“Bridging the Gap” between a treatment program and A.A. is the Temporary Contact Program, which is designed to help the alcoholic in an alcoholism treatment program (or corrections facility), make that transition.

One of the more “slippery” places in the journey to sobriety is between the door of the facility and the nearest A.A. group or meeting.  Some of us can tell you that, even though we heard of A.A. in treatment, we were too fearful to go.

A.A. experience suggests that attending meetings regularly is critical.  In order to bridge the gap, A.A, members have volunteered to be temporary contacts and introduce newcomers to Alcoholics Anonymous.

The video ” Hope: Alcoholics Anonymous,” shown to patients in treatment, emphasizes the importance of having a temporary contact as the essential link between treatment and recovery.

It is suggested that the temporary contact take the newcomer to a variety of A.A. meetings; introduce him or her to other A.A.s; insure that he or she has the phone numbers of several A.A. members, and share the experience  of sponsorship and a home group.

Points to remember:

  • A.A. does not provide housing, food, clothing, jobs, money or other welfare or services.
  • The professional treatment setting is in charge of its patients or clients and is responsible for them.  We are there to carry the A.A, message and to answer questions.  We are there only to share our experience of staying away from a drink, one day at a time, through the program of A.A.
  • No one speaks for A.A. as a whole.  When we carry the A.A. message to those in treatment, we are just one drunk talking with another.  How we look, act and talk may be all they are going to know about Alcoholics Anonymous.

From – Bridging the Gap:  Between treatment and A.A, through contact programs – copyright 2018 Alcoholics Anonymous World Services.   For a complete copy of the pamphlet printed by aa.org,  click here

For More information:

AA Members: If you would like to help with this very important Twelfth Step work, and have at least one year of sobriety,  please use the form below to contact the Bridging the Gap Program Committee.

Treatment Centers: If you are interested in learning more about this program, please contact us using the form below.

Individuals: Please download and fill in form and send to  address listed, or use the website contact form below. 

Bridging the Gap to Stay Sober Form

NOTE: RescheduledBRIDGING THE GAP WORKSHOP WEEKEND- SEPTEMBER 11-13, 2020 at Rock Island, IL  – has been rescheduled for September,  2021.  See the Summer 2020 newsletter, below, for more information.

BRIDGING THE GAP NEWSLETTER – Summer 2020 

Contact Rockland County Bridging the Gap Program