{"id":4136,"date":"2023-01-31T14:36:16","date_gmt":"2023-01-31T14:36:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/?p=4136"},"modified":"2023-01-31T14:36:23","modified_gmt":"2023-01-31T14:36:23","slug":"why-aa-doesnt-work-common-problems-with-aa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/why-aa-doesnt-work-common-problems-with-aa\/","title":{"rendered":"<strong>Why AA Doesn&#8217;t Work: Common Problems With AA<\/strong>"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a widely recognized organization that has helped many people struggling with alcohol addiction to achieve sobriety. AA is a 12-step program that is based on the idea that alcoholism is a disease and that people who are addicted to alcohol need to admit their powerlessness and surrender to a higher power in order to overcome their addiction. The program is free and open to anyone who wants to attend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>AA meetings are typically led by volunteers who have been through the program themselves and are sober. The meetings are held in a variety of locations, including churches, community centers, and hospitals. The meetings are designed to provide support and guidance to people who are struggling with alcohol addiction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, despite its widespread popularity and success, AA does not work for everyone. In this article, we will explore some of the common problems that people may encounter when trying to use AA to overcome alcohol addiction and alternatives that you can try if you feel that AA does not work for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-662e8f60f19c2\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-662e8f60f19c2\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/why-aa-doesnt-work-common-problems-with-aa\/#Lack_Of_Scientific_Evidence\" title=\"Lack Of Scientific Evidence\">Lack Of Scientific Evidence<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/why-aa-doesnt-work-common-problems-with-aa\/#One-Size-Fits-All_Approach\" title=\"One-Size-Fits-All Approach\">One-Size-Fits-All Approach<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/why-aa-doesnt-work-common-problems-with-aa\/#Lack_Of_Trained_Professionals\" title=\"Lack Of Trained Professionals\">Lack Of Trained Professionals<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/why-aa-doesnt-work-common-problems-with-aa\/#Lack_Of_Focus_On_Mental_Health\" title=\"Lack Of Focus On Mental Health\">Lack Of Focus On Mental Health<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/why-aa-doesnt-work-common-problems-with-aa\/#Limited_Diversity_And_Inclusivity\" title=\"Limited Diversity And Inclusivity\">Limited Diversity And Inclusivity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/why-aa-doesnt-work-common-problems-with-aa\/#Stigma_And_Shame\" title=\"Stigma And Shame\">Stigma And Shame<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/why-aa-doesnt-work-common-problems-with-aa\/#What_If_AA_Doesnt_Work_For_Me\" title=\"What If AA Doesn\u2019t Work For Me?\">What If AA Doesn\u2019t Work For Me?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/why-aa-doesnt-work-common-problems-with-aa\/#Seeking_For_Alternatives_Try_The_Alcohol_Coach\" title=\"Seeking For Alternatives? Try The Alcohol Coach!\">Seeking For Alternatives? Try The Alcohol Coach!<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lack_Of_Scientific_Evidence\"><\/span><strong>Lack Of Scientific Evidence<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The lack of scientific evidence on AA&#8217;s effectiveness is a major concern for many people considering the program. AA is based on the idea that alcoholism is a disease and that people who are addicted to alcohol need to admit their powerlessness and surrender to a higher power to overcome their addiction. However, this idea is not supported by scientific research. Despite its widespread popularity, there is a lack of rigorous scientific studies that have been conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of AA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This lack of scientific evidence can make it difficult for people to know if AA is the right choice for them. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, it is important to explore other options and find a treatment that is supported by scientific research and addresses your specific needs. Many different forms of treatment and support are available for people struggling with alcohol addiction, including evidence-based therapies, counseling, and medication-assisted treatment. Finding the right treatment that works for you and addresses your specific needs is important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"One-Size-Fits-All_Approach\"><\/span><strong>One-Size-Fits-All Approach<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The one-size-fits-all approach of AA&#8217;s 12-step program can be a major issue for some people trying to overcome alcohol addiction. The program is based on the idea that alcoholism is a disease and that people addicted to alcohol need to admit their powerlessness and surrender to a higher power to overcome their addiction. However, this idea may not resonate with everyone, and some people may not be comfortable with the spiritual or religious elements of the program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For some people, the emphasis on admitting powerlessness and surrendering to a higher power can be a source of stigma and shame. This can make it difficult for them to stay engaged in the program and can lead to feelings of hopelessness and frustration. Additionally, the program&#8217;s focus on a higher power can be a barrier to engagement and progress for those with different religious or spiritual beliefs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lack_Of_Trained_Professionals\"><\/span><strong>Lack Of Trained Professionals<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The lack of trained professionals at AA meetings can be a significant issue for many people struggling with alcohol addiction. AA meetings are typically led by volunteers who have been through the program themselves and are sober. While these individuals may have personal experience with addiction and recovery, they may not have any professional training or qualifications in addiction treatment or counseling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This can make it difficult for people to receive the support and guidance they need to overcome addiction. They may not have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide appropriate advice or to recognize when someone needs more specialized help. Additionally, the lack of trained professionals can make it difficult for people to receive accurate information about addiction and recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This lack of diversity and inclusivity can also be a problem when addressing the attendees&#8217; specific cultural and linguistic needs. Therefore, it can be challenging for some people to relate to the program and its principles and to find a sense of belonging and acceptance in the group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lack_Of_Focus_On_Mental_Health\"><\/span><strong>Lack Of Focus On Mental Health<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The lack of focus on mental health in AA can be a major issue for many people struggling with alcohol addiction. AA&#8217;s 12-step program is primarily focused on addressing alcohol addiction rather than addressing underlying mental health issues. This can make it difficult for people to fully recover from addiction without addressing their mental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and trauma are common among people with alcohol addiction and can play a significant role in developing and maintaining an addiction. Without addressing these underlying issues, people may find it difficult to overcome their addiction and may be at a higher risk of relapsing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Limited_Diversity_And_Inclusivity\"><\/span><strong>Limited Diversity And Inclusivity<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Another reason why AA may not work for everyone is the limited diversity and inclusivity within the program. AA is based on a one-size-fits-all approach that is primarily designed for white, middle-class men and may not be inclusive or accessible to people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Professional women often feel marginalized in AA meetings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stigma_And_Shame\"><\/span><strong>Stigma And Shame<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Another reason AA may not work for everyone is the emphasis on admitting powerlessness and surrendering to a higher power, which can lead to stigma and shame for some people. The 12-step program of AA is based on the idea that alcoholism is a disease and that people who are addicted to alcohol need to admit their powerlessness and surrender to a higher power in order to overcome their addiction. However, this idea may not resonate with everyone, and some people may not be comfortable with the spiritual or religious elements of the program or may not agree with the concept of powerlessness and surrender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The emphasis on admitting powerlessness and surrendering to a higher power can lead to feelings of stigma and shame for some people. They may feel they are not in control of their own lives or have failed in some way. These feelings can make it difficult for people to stay engaged in the program and lead to hopelessness and frustration. This can also discourage people from seeking help and make them reluctant to attend meetings and share their experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_If_AA_Doesnt_Work_For_Me\"><\/span><strong>What If AA Doesn\u2019t Work For Me?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.surferseo.art\/a7ec1bda-3611-4d67-86cd-461e140c5300.png\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) isn&#8217;t the right fit for you, it&#8217;s important to remember that there are other options available. This alcohol addiction treatment program is a widely recognized program that has helped many people overcome an alcohol use disorder, but as previously discussed, it doesn&#8217;t work for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Different people have different beliefs and needs, and an AA meeting may not align with everyone&#8217;s values or personal goals. Some people may find the camaraderie and support offered by AA meetings to be beneficial, while others may find the meetings monotonous or unhelpful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, some people may not agree with AA&#8217;s belief that addiction is a disease that is not curable. AA&#8217;s 12-step program is based on the belief that addiction is a chronic and progressive disease that is not curable and that people who are addicted to alcohol need to admit their powerlessness and surrender to a higher power in order to overcome their addiction. However, this disempowering belief may not align with everyone&#8217;s personal beliefs or goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some people may believe that their addiction is treatable and curable and may not be comfortable identifying as an &#8220;alcoholic&#8221; or &#8220;addict&#8221; for the rest of their life. They may believe that addiction is a learned behavior that can be unlearned and that they have the power to overcome it. They may also believe that addiction is a symptom of underlying problems that can be addressed and treated rather than a disease that requires lifelong management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For those people, the thought of having to identify with their addiction by forever saying, \u201cI\u2019m Mary, and I\u2019m an alcoholic,\u201d or \u201cI\u2019m Seth, and I\u2019m an addict,\u201d even after years of sobriety, doesn\u2019t ring true. They may prefer a more empowering approach that empowers them to take control of their addiction and overcome it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Seeking_For_Alternatives_Try_The_Alcohol_Coach\"><\/span><strong>Seeking For Alternatives? Try The Alcohol Coach!<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Alcohol Coach is an alternative approach for women who are struggling with alcohol dependency and may not have found success with traditional programs such as AA. Our approach focuses on helping successful women understand the underlying causes of their dependency and providing them with the knowledge and tools they need to overcome it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Alcohol Coach&#8217;s approach to alcohol coaching is based on a combination of science, psychology, and down-to-earth common sense. This approach is designed to provide women with a clear understanding of their addiction&#8217;s underlying causes and the necessary knowledge and tools to overcome it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the key aspects of the program is its individualized approach, which is tailored to meet each individual&#8217;s specific needs and concerns. With this approach, you can maintain personal anonymity while you work on alcohol abuse and utilize an empowering and smart recovery strategy. The program is not based on a one-size-fits-all approach like other treatment programs and does not follow a standardized set of guidelines. Instead, it is designed to be flexible and adaptable to each person&#8217;s unique needs with solutions from discrete self-study, to like-minded small groups of professional women, to elite one-on-one coaching with Michaela.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A key difference between The Alcohol Coach and AA is that The Alcohol Coach offers a variety of lesson plans and coaching programs so that you can choose the one that fits best for you. Nobody likes being grouped in with a plan that doesn&#8217;t suit their needs, and with The Alcohol Coach, that won&#8217;t happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Alcohol Coach also focuses on helping people learn how to be happy and fulfilled without alcohol or with less alcohol, so they don\u2019t feel like they are missing out or social outcasts. The program&#8217;s ultimate goal is to help people thrive, be happy, and be free from dependency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Editor\u2019s Note:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, you might notice that we use \u2018labels\u2019 such as \u201calcoholic\u201d, \u201cdisease\u201d, 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.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>AA isn&#8217;t for everyone. Find out the most common reasons for quitting AA. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4137,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[33],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4136"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4136"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4136\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4163,"href":"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4136\/revisions\/4163"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4137"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4136"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4136"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thealcoholcoach.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4136"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}