Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women
who share their experience, strength and hope
with each other that they may solve their common problem
and help others to recover from alcoholism.

The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.
There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership; we are self-supporting
through our own contributions. A.A. is not allied with any sect,
denomination, politics, organization or institution;
does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes.

Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.

General Information

Letter to Anyone New to A A.

Dear Friend,
Thank you for your interest in Alcoholics Anonymous. Below we explain our recovery program and give a general idea of how A.A. works. You will see that the first and most important step in our program is admission by the alcoholic that he or she is powerless over alcohol, and that life has become unmanageable. It is often helpful for the alcoholic to talk with an A.A. member, because it may make it easier to understand the nature of the illness, and to accept A.A. help.

Alcoholics Anonymous is a program of a new way of life without alcohol, a program that is working successfully for millions of men and women throughout the world, and in all walks of life. The experience of A.A. members is that alcoholism is a progressive illness that cannot be cured, but which, like some other illnesses, can be arrested-by staying away from the first drink, one day at a time.

We would encourage you to get in touch with the nearest A.A. Central Office or Intergroup to get further information on Alcoholics Anonymous, speak to an A.A. member or find local A.A. meetings. Many of these offices have web sites and email.

A.A. members, as volunteers, are happy to offer help by sharing their experience, strength and hope in staying sober. One of the ways members stay sober is by helping other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.

Maybe you were told to come to AA and don't like it!
You're Not Alone!
You're Not The First!
Many are given the option of attending AA by Judges, employers, family members or treatment programs in lieu of other consequences. If you come to AA for a similar reason, you probably have some questions. This site may provide some answers.

"The Only Requirement For AA Membership Is A Desire To Stop Drinking"

At AA meetings you'll find people of all backgrounds. We all have one thing in common; we are trying to live sober. One day at a time. Meetings usually last an hour to an hour-and a half. Local area meeting schedules are available at most AA meetings, or call your local AA phone numbers. AA is listed in the local phone book under Alcoholics Anonymous.
Central Offices around the Area

What do you want to know Q/A

What can I Expect at AA?
If a judge, school, or employer has suggested you attend a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous, they may believe there is evidence that you have a drinking problem. If you have an attendance card to be signed, most AA meeting chair people or secretaries will do so. Take a look at a current meeting directory. You'll see the days, times and places AA meetings are held. Meetings marked with an (O) are Open Meetings - anyone can attend, while those marked with a (C) are Closed Meetings - for people who have a desire to stop drinking and prefer to meet only with other alcoholics. They wish to remain anonymous and share their experience, strength and hope, alcoholic to an alcoholic.

Do I have to give my Name?
When you go to an AA meeting you don't have to give your full name. Some groups will ask the newcomers to introduce themselves "by their first name only". At some meetings a sign-in sheet may be circulated for the chairperson to use during the meeting - You don't have to sign it. All participation in AA is voluntary.

Will I have to Speak?
It's not necessary to explain why you're there. Others will share but no one will think it odd if you choose to remain silent. There are many AA members who prefer to sit and listen at meetings.

It is not a Religious Meeting:
Most members have a program of action based upon a belief in a Higher Power of their own understanding, there is no religious affiliation.

No One Will Ask Why You Are There:
At open AA meetings, it is not uncommon to see non-alcoholics like family, friends, spouses, and other visitors, like yourself. Why you're there is nobody's business but your own.

There Are No Dues Or Fees For A. A. Membership:
During the meeting, a basket is passed to pay the cost of renting the room, the coffee and other necessary expenses. This is called the 7th Tradition. There s no obligation for you to contribute.

No One Will Tell Anyone You Were Here:
There is an unwritten rule about AA meetings: "whatever you see here, hear here, or say here, stays here." That's the anonymity part of the AA program.

Only You Can Decide:
Whether you're an alcoholic. Others may point out indications of a problem, i.e. losing control, DUI arrests, lost jobs, broken marriages/relationships, memory blackouts, the shakes, etc, but only you can tell if you are actually an alcoholic.

The pages of this website are not endorsed nor approved by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. They are provided solely by me as part of my continued 12 Step work by reaching out to the alcoholic who still suffers. I'm sure some of the items on these pages were originally published by A A. World Services, but do not assume that this implies continued approval by the General Service Conference for their use in these pages. Alcoholics Anonymous®, A A.®, and The Big Book® are registered trademarks of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc The Circle/Triangle logo is no longer in use by A.A.W.S., Inc.