What is Alcoholics Anonymous
Information for new AA members or anyone interested in the AA program of recovery for alcoholism.
AA is nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial, apolitical, and available almost everywhere. There are no age or education requirements. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about their drinking problem.
How AA Can Help
Understanding Alcoholics Anonymous and the Path to Sobriety
Alcoholics Anonymous
The original Twelve-Step recovery program for alcoholism.
Alcoholics Anonymous is a program to help heal the alcoholic from the physical, mental, and spiritual illness of alcoholism. Some people refer to AA as a holistic approach, helping the sufferer find long-term sobriety by addressing the whole person.
The program of recovery based on the Twelve Steps includes the three legacies required for long-term freedom from alcohol addiction, Unity, Service, and the Program of Recovery.
AA is available in over 180 countries, and the primary textbook of AA has been translated into over 70 languages.
How AA got started can be found here.
Member’s voluntary service and financial contributions support the individual AA Group and Organization.
The only requirement for membership in AA is a desire to solve the drinking problem.
No one sets out to become an alcoholic.
Alcoholism is a condition that can impact individuals across all ages, socioeconomic statuses, genders, abilities, orientations, nationalities, cultures, ethnicities, and belief systems. The loss of control experienced by an alcoholic isn’t defined by the duration or quantity of their drinking. It’s ultimately up to the individual to recognize whether they have a drinking issue and if they seek help and recovery.
Members of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) share their experiences, strength, and hope with anyone looking for support with their drinking problems. They provide personal assistance and sponsorship to alcoholics, no matter how they arrive at AA.
The sharing of the AA recovery program among members is crucial for healing. Many newcomers find it easier to connect with those who have successfully navigated recovery, even during moments of hopelessness.
The Meeting rooms of AA
Anyone is welcome at an open AA meeting. There are no fees or dues. Newcomers should not be concerned with financial contributions.
Closed AA meetings are for those who describe themselves as alcoholics.
The founders of AA began as a community of alcoholics dedicated to helping one another achieve sobriety and recovery. They quickly recognized that their recovery program had the potential to benefit alcoholics worldwide. As they established the organization, they understood that outside funding could jeopardize both the program that had transformed their lives and the recovery community they cherished. To preserve the integrity and mission of AA, they committed to making it self-supporting, believing that by declining outside contributions, they could strengthen the organization and stay true to their primary purpose.
The primary purpose of AA is to help the still suffering alcoholic.
There are special interest meetings for professionals that must have absolute anonymity. There are meetings for special interest groups from women’s and men’s meetings to POC groups, the LGBTQ+ community, young people, ASL (American Sign Language), and multiple meetings for non-English speaking alcoholics such as Spanish language meetings.
AA has no opinion
AA has no opinion on outside political or social issues, keeping the organization free of controversy. “If your drinking does not bother you it does not bother us”. AA takes no position on abstinence movements or public discussions concerning alcoholism or alcohol use. AA does appreciate professionals and others recommending the AA Program. The AA Organization and Groups have a policy of cooperation but not affiliation. The only purpose is to help those who have not recovered from their addiction to alcohol.
AA is a Mutual Support Group
In earlier decades, AA was referred to by medical professionals and the press as a Mutual Aid Society. Today professionals refer to Twelve-Step Programs as Peer Support Groups (PSG’s) or Mutual Support Groups (MSG’s).
Medical professionals labeled the program of recovery in AA as the medical model of recovery as AA believes in the physical abnormality of those who have become addicted to alcohol.
“Unity” is one of the three foundational legacies of AA. Most recovery programs for alcoholism today recognize the importance of building a recovery community around the newcomer. “Reconnecting the disconnected”.
Those on the front lines
Medical professionals, law enforcement, social service providers, and paramedics are frequently the first responders and the first to help those afflicted understand that alcoholism is not a moral failing, lack of character, or maladjustment to life.
Al-Anon Family Groups
The Al-Anon organization believes that alcoholism is a family disease. It is open to anyone concerned with someone’s drinking.
Al-Anon Family Groups also provide support for Alateen in many communities. Alateen is for teenagers who have been affected by someone else’s alcoholism. Proving support and relief, helping everyone better understand alcoholism.
Member’s voluntary service and financial contributions support the individual Al-Anon Group and Organization.
"At a certain point in the drinking of every alcoholic, he passes into a state where the most powerful desire to stop drinking is of absolutely no avail. This tragic situation has already arrived in practically every case long before it is suspected."