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Agenda

Hello 5 Minutes

Why do I drink so much? 10-15 Minutes

Formal Presentation 20-35 Minutes

Pamphlet 8-12 Minutes

Story #1 4-8 Minutes

Story #2 4-8 Minutes

Q & A 8-12 Minutes

Final Words 2 Minutes

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Statement on Addiction by CSAM and ASAM

A primary chronic disease, characterized by

impaired control over the use of a psychoactive

substance (e.g. alcohol) and/or behaviour. Clinically, the manifestations occur along biological, psychological, and spiritual dimensions.

Common features are changes in mood, relief from negative emotions, provision of pleasure, pre-occupation with the use of substance(s). . . and continued use of the substance(s) despite adverse, physical, psychological and/or social consequences. Like other chronic diseases, it can be progressive, relapsing, and fatal.

Mental Health reference guide DSM-5 (Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) states Alcoholism is now referred to as Substance Use Disorder (SUD) sub category Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).

Canadian and American Societies of Addiction Medicine

College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta, June,,2008

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ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

Public Information & Cooperation

with the Professional Community

780 424-5900 (AB North)

403-777-1212 (AB South)

edmontonaa.org

calgaryaa.org

aa.org

area78aa.org

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I need a meeting!

There is an app for that!

App Store search “AA Meeting Guide”

Uses time first
GPS second

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Understanding Anonymity

Anonymity in public media guards the unity

of A.A. members and preserves the attraction

of the program for the millions who still need help.

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What Does A.A. Do?

A.A. offers a Twelve Step program of recovery
Groups put on A.A. meetings (Open and Closed)

Open
Closed
Men
Women
LGBTQ
Various languages
Jails, Hospitals, Treatment, AADAC, Henwood and many others

A.A. members share their experience, strength and hope with one another
Local committees carry the A.A. message
We are fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions

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What Does A.A. Not Do?

Solicit members
Make medical diagnoses
Provide hospitalization or drugs
Keep attendance records/case histories
Offer religious services
Address prevention, treatment, advocacy or legislation

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Some Facts About A.A.

began in 1935 – with one alcoholic, Bill W., talking to another alcoholic, Dr. Bob S. The spirit at that meeting is the same spirit that still holds A.A. meetings together in approximately 180 countries.

Our ‘Big Book’ is translated into 71 languages and over 2,800,000 A.A. members world-wide are sober today. TIME magazine voted Alcoholics Anonymous as one of the 80 most influential books in the 20^th century.

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The A.A. Program of Action

A way to stop drinking and stay stopped
A.A.’s suggested Twelve Steps �are the program of recovery
The Steps are based on the experience �of early A.A. members

THE A.A. PROGRAM OF ACTION:

The Twelve Steps are the basis of the program of recovery and contain suggested principles that outline the actions of our early members’ experience with overcoming their alcoholism. Once someone has the desire to stop drinking, he or she attends meetings and practices the Twelve Steps to stay stopped. A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution. A.A. groups affiliate with no one and cooperate with all.

There are no new ideas, but rather a collection of broad spiritual principles and actions, including admission of the alcohol problem, acceptance of help from others, self-inventory, restitution for harms done, and service to others, especially to other alcoholics.

A.A. is not affiliated with any specific religion, but cooperates with the clergy of all faiths.

A.A. has members who are atheist, agnostic, Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, Jewish, etc.

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Stigma

Personal

What do I think an alcoholic looks like?
Where do you find them?

Family, friends, society at large

What do others think an alcoholic is or is not?

Corporate, government, institutions

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Is there discrimination?
Will I be passed by on the corporate ladder?

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Q & A Suggestions for Patients/Clients

1 – Have you ever decided to stop drinking for a week or so, but only lasted for a couple of days?

2 - Do you wish people would mind their own business about your drinking – stop telling you what to do?

3 - Have you ever switched from one kind of drink to another in the hope this would keep you from getting drunk?

4 - Have you had to have an “eye-opener” upon wakening during the past year?

5 - Do you envy people who can drink without getting into trouble?

6 - Have you had problems connected with drinking in the past year?

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7 - Has your drinking caused trouble at home?

8 - Do you ever try to get “extra” drinks at a party because you don’t get enough?

9 - Do you tell yourself you can stop drinking any time you want to, even though you keep getting drunk when you don’t mean to?

10 - Have you missed days of work or school because of drinking?

11 – Do you have “blackouts”?

12 - Have you ever felt your life would be better if you did not drink?

Taken from the pamphlet Is A.A. for you TWELVE QUESTIONS ONLY YOU CAN ANSWER.

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Other Web Resources

Edmonton Narcotics Anonymous

eana.ca

Edmonton Al-Anon & Alateen

al-anon.ab.ca Phone: 780-443-6000 1-888-332-6902

Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse

ccsa.ca

Health Canada

hc-sc.gc.ca

AHS on Addiction and Mental Health

albertahealthservices.ca/amh/amh.aspx