The AA Preamble – contd

Here it is:

“Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.

The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions.

AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organisation or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.”

(our emphases)

From the above it can be seen that the sole purpose of sharing this experience, strength and hope is directed towards solving “their” (and our) “common problem”, that problem being specifically alcoholism.

“A disorder characterized by the excessive consumption of and dependence on alcoholic beverages, leading to physical and psychological harm and impaired social and vocational functioning. Also called alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence.”

From the above definition it would follow that any solution must include either reduced consumption or total abstinence. AA proposes the latter, other treatments include the former. Similarly any effective regime would also encompass some form of management for the consequent physical and psychological harms. Both of these are the province of health professionals and they should be consulted accordingly. For the latter categories of “impaired social and vocational functioning” the fellowship provides both a programme and mutual support which may contribute significantly towards ensuring continued abstinence and improved “social functioning” although other appropriate agencies should not be neglected where these prove helpful.

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)