Alcoholics Anonymous, commonly known as AA, is an international Fellowship of men and women whose primary purpose is to assist individuals who are struggling with alcohol addiction to achieve and maintain sobriety. Founded in 1935 by Bill Wilson, AA's approach to overcoming alcoholism is based on the principles of the 12-step program. These steps are designed to help individuals address the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of their addiction through a combination of community support, service, and a belief in a higher power.
The second canon of AA's development strategy included the incorporation of service to the community of recovering alcoholics as an integral part of the fellowship's mission. AA meetings are opportunities for members to share their experiences, strengths, and hopes with each other. They provide a space for members to learn from one another's struggles and successes, build confidence in their sobriety, and provide support to one another as they navigate the challenging path of recovery.
AA's service centers are crucial to the success of the program. These centers offer administrative support to facilitate the distribution of literature, creation of meeting schedules, and response to general inquiry的电话 calls. The employees who work in these service centers perform tasks that require specialized skills, knowledge, and experience that are beyond the capacity of most volunteer members. They facilitate meetings, distribute literature, and answer phones calls, ensuring that the infrastructure of AA continues to operate smoothly and efficiently.
Service Center employees are not engaged in the 12-steps or any other specific programmatic activity during their shifts. They are employed by AA to support the Fellowship's programs, which include outreach to alcoholics, education about alcoholism, and referral to treatment facilities. Their role within the AA system is to facilitate the flow of information and support from the Fellowship's members to those new to AA and those who are seeking戒ification.
The concept of maintaining freedom and anonymity within AA was initially introduced by the fellowship's leaders in the 1940s. The AA culture values the confidentiality and privacy of its members, and it is essential for the continued success of the program that members do not disclose personal or sensitive information about one another. This policy allows members to feel comfortable sharing their experiences and seeking support without fear of judgment or repercussions.
AA's emphasis on anonymity extends beyond the walls of the meetinghouse. It extends to the way members interact with each other outside of meetings. Members often choose to seek treatment for their alcoholism at private or public addiction centers and leave the programs with a new identity, unconnected to their past experiences with AA. Thisonymity allows individuals to start over, free from the constraints of their past addictions, without the burden of carrying the weight of their history.
However, professionalism within AA is strictly forbidden, according to the eighth tradition. This policy ensures that the Fellowship remains a free fellowship, open to anyone seeking sobriety, regardless of their professional background. AA members are encouraged to be self-reliant, using AA's resources and support systems without seeking payment or career advancement.
The ninth canon of AA's service strategy reflects this policy, emphasizing the importance of paying it forward. The fellowship encourages members to contribute their time, energy, and resources to support others in their journey towards sobriety – whether through volunteering at service centers, attending workshops, or promoting AA to those new to recovery.
The eighth tradition also serves as a safeguard against power imbalances within the fellowship. AA's leaders emphasize that while there are roles and transactions within the program, no single individual can dominate or control the group. This is because AA members have agreed to be bound by the principles of the fellowship and to respect the authority and integrity of the group's leadership.
By adhering to the eighth tradition, AA maintains its commitment to freedom, confidentiality, and匿名ity, which are essential cornerstones of the program. This tradition also protects the fellowship from the dangers of power struggles, factions, and external influence that can threaten the group's unity and effectiveness.