Description
Pamphlet P-23, A.A. as a Resource for the Health Care Professional, is official A.A. literature designed to help medical, psychological, and social work professionals understand the Alcoholics Anonymous program. It provides guidance on how to identify problem drinkers, overcome patient denial, and effectively refer individuals to A.A. meetings. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Key Highlights for Professionals
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- Cooperation, Not Affiliation: A.A. remains completely independent but operates on a principle of “cooperation, not affiliation” with the medical community. A.A. is not a professional treatment facility and does not provide medical services.
- Addressing Resistance: The pamphlet outlines how to handle common patient objections, such as the misconception that A.A. is strictly a religious program. It explains that A.A. is spiritual and welcomes agnostics, atheists, and those of all belief systems. [1, 2]
- Bridging the Gap: It offers practical steps for healthcare workers to connect patients with local A.A. groups, often using A.A. volunteers as temporary contacts to accompany patients to their first meeting.
Using A.A. as a Clinical Tool
- Patient Referral: Health care workers can use A.A. as free, accessible, ongoing support to complement clinical treatment.
- Free Literature: Professionals frequently use resources like Pamphlet P-23, along with A Brief Guide to A.A. (P-42) and Is A.A. for You? (P-3), to hand out to patients who are struggling with alcohol.
