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There are many reasons why AA teaches total abstinence, which is a concept that can be very beneficial to you as a recovering alcoholic. Call
800-948-8417
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to find safe, reliable treatment centers where you can attend AA as part of your recovery.
Acceptance is Key
Acceptance is one of the three key elements that predominate a 12-step approach to treating alcohol use disorder.
The journey to understanding abstinence starts with the acceptance that one’s drug or alcohol abuse is out of their control. The person must then realize that “life has become unmanageable” because of their substance abuse and that their willpower alone will not be enough to allow them to overcome their addiction.
Therefore, abstinence becomes the only solution. As stated by the principles of AA, once a person realizes this, they can truly begin their journey of recovery.
Abstinence Takes Control Out of the Equation
The reason many people seek out addiction treatment, especially residential care, is that they are struggling with their inability to control their substance abuse.
Residential programs take control out of the equation, as patients are monitored around the clock without access to alcohol or substances they could abuse.
But what do you do once you are out of residential treatment? When there is no longer a controlled program leading you through your recovery, how do you restrain yourself from using alcohol or other substances too much now that they are available to you?
AA teaches that it is much safer for you to avoid this question altogether by not using any of these substances again. In this sense, residential treatment programs that utilize the 12 steps are teaching individuals a way to take their struggle for control out of the equation for good.
Abstinence Works
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, “Some scientists believe the improvement in participants’ social network and the support they receive for abstinence may explain the success” of programs like AA.
Abstinence is not only taught in these groups, but it is also encouraged by other individuals who practice the same principle. This can be very helpful to see in other individuals when you are in residential treatment.
The approach of abstinence is beneficial for many recovering addicts, especially alcoholics. Because alcohol is so readily available and easy to obtain, it is better for recovering individuals to decide not to drink at all. This approach works and has been enormously successful for many individuals, in and out of treatment.
How Can I Find Rehab Programs that Use AA in Treatment?
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800-948-8417
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to find recovery programs that utilize AA meetings and the 12-step philosophy, as well as other methods proven to be effective for many individuals. You don’t need to recover alone, call today.