What it means
A peer support program built on twelve steps. Members meet in groups, share their experiences, and often work with a sponsor, a member with longer sobriety. It is free, open to anyone who wants to stop drinking, and keeps members' identities private. Al-Anon and Alateen are related groups for family members and friends.
For the nurse
Give clients with alcohol use disorder information about local and online meetings as part of discharge planning, and tell families about Al-Anon.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | AA |
|---|---|
| Also written | AA |
Related terms
withdrawal
The physical and mental symptoms that occur when a person stops or cuts down a substance the body has come to depend on.
substance use disorder
A condition in which a person keeps using alcohol or another drug even though it is causing them harm.
social support
The help and comfort a person gets from family, friends, community and groups.