What is Alcoholics Anonymous?
The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking.
This information is both for people who may have a drinking problem and for those in contact with people who have, or are suspected of having, a problem. Most of the information is available in more detail in literature published by A.A. World Services, Inc. This sheet tells what to expect from Alcoholics Anonymous. It describes what A.A. is, what A.A. does, and what A.A. does not do.
What is Alcoholics Anonymous?
Alcoholics Anonymous is a voluntary, worldwide fellowship of men and women from all walks of life who meet together to attain and maintain sobriety. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership.
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Anyone May Attend AA Open Meetings
Anyone may attend open meetings of AA. These usually consists of talks by a leader and two or three speakers who share experience as it relates to their alcoholism and their recovery in AA. Some meetings are for the specific purpose of informing the non alcoholic public about AA. Doctors, members of the clergy, and public officials are invited. closed discussion meetings are for alcoholics only.
What Does A.A. Do?
1.
A.A. members share their experience with anyone seeking help with a drinking problem; they give person-to-person service or “sponsorship” to the alcoholic coming to A.A. from any source.
2.
The A.A. program, set forth in our Twelve Steps, offers the alcoholic a way to develop a satisfying life without alcohol.
3.
This program is discussed at A.A. group meetings.
Open speaker meetings — open to alcoholics and nonalcoholics. (Attendance at an open A.A. meeting is the best way to learn what A.A. is, what it does, and what it does not do.) At speaker meetings, A.A. members “tell their stories.” They describe their experiences with alcohol, how they came to A.A., and how their lives have changed as a result of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Open discussion meetings — one member speaks briefly about his or her drinking experience, and then leads a discussion on A.A. recovery or any drinking-related problem anyone brings up. (Closed meetings are for A.A.s or anyone who may have a drinking problem.)
Closed discussion meetings — conducted just as open discussions are, but for alcoholics or prospective A.A.s only.
Step meetings (usually closed) — discussion of the Twelve Steps.
Open speaker meetings — open to alcoholics and nonalcoholics. (Attendance at an open A.A. meeting is the best way to learn what A.A. is, what it does, and what it does not do.) At speaker meetings, A.A. members “tell their stories.” They describe their experiences with alcohol, how they came to A.A., and how their lives have changed as a result of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Open discussion meetings — one member speaks briefly about his or her drinking experience, and then leads a discussion on A.A. recovery or any drinking-related problem anyone brings up. (Closed meetings are for A.A.s or anyone who may have a drinking problem.)
Closed discussion meetings — conducted just as open discussions are, but for alcoholics or prospective A.A.s only.
Step meetings (usually closed) — discussion of the Twelve Steps.
What A.A. Does not Do
A.A. does not:
1.
Furnish initial motivation for alcoholics to recover.
2.
Solicit members.
3.
Engage in or sponsor research.
4.
Keep attendance records or case histories.
5.
Join “councils” of social agencies (although A.A. members, groups and service offices frequently cooperate with them).
6.
Follow up or try to control its members.
7.
Make medical or psychological diagnoses or prognoses.
8.
Provide detox or nursing services, hospitalization, drugs, or any medical or psychiatric treatment.
9.
Offer religious services or host/sponsor retreats.
10.
Engage in education about alcohol.
11.
Provide housing, food, clothing, jobs, money, or any other welfare or social services.
12.
Provide domestic or vocational counseling.
13.
Accept any money for its services, or any contributions from non-A.A. sources.
14.
Provide letters of reference to parole boards, lawyers, court officials, social agencies, employers, etc.