severe health complications, such as liver cirrhosis. Initially in denial, she begins to face reality when her health issues start taking a toll. While she is able to get a liver transplant done, the only way she is able to achieve sobriety is through medical care, psychotherapy, and AA meetings. With rigorous commitment, life gives her a second chance. Today, her recovery is not just physical but also spiritual in that it is rooted in AA’s 12 steps and gratitude for a new beginning.
Why Is AA Successful?
Reading the above-mentioned stories, you might wonder whether Alcoholics Anonymous’ success is just based on anecdotal evidence. We urge you to think again. AA’s success is backed by real scientific evidence. One meta-analysis of 45 studies and 10,080 participants found that AA was mostly, if not always, more effective than therapy in achieving sustained sobriety. Even a 2020 Cochrane review found that AA and 12-step facilitation programs led to higher abstinence rates and even offered better cost savings than cognitive behavioral therapy.
AA’s success is rooted in its firm philosophy of anonymity, 12-step principles, fellowship, shared experiences and learning, and service. Substance use is isolating, whereas recovery lies in opening up and a sense of community. AA can be a stand-alone option, and it can also be integrated into your treatment or rehabilitation (rehab). The principle is simple – to keep showing up by taking one day at a time.
How to Find the Best AA Meetings for You?
Alcoholics Anonymous has a robust presence in around 180 countries. So, wherever you live, it is likely that there is an AA meeting near you. You can either go by reference, a sponsor, or even Google, “AA meetings near me.” You will find a list of meetings near you, and depending on your preferences, you can choose one. You can even attend online meetings if you cannot attend in person.
Please remember, it is not necessary that you hit it off right away in the first AA meeting you attend. You might have to try different formats and locations before you find one that suits you. So, do not get discouraged – keep showing up.
Your Recovery Story Begins Today!
If you are wondering if one of these success stories can be you, then we are here to tell you it very well can! All you need to do is reach out to Sober Living West. We will connect you with different AA meetings in Los Angeles according to your addiction recovery needs and goals. So, if you are unsure where to begin, please do not hesitate to call us at (310) 218-5158 today; we are always here for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nothing at all. AA is free, though voluntary contributions are welcome.
Yes, you can join even if you want to simply explore your relationship with alcohol.
No, not really. AA is spiritual in that it emphasizes a belief in “Higher Power.” However, it is non-denominational so members interpret the Higher Power in their own way. For instance, for someone non-religious, this power can be love.
Yes, AA strictly enforces the principles of anonymity and privacy. So, whatever you say in AA, stays in AA.
Yes, it can. Albeit, AA only focuses on alcohol. So, you can try out other groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) that are more specific to drug use.