Bill Wilson, one of AA's founders, believed that good relationships with professionals, doctors, law enforcement, religious leaders, and others, were important for helping people find AA. This idea still applies today. For those searching for San Diego AA meetings, these connections can make all the difference in helping people take their first step toward recovery.
A Workshop for Understanding
A few years ago, an AA service group held a workshop with professionals from different fields. The goal was to understand how these organizations viewed AA, what was working well and what could improve, particularly in the context of San Diego AA meetings.
Five professionals from healthcare, education, the airline industry, manufacturing, and the military participated in the discussion. They took time out of their schedules to share insights on how their workplaces connected with AA, how tools like a sobriety calculator could support recovery, and how those relationships could be improved.
What Professionals Observed
When asked how their organizations worked with AA, all five professionals agreed on one key point: employees with drinking problems who attended AA meetings seemed to get sober faster and stay sober longer. They noticed that those who participated in San Diego AA meetings were more likely to maintain long-term recovery.
They explained that while AA wasn’t mandatory, it was strongly recommended. Those who attended meetings adjusted more quickly to their new sober lives, had better attendance, and performed better at work. This positive impact is important in having a strong relationship between AA and professional organizations.
Recommendations for AA
Here are also some ways AA could better support those looking for help:
- Making meetings easier to find. Many people had difficulty locating AA meetings, whether online or through directories. Searching for “AA meetings near me” can be a step in the right direction.
- Keep meeting listings accurate. Professionals mentioned that employees were frustrated when they arrived at a meeting location only to find it had moved or no longer existed.
- Clearly label meeting types. Some people were turned away because they unknowingly attended a closed meeting or one that wasn’t family-friendly.
- Ensure helpline numbers work. A professional recalled an employee calling an AA helpline, leaving a message, and never receiving a call back.
- Update online information. Some have reported that online searches for AA led them to treatment centers or unrelated organizations instead.
- Welcome newcomers with kindness. Some were discouraged from attending because they identified as "addicts" instead of alcoholics.
- Open to different backgrounds. Expanding inclusivity could help AA reach more people in need.
- Reduce barriers to recovery. More outreach efforts could help professionals connect individuals with ”therapists near me”, sober living programs, or AA support groups.
- Offer specialized meetings. Some professionals suggested meetings focused on veterans, parents with children, or specific industries to help members feel more comfortable.
- Encourage more AA members to get involved. They noted that a small percentage of members seemed to handle most of the service work.
Strengthening the Connection
This workshop provided valuable insights into how professionals and AA can work together to support those seeking recovery. The 12 steps of AA remain a guiding path for many, and working alongside professionals can help more people benefit from the program.
For those starting their recovery journey, tools like a sobriety calculator can help track progress, and connecting with a halfway house can provide stability during early sobriety. By making information about San Diego AA meetings more accessible, updating resources, and improving outreach, AA can continue to be a trusted resource for those in need.
Want to connect with AA? Find a meeting or use our directory today to take the first step toward a better future.