How to Teach the First Step in AA

Alcoholics Anonymous, or AA, works with a 12 step program designed to help you become sober. The first step in that process is by far the most difficult step. It is admitting that you are an alcoholic. You must admit that your life is out of your control, and in the control of the alcohol or drug you are addicted to. You must admit defeat, and you must admit it to yourself. In order to help somebody pass this step, you must make them understand what it means.

Instructions

Step One

• 1

  Explain what it means to admit alcoholism. Talk about how it is not enough to stop drinking for someone else, but the alcoholic must make the decision for himself.

• 2

  Give him a test to show him that he does in fact display the common signs of being an alcoholic. Let him know that it is a disease, much like heart disease or diabetes, and it is not his fault.

• 3

  Reassure him that admitting that he is an alcoholic and that his life is out of control is a beginning rather than an end. It is a time of desperation for him, and he will be feeling like a failure. Tell him this is really a time of hope, and is the beginning of a better and sober life.

• 4

  Help him understand that admitting he is an alcoholic means that he is now and will always be an alcoholic and must always continue with treatment.