The legacy of psychiatry and psychology in Alcoholics Anonymous Fellowship program

Abstract

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a form of mutual self-help for those with alcohol use disorders (AUD). The first AA group in Poland was established in 1974. Today, 2800 AA groups meet throughout Poland. The goal of this article is to present AA Fellowship as one of the forms of support for those with alcohol use disorders and to acquaint others with its history, program, and basic principles. The author also examines the role of physicians and psychologists as it has developed and presents the results of research both on the effectiveness of involvement in AA Fellowship and on professional therapy using the AA program in work within the Minnesota Model.