Every year, millions of people struggle to overcome an addiction to alcohol. Unfortunately, nearly 90% of those people won’t seek treatment, opening the door to more than 200 different injuries, conditions, and diseases. In fact, three million people die every year as a result of alcohol use.  

As harmful as alcohol can be, a wide range of treatments are available for those who wish to live a happier, healthier, and more rewarding life – free of harmful substances. Of course, one of the most popular and readily available treatment options today is Alcoholics Anonymous.

Alcoholics Anonymous, also known as AA, is a 12-step program between a group of like-minded individuals, each with a common goal – overcoming their addiction to alcohol. With no dues or fees, AA membership is open to anyone serious about finding a solution to their problem.

When Was AA Established?

Alcoholics Anonymous was founded in Akron, Ohio, in 1935 when Bill Wilson and Robert Smith – two ‘helpless’ alcoholics – met for the first time. Through their shared experiences with alcohol, they were able to inspire each other to put down the bottle and change their ways. 

Their bond quickly grew, and they eventually found themselves helping other alcoholics find solace in living life without alcohol. By 1939, the group’s first ‘textbook’ was published, and membership started to grow by the thousands. Today, there are over two million members. 

While the offerings of Alcoholics Anonymous have evolved through the years, the 12 steps have remained the same:

1. Admitting you are powerless over alcohol and addiction
2. Believing in a power higher than yourselves
3. Making a decision to turn your life over to a higher power
4. Take a moral inventory
5. Admitting to yourself and to a higher power the wrongs you have committed
6. Be ready for your flaws to be healed
7. Asking a higher power to remove your shortcomings
8. Making a list of those who have been hurt by your addiction, and be prepared to make amends
9. Made amends to those your addiction has hurt
10. Take a personal inventory and admit when wrong
11. Asked for knowledge or understanding through prayer or meditation
12. Carry this knowledge, and these practices on to others suffering from addiction

Members use the steps listed above to help guide them through the recovery process. With the support of the rest of the group, the meetings provide a safe space to speak of their obsessions and habits, in hopes of finding a solution and overcoming the problem for good. 

What Are the Benefits of AA Groups in South Florida?

When taken seriously, Alcoholics Anonymous can provide the foundation that helps addicted individuals prevent relapse and attain sobriety. The recovery process is often long and difficult, but the support received through AA groups in South Florida instill a greater sense of purpose.

Here are some of the amazing benefits of joining a Florida Alcoholics Anonymous group:

• AA is a well-established support system
• Improve your chances of successful recovery
• Relapse prevention and continued support
• Meetings are free to attend, and there’s no obligation to join
• There’s no requirement for how often you attend
• You don’t have to give your full name or your real name
• No one is going to ask you intrusive questions, unless you’re okay with answering them
• No discrimination, everyone loves everyone, and everyone supports everyone

If you or someone you love can benefit from attending a South Florida AA meeting, don’t hesitate to reach out to a local chapter immediately. It’s free to join, and the benefits you’ll receive are priceless – especially if you’re serious about living an alcohol-free lifestyle. 

What Are the Alternatives to South Florida AA?

While Alcoholics Anonymous is one of the most well-known 12-step programs for alcoholics, it’s not the only treatment option and is often used in conjunction with other treatments – including therapy, counseling, medication, and more. Think of AA as a complement to everything else.

If you’re not intrigued by what Florida Alcoholics Anonymous has to offer, you can consider an alternative 12-step program or support group – such as SMART Recovery, LifeRing, Women For Sobriety, SOS, Moderation Management (MM), holistic therapies, and other group therapies. 

Are There AA Programs in South Florida?

While AA groups are highly beneficial, more intensive forms of treatment may be needed for those with moderate to severe alcohol use disorders. Prevail Recovery Center is a Florida outpatient rehab center ready to help you today. At Prevail Recovery Center, we take pride in being a 12-step affiliated treatment facility in Florida, offering best-in-class recovery services to patients in the community. We also offer a wide range of detoxification, outpatient treatment, therapy, counseling, medical treatments, and more.