What is Bridging the Gap?

© 1955 A.A. Grapevine Inc. Reprinted with permission.

Bridging the Gap (BTG) is a temporary contact program for alcoholics who are leaving a treatment program.

Getting back into the "real world" is never easy for an alcoholic. One of the most "slippery" places is between a treatment facility and an A.A. meeting. This is "the gap" that BTG tries to fill.

What Bridging The Gap CAN Do

• Help anyone with a desire to stop drinking get started with A.A. in their community
• Help newly-sober people connect with the local A.A. world outside of a treatment facility

What Bridging The Gap CANNOT Do

• Charge dues or fees
• Operate a detox facility
• Provide housing, meals, or transportation
• Keep membership records
• Offer medical, psychiatric, or nursing help
• Offer religious services
• Offer professional counseling

Getting Help After Discharge

Upon discharge or release, a BTG volunteer will arrange to meet you at your first meeting and help you get started in A.A.

If you are leaving a treatment program and would like some assistance upon your release:

1. Call us (508) 752-9000 and share:
   
   • Your name
   • Phone number
   • Date of release
   • Town where you will reside
2. OR submit a BTG request: Online Form or PDF Form.

We will make every effort to connect with you on the first day of your release.

Becoming a BTG Volunteer

If you have at least one year of sobriety, a sponsor and a wish to help others, please consider becoming a BTG volunteer. For BTG volunteer guidelines: click here. To volunteer you may submit a BTG Volunteer Form or contact the committee.

What to Expect

As a BTG team member, when someone of your gender, age, and area requests help, a BTG committee member will see if you are available and then provide you with contact information. You may be working in tandem with another BTG team member.

Basic goals of the BTG program are:

• Introduce the newcomer to others at A.A. meetings
• Share your experience about the value of having an A.A. sponsor
• Share your experience about the value of having an A.A. home group.

Here are pamphlets about the BTG program, or view this YouTube Video.

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