AA & Women’s Health: Why AA Isn’t The Right Choice for Many WomenBy Michaela

AA, or Alcoholics Anonymous, is a widely recognized and respected organization that has helped countless individuals overcome addiction to alcohol. However, while AA can benefit some women, it is not the right choice for all and can negatively impact a woman’s health. 

In this article, we will discuss the negative impacts of AA on a woman’s mental and physical health and why it may be important for some women to consider alternative approaches to dependency treatment.

Negative Impact of AA on Mental Health

The negative impact of AA on Women’s Mental Health is a growing concern. AA is a 12-step program that is widely used to treat alcoholism, but its effectiveness in treating women’s mental health issues is questionable. This could include decreased self-esteem and reliance on AA as the sole solution for addiction.

Decreased self-esteem.

AA’s emphasis on powerlessness can lead to feelings of inadequacy and decreased self-esteem for some women. One of the central principles of AA is that addiction is a disease that the individual is powerless to overcome on their own and that they must rely on the help of a higher power and the support of the AA community. While this principle may be helpful for some women in accepting that they have a problem and seeking help, it can also lead to feelings of helplessness and self-doubt at a time when self-esteem is already low.

For example, a woman may feel guilty or ashamed for not being able to quit drinking on her own, despite her best efforts. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem, as she may feel that she is not strong enough or capable enough to overcome her addiction. Additionally, the pressure to conform to AA’s strict abstinence-based philosophy can cause women to feel like they’ve failed if they relapse, leading to feelings of shame and guilt.

Furthermore, the constant emphasis on powerlessness and the need for AA’s support can lead to a dependency on the organization and discourage personal autonomy. This can be harmful to a woman’s self-esteem as it can make her feel that she is unable to make decisions or take control of her life without the help of AA.

Professional women want empowered solutions to life’s problems and AA doesn’t fit that requirement for many. Finding themselves mixing with drug addicts and men who wear sobriety like a status, also leads women to feeling out of place and seeking more tailored support in alignment with their life values.

Reliance on AA as the sole solution for addiction.

AA’s emphasis on the 12 steps as the only solution to addiction can lead to a sense of rigidity and inflexibility that can be harmful to some women. This “one size fits all” approach ignores the fact that every woman’s addiction journey is unique and that different approaches may be more effective for different individuals.

For example, some women may have co-occurring mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, that need to be addressed in addition to their addiction. AA’s focus on the 12 steps alone may not be enough to address these underlying issues, and therapy or medication-assisted treatment may be necessary to address them.

Similarly, some women may have had traumatic experiences that have contributed to their addiction and that need to be addressed in therapy. AA’s focus on the 12 steps may not provide the necessary support and understanding to help these women heal from their trauma.

Negative Impact on Physical Health

The effects of AA on women’s physical health have been widely studied, with research suggesting that it can have both positive and negative impacts. While AA has been found to positively impact women’s mental health, some studies have indicated that it can also have negative consequences for their physical health. These include severe withdrawal symptoms, an increased risk of relapse, and a decrease in physical activity levels.

Severe withdrawal symptoms.

In addition to negative impacts on mental health, AA can also have negative impacts on a woman’s physical health. One example is severe withdrawal symptoms. AA’s “cold turkey” approach can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, which can be dangerous for women, particularly those pregnant or with other health conditions. These symptoms can include seizures, hallucinations, and even death.

Increased risk of relapse.

Another negative impact of AA on a woman’s physical health is an increased risk of relapse. AA’s focus on abstinence as the only solution to addiction can be unrealistic and can set women up for failure. This can lead to a cycle of quitting and relapsing, which can be detrimental to a woman’s physical and mental health. Additionally, the pressure to conform to AA’s strict abstinence-based philosophy can cause women to feel like they’ve failed if they relapse, leading to feelings of shame and guilt. This pressure can be a significant barrier to recovery and can make it harder for women to reach lasting sobriety.

Decrease in physical activity levels.

Another negative impact of AA on a woman’s physical health is a decrease in physical activity levels. AA’s focus on attending meetings and working through the 12 steps can take up a significant amount of time and energy, leaving little room for other activities, such as exercise. Physical activity is important for overall health and well-being, and a lack of it can lead to a variety of health issues, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Additionally, for some women, engaging in physical activity can be an important coping mechanism and an effective stress reliever. Therefore, decreased physical activity levels due to the time spent in AA meetings can harm their physical health.

Final Thoughts: AA Alternatives For Women Seeking Help

There are alternatives available for women who may not feel AA is the right choice due to their health care needs. One such alternative is The Alcohol Coach, which is a program specifically designed to help women overcome their dependency on alcohol. The program is a science-based approach specifically tailored to women’s unique needs and provides flexibility and support that can be done in the comfort of their own homes. This can be a great option for women who may not feel that AA is the right fit for them.

While AA can be beneficial for some women, it is not the right choice for all and can have negative impacts on a woman’s health. Women should be aware of the potential negative impacts of AA and consider alternative approaches to dependency treatment. These alternatives can include therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and other forms of support tailored to each individual’s unique needs and circumstances. It’s important for women to be informed and make the best decision for their health and well-being.

Editor’s Note:

In this article, you might notice that we use ‘labels’ such as “alcoholic”, “disease”, and other identifiers that are used to link individuals together by their habits with alcohol. Though they are used colloquially, we believe them to perpetuate limiting beliefs.  

A key tenet of The Alcohol Coach is that the way to overcome alcohol addiction is through empowerment, not retreating into a space of powerlessness or victim status. 

So, even though we may use these terms to communicate a point as it is known by the general public, keep in mind that our core beliefs dictate that these terms be avoided as much as possible.