Arielle Cruz
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is an organization specifically for people struggling with alcohol use. There are no speeches, dues, or paperwork to sign. You don't have to take a pledge or provide your personal information. AA meetings are free to attend and are held in-person, online, or on the telephone. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. AA meetings are where you will feel supported, and welcome, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, income or profession.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Requirements to be a member | A desire to stop drinking or using |
| Official rules | None |
| Basic guidelines | Respect other members' anonymity, do not discuss anything outside the meeting |
| Identification | Not mandatory, but may be helpful for first-timers |
| Meetings | Open meetings are available to anyone interested in AA's program of recovery from alcoholism; closed meetings are for members only or those with a drinking problem |
| Group dynamics | Each group is different, and depends on its members |
| Service | Many opportunities for service, and volunteering improves the quality of recovery |
| International Convention | Held every 5 years for members to celebrate their sobriety |
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What You'll Learn
You don't have to sign in or give personal info
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength, and hope to recover from alcoholism and help others recover from their drinking problem. AA has been helping alcoholics recover for more than 80 years, and its program of recovery is built on the foundation of one alcoholic sharing with another.
AA meetings are open to anyone interested in AA's program of recovery from alcoholism. Non-alcoholics may attend open meetings as observers, while closed meetings are for AA members only or for those with a drinking problem and a desire to stop drinking. It is not mandatory to identify yourself at these meetings, but it may be helpful if you are attending your first meeting. Many meetings begin with a reading from the Big Book, specifically a portion of Chapter 5 ("How It Works") or Chapter 3 ("More About Alcoholism").
There are no speeches, dues, or paperwork to sign at AA meetings. You do not have to take a pledge or provide your personal information, and you will not receive a membership card or certificate. There is no orientation, and there are no official rules for AA. However, there are some basic guidelines to follow, such as respecting other members' anonymity. Anything discussed in an AA meeting should not be discussed outside of the meeting, especially with non-AA members.
The entire structure of AA depends upon the participation of individual groups, and there are many opportunities for service within AA. Most members have found that volunteering to do service improves the quality of their recovery.
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Open meetings are for anyone, closed meetings for members
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings are typically listed as "open" or "closed" meetings. Open meetings are available to anyone interested in Alcoholics Anonymous' program of recovery from alcoholism. Non-alcoholics may attend open meetings as observers, and members may bring relatives or friends. At open meetings, speakers tell their stories of drinking, how they discovered AA, and how its program has helped them.
Closed meetings, on the other hand, are intended for AA members only, or for those who have a drinking problem and "have a desire to stop drinking". Closed meetings provide a safe and confidential space for members to share personal experiences without concern for outside judgment or loss of anonymity. They tend to be more intimate than open meetings, which are more educational and accessible to the public.
Whether open or closed, all AA group meetings are conducted by AA members, who determine the format of their meetings. The chairperson or leader may request that participants confine their discussion to matters pertaining to recovery from alcoholism. Meetings often begin with a reading from the "Big Book", and close with a moment of silence followed by a prayer or the reciting of an AA text.
There are no dues or fees for AA membership or attendance at meetings, although a basket may be passed around for contributions to help cover group expenses.
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Anonymity is important and respected
At the personal level, anonymity provides protection for all members from identification as alcoholics, which is often of special importance to newcomers. While some members may choose to disclose their AA affiliation to their families, this is always their own choice. Anonymity also helps to foster an atmosphere of trust among members, reminding them that everyone is equal, regardless of their stature, differing opinions, or length of recovery. This sense of equality and mutual respect is essential for creating a safe and supportive environment for members to share their experiences openly and honestly.
At the level of the press, radio, TV, films, and the internet, maintaining anonymity ensures that members are treated equally and prevents individuals from exploiting their AA affiliation for personal gain. When using social media and other online platforms, members are responsible for maintaining their own anonymity and that of their fellow members.
During AA meetings, members are not required to identify themselves or state that they are alcoholics. They may choose to share only their first name and indicate that it is their first time at a meeting. Many meetings begin with a statement about anonymity, emphasizing its value as a privacy principle for all members. While members may choose to disclose their identity and share their recovery stories publicly, they are asked not to reveal their AA membership to protect their privacy and that of other members.
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Meetings are based on group dynamics and service
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a support group for people with drinking problems. AA meetings are where those struggling with alcohol addiction can feel supported and a sense of belonging. AA welcomes people of all genders, sexual orientations, incomes, religions, and races.
For example, certain individuals may dominate the conversation, ask too many questions, or be long-winded, hindering the process. Others may be unfocused or distracted, disrupting the meeting and removing others from active participation. It is important for a meeting leader to recognize these roles and the players who fill them to ensure a supportive atmosphere.
Additionally, group dynamics can affect decision-making. Individuals in a group may be influenced by peer pressure or the herd mentality, causing them to make decisions they might not have made alone. It is important to recognize these pitfalls and encourage independent thinking. Anonymous voting can help remove the fear of judgment and encourage honest input.
Understanding and utilizing effective communication methods are crucial for building trust within the group. This includes avoiding side conversations that can be detrimental to the group's overall cohesion. By fostering an inclusive environment where all members feel accepted and valued, a positive group dynamic can be achieved, leading to effective performance and goal achievement.
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The only requirement is a desire to stop drinking
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength, and hope to recover from alcoholism and help others achieve sobriety. The only requirement to join AA is a desire to stop drinking.
AA meetings are open to anyone interested in the program of recovery from alcoholism. Non-alcoholics may attend open meetings as observers, while closed meetings are for AA members or those with a drinking problem who want to stop drinking. There is no need to identify yourself at meetings, and you can remain anonymous if you wish. The focus of AA is on the problem drinker, not on how they were referred to the program.
AA has been helping alcoholics recover for over 80 years, and its program is built on the foundation of one alcoholic sharing with another. The entire structure of AA depends on the participation of individual groups, and members are encouraged to volunteer and stay involved. There are no dues, paperwork, pledges, or requirements to provide personal information. AA welcomes everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, income, religion, or race.
The literature used in AA meetings includes the Alcoholics Anonymous (Big Book), Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, As Bill Sees It, and Daily Reflections. Meetings often begin with a reading from Chapter 5 ("How It Works") or Chapter 3 ("More About Alcoholism") of the Big Book. AA members share their experiences, telling others what they were like, what happened, and what they are like now.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you don't have to sign in to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). There are no speeches, dues, or paperwork to sign. You don't have to take a pledge or provide your personal information.
There are no official rules for AA, but there are some basic guidelines to follow. Respecting other members' anonymity is very important. To become a member, all you need is a desire to stop drinking.
Meetings are arranged for the benefit of the alcoholics in attendance. Many meetings begin with a reading from the Big Book, such as a portion of Chapter 5 ("How It Works") or Chapter 3 ("More About Alcoholism"). One or more members selected beforehand will share their stories, telling "what we were like, what happened, and what we are like now."
Voluntary contributions are collected to keep the group and the Fellowship going financially. However, there are no fees or dues required to attend AA meetings.
