What is Alcoholics Anonymous?
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) 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. Alcoholic Anonymous is an informal society of more than 2 million recovering alcoholics throughout the world
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking
There are no dues or fees for Alcoholic Anonymous membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. Alcoholic Anonymous 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.
Alcoholic Anonymous is nonprofessional-it doesn’t have clinics, doctors, counsellors or psychologists
All members are themselves recovering from alcoholism. There is no central authority controlling how Alcoholic Anonymous groups operate. It is up to the members of each group to decide what they do. However, the Alcoholic Anonymous program of recovery has proved to be so successful that almost every group follows it in very similar ways.
Alcoholic Anonymous is not a religious organization nor is it affiliated with any religious body
It welcomes members of all religions, agnostics and atheists alike. You don’t have to sign up or achieve anything to be a member. You’re a member of a group if you choose to be. You can come and go as you please. No one is “in charge” of a group. We work the through the offer to help and suggestion only. No one can tell you what you should or shouldn’t do.
Alcoholic Anonymous work through members telling their stories of what we used to be like, what happened and what we are like now
The Alcoholic program, known as The Twelve Steps, provides a framework for self-examination and a road to recovery, free of alcohol.
What Alcoholic Anonymous does not do:
Furnish initial motivation for alcoholics to recover
Solicit members
Engage in or sponsor research
Keep attendance records or cases histories
Join “councils” of social agencies
Follow up or try to control its members
Make medical or psychological diagnoses or prognoses
Provide drying-out or nursing services, hospitalization, drugs or any medical or psychiatric
Offer religious services
Engage in education about alcohol
Provide housing, food, clothing. jobs, money or any other welfare or social services
Provide domestic or vocational counseling
Accept any money for its services, or any contributions from non Alcoholic Anonymous sources
Provide letters of reference to do parole boards, lawyers, court officials, social agencies, employers, etc.