Introduction
A.A. (Alcoholics Anonymous) and A.S. (Alcoholics Sober) are two of the most well-known addiction recovery programs in the world. Both programs use a 12-step approach to recovery, but there are some key differences between the two.
Table 1: Key Differences Between A.A. and A.S.
| Feature | A.A. | A.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Alcoholism | All addictions |
| Membership | Open to anyone who wants to stop drinking | Open to anyone who wants to recover from addiction |
| Meetings | Held in churches, community centers, and other public places | Held in private homes or rented spaces |
| Cost | Free | May charge a small fee |
| Sponsorship | Encouraged | Not required |
| Higher Power | Belief in a higher power is encouraged | No requirement for belief in a higher power |
A.A.’s Approach to Recovery
A.A. is a fellowship of people who have recovered from alcoholism. The program is based on the idea that alcoholism is a disease that can be arrested but not cured. A.A. members believe that they can stay sober by attending meetings, working the 12 steps, and sponsoring other alcoholics.
The 12 steps of A.A. are:
- We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
- Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
- Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
A.S.’s Approach to Recovery
A.S. is a fellowship of people who have recovered from all types of addiction. The program is based on the idea that addiction is a disease that can be arrested but not cured. A.S. members believe that they can stay sober by attending meetings, working the 12 steps, and sponsoring other addicts.
The 12 steps of A.S. are the same as the 12 steps of A.A., except for the first step. The first step of A.S. is:
- We admitted we were powerless over addiction—that our lives had become unmanageable.
Which Program is Right for You?
If you are struggling with alcoholism, A.A. may be a good option for you. The program is free, it is available in most communities, and it has a proven track record of success.
If you are struggling with addiction to drugs or other substances, A.S. may be a good option for you. The program is similar to A.A., but it is open to people who are struggling with all types of addiction.
Table 2: Pros and Cons of A.A. and A.S.
| Program | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| A.A. | Free, available in most communities, proven track record of success | Focuses on alcoholism only, may not be suitable for people who are struggling with other types of addiction |
| A.S. | Open to people who are struggling with all types of addiction, similar to A.A. | May not be as well-known as A.A., may not be as many meetings available |
Tips for Choosing a Recovery Program
If you are considering joining a recovery program, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Do your research. There are many different recovery programs available, so it is important to do your research and find one that is right for you.
- Attend meetings. The best way to learn about a recovery program is to attend meetings. This will give you a chance to meet people who are in recovery and learn about the program firsthand.
- Talk to your doctor. Your doctor can help you decide which recovery program is right for you.
Conclusion
A.A. and A.S. are two effective recovery programs that can help people overcome addiction. If you are struggling with addiction, please consider joining one of these programs. With the help of a recovery program, you can achieve sobriety and live a happy and fulfilling life.
Additional Resources
- Alcoholics Anonymous
- Alcoholics Sober
- National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between A.A. and A.S.?
A: A.A. is a fellowship of people who have recovered from alcoholism, while A.S. is a fellowship of people who have recovered from all types of addiction.
Q: Which program is right for me?
A: If you are struggling with alcoholism, A.A. may be a good option for you. If you are struggling with addiction to drugs or other substances, A.S. may be a good option for you.
Q: How do I join A.A. or A.S.?
A: To join A.A., simply attend a meeting. To join A.S., visit the A.S. website or call the A.S. helpline.
Q: Is there a cost to join A.A. or A.S.?
A: No, there is no cost to join A.A. or A.S.
Q: What is the success rate of A.A. and A.S.?
A: The success rate of A.A. and A.S. is difficult to determine, as there is no formal data collection. However, both programs have a long history of helping people achieve sobriety.