Lena Savoie
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a global, peer-led fellowship with a focus on an abstinence-based recovery model from alcohol addiction. AA's 12-step program is designed to challenge the out-of-control thoughts and behaviours that drive addiction, and to change the way people think about drinking. AA meetings are open to anyone with a desire to stop drinking, regardless of whether they identify as an alcoholic. AA's only requirement for membership is this desire to stop drinking, and the organisation emphasises that it is up to the individual to decide whether they are an alcoholic. AA meetings are positive, friendly environments where members are happy to be there and help each other stay sober.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Qualification to help others | Members' only qualification for helping others recover from alcoholism is that they have stopped drinking themselves |
| Requirement for membership | A desire to stop drinking |
| Members' beliefs | Members define a higher power as they wish; some call it God, others the AA group, and others don't believe in it at all |
| Members' anonymity | AA does not keep membership files or attendance records, and does not disclose members' identities |
| Members' freedom | Members can choose to just sit and listen, or share about their situation |
| Members' purpose | Members gain a sense of purpose by showing up to meetings early, making coffee, sponsoring newcomers, sharing their story, or delving into the spiritual aspects of the program |
| Meetings' format | Open discussion, speaker, or big book/literature |
| Meetings' atmosphere | Positive and friendly |
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What You'll Learn
AA welcomes anyone who wants to stop drinking
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a global, peer-led fellowship with a simple program: one alcoholic helping another. AA welcomes anyone who wants to stop drinking, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, income, or profession. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. AA meetings are positive and friendly, and people are happy to be there because they enjoy them, and they help them stay sober.
AA does not keep membership files or attendance records, and you do not have to reveal anything about yourself. You can retain as much anonymity as you wish. AA meetings follow one of three formats: Open Discussion, Speaker, or Big Book/Literature. At any meeting, you will find alcoholics talking about what drinking did to their lives and personalities, what actions they took to help themselves, and how they are living their lives today. You can just sit and listen and learn more about recovery, or you can share about your situation. It’s completely up to you.
The 12 steps of AA are designed to challenge the out-of-control thoughts and behaviors that drive addiction. AA changes the way you think about drinking. Some helpful skills that you can learn and practice in AA include avoiding the people, places, and things associated with alcohol, reminding yourself of the consequences of drinking, and staying sober one day at a time. AA is a network of supportive people in recovery, and fun and friendship are a huge part of the program. AA meetings are a great place to meet and socialize with others who are on the same journey.
AA believes that alcoholism cannot be cured, and that those in recovery must maintain their physical, mental, and spiritual health to stay away from alcohol. Many AA members believe that they have found the solution to their drinking problem not through individual willpower, but through a power greater than themselves, which everyone is free to define as they wish.
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AA meetings are positive and friendly
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings are designed to be positive and friendly environments. AA meetings are open to anyone who has a desire to stop drinking, regardless of their age, race, orientation, or beliefs. The only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking.
The meetings are relaxed, informal, and non-judgmental. AA meetings are a great place to meet and socialise with others who are on a similar journey. Members are supportive of each other, and the meetings are a safe and confidential space to talk about their addiction to alcohol and the challenges they face. AA meetings are also free to attend, and there is no formal process to join. The only thing you need to do is show up at a meeting.
At meetings, members share their stories of what they were like, what happened, and what their lives are like now. They talk about what drinking did to their lives and personalities, what actions they took to help themselves, and how they are living their lives today. The meetings are not depressing places where people lament about their past drinking. Instead, the vibe is positive and friendly, and people are happy to be there because it helps them stay sober.
AA meetings follow one of three formats: open discussion, speaker, or literature-based. In open discussions, group members select a topic and share their recovery experiences relating to that topic. In speaker meetings, one group member or guest shares their personal experience with recovery and AA, followed by a discussion. In literature-based meetings, group members read passages from AA literature, such as the "Big Book," and discuss them.
AA meetings are typically held in-person, online, or over the telephone. They can be found in a variety of places, including churches, community centres, parks, and other outdoor settings.
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AA is a support network
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a global, peer-led, self-help group with a mutual-aid fellowship focused on an abstinence-based recovery model from alcoholism. It is a support network with a 12-step program designed to help those with an alcohol problem stop drinking and manage their cravings. AA is built on the foundation of one alcoholic sharing with and helping another. AA meetings are run by people who have been through the program themselves, not doctors or trained counsellors.
AA is free and open to anyone with a desire to stop drinking, regardless of age, race, orientation, religion, income, or profession. There is no formal process to join; one simply has to show up at a meeting. Members are not required to reveal anything about themselves and can retain as much anonymity as they wish. AA does not keep membership files or attendance records.
The 12 steps are the core of the AA program, and members strive to work through them to the best of their abilities. The steps include admitting a lack of control over one's addiction, believing that a Higher Power can grant strength and restore sanity, and making amends to those one has harmed. Members are encouraged but not required to engage with a sponsor.
AA meetings follow one of three formats: Open Discussion, Speaker, and Big Book/Literature. The exact format of the meeting can vary, and members are free to simply sit and listen or share about their situation as they wish. Meetings are positive and friendly places, and members are happy to be there because they enjoy them and they help them stay sober. AA is a network of supportive people in recovery, and fun and friendship are a significant part of the experience. Members hold each other accountable without being judgmental.
Research shows a correlation between participation in support groups like AA and reduced drinking and cravings. The effectiveness of AA may depend on factors such as attendance, engagement, and involvement in group activities. AA has helped more than two million alcoholics stop drinking.
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AA meetings are free and anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a free and anonymous support group for people struggling with alcohol addiction. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. AA meetings are open to anyone who wants to control their drinking but can't, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, income, or profession.
AA is based on the principle of one alcoholic helping another. The group's 12-step program is designed to challenge the out-of-control thoughts and behaviours that drive addiction. AA meetings follow one of three formats: open discussion, speaker, or big book/literature. In open discussions, group members select a topic and share their recovery experiences relating to that topic. In speaker meetings, one group member or guest shares their personal experience with recovery and AA, followed by a discussion. In big book/literature meetings, group members read passages from AA literature and discuss them. Regardless of the format, attendees are free to simply sit and listen if they prefer.
AA emphasizes personal anonymity, and members are not required to reveal anything about themselves. AA does not keep membership files or attendance records, and does not disclose members' identities even to outsiders or other members.
AA meetings are not depressing places where people lament their past drinking. Instead, the vibe is positive and friendly, and people are genuinely happy to be there because it helps them stay sober. AA is a network of supportive people in recovery, and fun and friendship are a huge part of the experience.
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AA meetings follow three formats
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings are free and open to anyone with a desire to stop drinking, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, income, or profession. AA meetings follow three formats:
Open Discussion
Group members select a topic and share their recovery experience relating to that topic. Topics include the first step, gratitude in recovery, or helping others.
Speaker
One group member or guest shares their personal experience with recovery and AA, followed by a discussion.
Big Book/Literature
Group members read passages from AA literature, such as the Big Book, and discuss them.
Regardless of the format, attendees are not required to speak and can choose to just sit and listen. AA meetings are not depressing places where people lament about their past drinking. Instead, the atmosphere is positive and friendly, with people happy to be there as it helps them stay sober.
The 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous are designed to challenge the out-of-control thoughts and behaviors that drive addiction. AA members may gain a sense of purpose by showing up to meetings early, making coffee, sponsoring newcomers, sharing their story, or exploring the spiritual aspects of the program.
AA meetings are typically listed as "open" or "closed". Open meetings are available to anyone interested in AA's program of recovery from alcoholism, and non-alcoholics may attend as observers. Closed meetings are for AA members only or for those who believe they have a drinking problem and want to stop drinking.
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Frequently asked questions
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a global, peer-led, mutual-aid fellowship that helps members achieve and maintain sobriety from alcohol through an abstinence-based recovery model. It is based on anonymity and has a 12-step program of spiritual growth and character development at its core.
AA is designed to support alcohol addiction and recovery. While AA does not require any formal diagnosis of alcoholism, it is intended for those who have a problem with alcohol and a desire to stop drinking. Ultimately, whether or not you consider yourself an alcoholic is a personal decision.
AA meetings are run by people who have been through the program themselves. They follow one of three formats: open discussion, speaker, or big book/literature. The vibe is positive and friendly, and people share their experiences and support one another in their quest to stay sober.
No, AA does not keep membership files or attendance records, and you do not have to reveal anything about yourself. You can choose to remain anonymous and simply sit and listen if you prefer.
You can look for Alcoholics Anonymous in your local telephone directory, or you can visit the AA website to find contact information for your local chapter.
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