What is Bridging the Gap

© 1955 A.A. Grapevine Inc. Reprinted with permission
Bridging the Gap (BTG) is a temporary contact program for alcoholics leaving treatment or incarceration.

Getting back to the "real world" is never easy for an alcoholic. We admitted our first days out were challenging, that we were worried about staying sober. One "slippery" place is between the door of the facility and the nearest A.A. group or meeting. This is where the BTG program comes in.

What Bridging The Gap CAN Do

  • Help anyone with a desire to stop drinking to find a solution to a drinking problem
  • Help newly-sober people connect to A.A. outside of an institution

What Bridging The Gap CANNOT Do

  • Charge dues or fees
  • Operate a clinic or drying out facility
  • Provide housing, meals, or transportation
  • Keep membership records
  • Practice medicine, psychiatry, or nursing
  • Offer religious services
  • Offer professional counseling

From Treatment or Incarceration to A.A.

Once you are discharged or released from treatment or incarceration, an A.A. volunteer will reach out and arrange to meet you at your first A.A. meetings, explain the value of having a sponsor, and introduce you to the local fellowship and program of Alcoholics Anonymous.

There are two ways to contact us:

   1. Call us at: (508) 752-9000 (Sorry no collect calls) and please include:
  • Your name
  • Phone number
  • Date of release
  • Town where you will be living
   2. OR submit a BTG Request Form.

We will make every effort to reach you on the day of your release.

Becoming a BTG Volunteer

The purpose of Bridging the Gap is to assist those released from treatment center or incarceration make a successful transition to Alcoholics Anonymous. Do you have 6 months of sobriety and a desire to do real 12th step work? If so, being a "temporary contact" in Bridging the Gap may be for you.

As a BTG team member, when someone of your same gender, age, and area requests help, a BTG committee member will reach out to confirm you are available and supply you with their contact information so you can contact them. You may work in tandem with another BTG team member.

The basic goals of the BTG program are:
  • Introduce the newcomer to other members to help them get connected
  • Share your experience about the value of having an A.A. sponsor
  • Share your experience abou the value of having an A.A. home group.
To become a volunteer, just fill out a volunteer form (CLICK HERE) and someone will reach out to you. To learn more about becoming a contact volunteer, see the pamphlets below.

 
Please email treatment@aaworcester.org or call (508) 752-9000 with any questions.

Thank you for your service! — WAI Joint Treatment Facilities & BTG Committee

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