Singleness of Purpose

Many treatment centers today combine alcoholism and drug addiction under “substance abuse” or “chemical dependence.”

Patients (both alcoholic and nonalcoholic) are introduced to AA and encouraged to attend AA meetings when they leave.

As stated earlier, anyone may attend open AA meetings, but only those with a drinking problem may attend closed meetings or become AA members.

People with problems other than alcoholism are eligible for AA membership only if they have a drinking problem.

Dr. Vincent Dole, a pioneer in methadone treatment for heroin addicts and for several years a trustee on the General Service Board of AA, made the following statement:

“The source of strength in AA is its single-mindedness. The mission of AA is to help alcoholics. AA limits what it is demanding of itself and its associates, and its success lies in its limited target. To believe that the process that is successful in one line guarantees success for another would be a very serious mistake.”

Consequently, we welcome the opportunity to share AA experience with those who would like to develop Twelve Step/Twelve Tradition programs for the nonalcoholic addict by using AA methods.