Many people utilize and rely on attending an AA meeting for their struggles with alcohol addiction. There are around 2.1 million members in AA today that credit these meetings as their reason for sobriety. 

Alcohol can be a tidal wave. Three million people die due to the harmful use of alcohol every year all over the world. 

Yet alcohol is a wave that people can escape. A recovering alcoholic can take immediate steps to eliminate their dependency.

For many former alcoholics, a sobriety anniversary is much more significant than a birthday. 

The road to sobriety can be difficult. Studies show that only 35% of people fully recover from alcohol use disorder. They either abstain from alcohol or become low-risk drinkers.

On the road to recovery, there are a number of sobriety milestones you can reach. 

These can range from time-based achievements to moments of significant emotional healing. Whicher milestone you reach at any given moment, it is worth being proud of yourself.

Typical AA meetings feature groups of around 10-20 people. In these meetings, you'll share your successes and vulnerable moments with others that understand what you're going through and feeling. 

How do you unwind after a long, stressful day at work? 

Maybe you go to a bar with your friends or sit in front of the TV and crack open a beer. You might even pour yourself a shot of whiskey and nurse it over an evening. 

The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics reports that there have been more than 700,000 deaths in the US due to substance overdose.

If you too have a friend or family member that suffers from this same addiction, this statistic may be just too close to home.

With summer right around the corner, now is the perfect time to start planning for those warm and sunny days. While summer is often a time for fun and relaxation, it can often be a difficult time for those on their recovery journey. 

The good news is, there are a wide variety of summer activities that are exciting, unique, and sober-friendly. 

Did you know that people with an anxiety disorder are twice as likely to suffer from addiction?

It is essential to note the comorbidity between anxiety and addiction. An awareness can help dual diagnosis treatment and recovery. 

Helping a loved one get sober is one of the most difficult tasks a person can undertake. Addiction not only destroys the addict's life, but it often destroys the addict's loved ones as well. 

Family and close friends form a system that is undeniably affected by addiction, and this system also influences the addict's choices. 

Warning signs of relapse are always important to pay attention to if you or a friend is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. Stressful events, such as the 2020-2021 pandemic, can be especially triggering to those who seek comfort in their addictions.

When you're going through sobriety, it can feel like you're all alone. None of your friends or family seem to understand how powerful your cravings are or the mental battles you must endure every day.

You can't fight an enemy you can't see - and the same applies to finding solutions for addiction. Understanding addiction is an essential part of coping with the condition. 

Approximately 14.4 million people in the United States struggle with alcohol abuse, and only 7.9 percent receive treatment. 

If you're someone who has worked hard to overcome addiction, then you know how challenging recovering in isolation can be. 

Everyone has an addiction to something. That addiction may be videogames, collecting food, or alcohol.

When you crave something, it is hard to quit. Still, when you want it bad enough, you somehow do it.

Whether you are on your own or have a unit supporting you, baby steps are the key.

Approximately 14.4 million people in the United States struggle with alcohol abuse, and only 7.9 percent receive treatment. 

If you're someone who has worked hard to overcome addiction, then you know how challenging recovering in isolation can be. 

Everyone has an addiction to something. That addiction may be videogames, collecting food, or alcohol.

When you crave something, it is hard to quit. Still, when you want it bad enough, you somehow do it.

The path to sobriety is a tough one at that. Despite all the challenges, you can make it through, even if you need some help. 

Here are six great recovery apps to help you on your journey.

At some point, most people in recovery will face the challenge of staying sober at a party.

If you're early on in your process, it's best to avoid parties completely. After all, sobriety is hard enough as it is without being surrounded by alcohol. If you've been sober for a few years, though, you should be more comfortable with parties.

An estimated 22 million Americans are in recovery from addiction, but that doesn't stop a lot from them from feeling alone.

In recent times, when social distancing is the new normal, it can be difficult to remind ourselves that the struggles we're going through are not unique. Someone, somewhere, knows how you feel.

For those who have suffered from alcohol addiction and may need support, sobriety blogs can be a great way to go.

The coronavirus crisis has hit everyone hard, but for those struggling with alcoholism, this pandemic has brought on unique challenges.  Social distancing means that the lifeblood of the Alcoholics Anonymous program has been fundamentally changed. 

As daily life has changed recently, we've all been forced to think about the role of human interactions in our lives. For many recovering alcoholics, the fellowship they find at in-person meetings plays a crucial in their continued sobriety.  

Once you've left treatment, that doesn't mean all of your hard work has come to an end. In fact, the hard work has just begun. However, there are various resources available to recovering alcoholics, including sobriety podcasts.

Podcasts that focus on sobriety are typically hosted by people that are in recovery themselves and can relate to the things you are feeling and situations you may face. A valuable part of recovery is being in contact with people that understand the path that you've taken.

COVID-19 has been impacting people around the world for a couple of months now. We've seen many day-to-day activities canceled and are facing even more change in the coming months. 

While we are all hunkered down at home, it might be hard to find things to look forward to. The cancellation of the 2020 AA International Convention is certainly a blow to morale.

Are you curious about the cancellation of this year's convention? Do you want help dealing with sobriety during the COVID-19 pandemic?

If you've been in AA for a while, chances are you've heard of or been to the AA International Convention before. However, if you're new to the program, you should count yourself lucky. This event only happens once every five years. 

Don't miss your opportunity to temporarily escape to Detroit for the AA International Convention 2020. Detroit is a wonderful city full of culture, art, authentic eateries, and more. 

However, before you leave, be sure to take note of some of our top travel tips.

Are you ready for the AA International Conference in Detroit this year? This conference only happens every five years, so you don't want to miss it.

From hearing others' stories to seeing the beautiful city of Detroit, there are so many things to experience in and out of the big meetings.

If you've never attended an AA conference before, keep reading to find out more about what you can expect so you know how to plan your weekend.

If you're planning on heading to Detroit for the 2020 International AA Convention, congratulations on your success. Beating any addiction can be more challenging than most people know.

However, despite any relapses, backward steps, or other negative issues along the way, here you are. As you probably know, these conventions are only held every 5 years. Take advantage of this opportunity and escape to Detroit for a while to celebrate your sobriety.

While you're there, however, be sure to enjoy yourself with the best restaurants the city has to offer. Keep reading for our top five suggestions.

It's almost time for the 2020 International AA Convention in July! As you prepare to attend this amazing convention, you'll want to be prepared to enjoy your time in Detroit. The best way to ensure you make the most out of this trip is to know a few sober activities that you can take part in while there.

Receive your recovery chips and tokens, and then head over to a few awesome Detroit activities. Not sure where to begin? Continue reading below for our list of 5 awesome things to do in Detroit that are fun and sober!

Over 14.4 million adults suffer from alcohol use disorder each year. But they aren't the only ones who are suffering.

Family members and friends of those who have alcoholism also experience pain and suffering. There's Alcoholics Anonymous for alcoholics, but what is there for loved ones?

There's Al-Anon.

It's estimated that there are over 2 million members of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in over 180 countries around the world.

If you've ever wondered about how to become an AA sponsor, you've come to the right place. We gathered everything you need to know about this role that's essential to the success of many members of AA.

Keep reading to learn more about AA sponsorship and to see if it's right for you.

The 12-step program has been around for almost 100 years. In fact, the first AA meeting took place in 1935, three years before Alcoholics Anonymous became the official name of the organization. AA was publicly founded in 1938 by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith, two men who struggled with alcoholism themselves.

Keep reading for a breakdown of what to expect at your first AA meeting.

One of the hardest parts about getting sober is losing out on the social aspects of drinking. But more and more people are figuring out how to go to the bar without getting drunk.

That's in part thanks to sober bars. When you go to a sober bar, you're getting the same environment minus all the alcohol. You're drinking mocktails instead of cocktails. 

Things are going great on your date. The chemistry is there, you're laughing, you have plenty in common. Then they drop the bomb: they are an alcoholic who's gotten sober. 

Is this a dealbreaker? Maybe, maybe not. Dating a recovering alcoholic can present some problems, but it's not an insurmountable hurdle. 

Is someone you know approaching a sobriety milestone? You may want to congratulate them on their achievement, but what's the best way to do that? You'll want to encourage them while remaining sensitive to the subject.

If you're not sure how to do that, here are a few tips on what to say to someone on their sobriety anniversary.

In the past few years, Americans have paid a lot of attention to the opioid epidemic -- with good reason. It causes thousands of tragic deaths each year.

However, even as we shine a spotlight on dangerous narcotics, it's important to remember other substances can be just as deadly. Take alcohol; each year in the U.S., some 88,000 people die directly or indirectly due to alcohol consumption.

One in eight American adults, or 12.7% of our country's population, have an alcohol use disorder. Alcoholism doesn't only affect the person holding the bottle, though. If you're living with an alcoholic, chances are, you've felt the strain yourself. 

Loving an alcoholic isn't always easy. While they can benefit from your support, your health and happiness matter too.

Find the balance with these five tips on how to live with an alcoholic. These tips can make your life a little easier.

There's no doubt about it- getting sober is hard work. For many people, it improves relationships, health and it can put you back on track with your career. There are so many positives to getting sober that the negatives aren't often talked about. 

If you think you need to give up alcohol, or you're currently taking part in a sobriety program, here are some of the things that you may not know.

If you have made the powerful and life-changing decision to quit drinking, then congratulations are in order. These first few days sober will be the beginning of a happier, healthier, and longer life.

However, the first few days can also be the most challenging for any struggling alcoholic. Immediately after you stop drinking is when your body will feel the most severe symptoms and withdrawal effects.

The decision to get sober is a defining moment in an addict's life. But staying sober isn't easy. No matter how far into recovery someone is, they face temptation and their demons every day of their lives.

Anything that can help ease this process is a welcome addition during that journey. Keep reading to learn why Alcoholics Anonymous medallions help addicts stay clean and sober.

Alcoholics Anonymous began in 1939. Today, there are over 2 million successfully recovering members of Alcoholics Anonymous in more than 180 countries.

You might have heard of the 12 steps of AA, but have you heard about AA tokens?

Read on to learn what these are, how they are earned and their significance

Did you know that there are studies out there that link the qualities of successful people with people who also suffer from substance abuse disorder? Think about celebrities for a minute. They are usually risk-takers, have a good work ethic, and a strong desire to be successful. When all this is mixed with being in the public eye, it can lead to disaster. 

AA sobriety chips signal an end and a beginning of sorts. It's the end of the chemically-dependent person. It's also the renewal of their hope.