In the days before rehab existed, alcoholics were seen as the outcasts of society and it used to be a disease without cure. As our understanding of the problem increased and therapy developed we started finding ways to help people who are held in the grip of alcohol. Today, there are countless therapies and treatments available to alcoholics and for the vast majority of patients, its an illness that can now easily be managed and "cured" for good. The Alcoholics Anonymous program is widely regarded as one of the most effective and has helped millions of people around the world find their freedom from alcohol.

The Alcoholics Anonymous (or AA as its commonly known) program is rooted in spirituality. For many this is surprising, but the principal behind it is to help you reconnect with who you really are as a person. In most cases, the reasons why we start drinking is because of "things and stuff" in our lives that has nothing to do with who we really are. We start bonding to these things and because its in discord with who we really are, alcohol seems like the only way to escape.

AA consists of a 12 step program and once you've been through all 12 steps you are free from drinking for good. The program is run by people who have been through it all and your sponsor will be a person who knows exactly what you are going through. Each of the 12 steps follow on the previous and in many ways its about a spiritual awakening. There is a greater power in your life and only when you surrender to that power can you be truly free in life - regardless of whether you drink or not.

One of the reasons why this is so effective long term is because the program is self run. Recovered alcoholics are the ones who pass the message on and there truly is nothing like getting help and guidance from someone who has been there and done that. Many professional therapists lack this level of understanding. With AA, there is no lying n a coach and talking about "why" you are drinking. Its just about finding the solution deep within yourself.