What is Bridging the Gap?

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

Bridging the Gap (BTG) is a temporary contact program to assist alcoholics newly released from 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 from the door of the facility to the nearest A.A. group or meeting. This is where the BTG program can provide help.

What Bridging The Gap CAN Do

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

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 from AA After Discharge

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

To contact a BTG volunteer:

1. Call us at: (508) 752-9000 (no collect calls) and share:
   
   
   • Your name
   • Phone number
   • Date of release
   • Town where you will be living


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

Do you have a year of sobriety, a sponsor, and a willingness to help others? If so, please consider being a BTG "temporary contact". Our primary purpose is to assist those leaving treatment make a successful transition to A.A.

To get started, submit a BTG Volunteer Form. For BTG volunteer guidelines: click here.

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.

Refer to the pamphlets below to learn more about the BTG program.

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