​Seniors Matter(s): AA, CANA and SMART!

Let’s look at addiction and the plethora of supports groups available.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS (AA)

Since beginning in 1935, Alcohol Anonymous (AA) has sparked the interest of the public.

How does AA define an alcoholic? In general, an alcoholic is someone who suffers from alcoholism. AA defines this as “a physical compulsion, coupled with a mental obsession to consume alcohol in which cravings for alcohol are always catered to, even at times when they should not be.”

AA is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.

The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; the group is self-supporting through its own contributions.

AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes.

The primary purpose is to stay sober.

Two of AA’s traditions address anonymity. The Eleventh Tradition states that the public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; it must always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, and films. The Twelfth Tradition says that anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all its traditions, ever reminding the group to place principles before personalities.

Anonymity is often referred to as the greatest single protection the fellowship must assure its continued existence and growth. In stressing the equality of all AA members — and unity in the common bond of their recovery from alcoholism — anonymity serves as the spiritual foundation of AA.

AA is not anti-alcohol, and it has no desire to reform the world. The group welcomes members but does not recruit them. Basically, its members are people who have discovered and admitted that they cannot control alcohol, and learned they must live without it.

AA is available around the world in various countries and languages. Today, an AA presence can be found in approximately 180 nations worldwide, with membership estimated at more than two-million.

CANADIAN ASSEMBLY OF NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS (CANA/ACNA)

Support groups for drug addiction have developed much later than AA and are supporting people who seek support.

In the spring of 1989, with the encouragement and the enthusiasm of the founding members, the vision for the formation of the Canadian Assembly of Narcotics Anonymous (CANA/ACNA) was born.

Perhaps the most important effect of the creation of the Canadian Assembly is that, as addicts, they are again reminded that they are not alone. To be a part of something larger than themselves and to work on a national basis to fulfill the primary purpose, establishes that spiritual link that, alone, they cannot experience.

The sharing of ideas and encouragement ensures that their efforts will not be wasted and that they can reach every concern of the Canadian neighbourhood to carry the message of Narcotics Anonymous.

Approved by the Canadian Assembly of Narcotics Anonymous/Assemblée Canadien de Narcotique Anonymes (CANA/ACNA), October, 1989.

SELF-MANAGEMENT AND RECOVERY TRAINING (SMART)

SMART (Self-Management and Recovery Training) is a fresh approach to addiction recovery.

This is more than an acronym: it is a transformative method of moving from addictive substances and negative behaviours to a life of positive self-regard and willingness to change.

Far too many people feel powerless over their lives and carry a sense of futility, a dread of staying trapped within an addiction pattern and locked into their circumstances. SMART helps them learn the skills they need to overcome their addictions and transform their lives.

SMART was created for people seeking a self-empowering way to overcome addictive problems. What has emerged is an accessible method of recovery, one grounded in science and proven by more than a quarter-of-a-century of experience teaching practical tools that encourage lasting change.

It is a powerful recovery community that includes passionate volunteers who recovered with SMART and are driven to help others. Peers and professionals working together fuse science and experience to help people build healthy and balanced lives.

In the mutual support meetings, offered on-line and in-person, participants design and implement their own recovery plan to create a more balanced, purposeful, fulfilling, and meaningful life. SMART provides specialized meetings and resources for a variety of communities, including family and friends, veterans, and more.

Again, the Internet is a huge benefit for resource on many of the topics affected by addiction. By using the search engine “Health Canada,” you can find numerous avenues for research and support.

If you need help in the battle with substance abuse, or know someone who does, including overdose prevention, these services are available to anyone, anywhere, at any time.