FAQ

How do I know if I have a problem with alcohol?

That is probably one of the most frequently asked questions. Only you can decide whether you want to give A.A. a try —
whether you think it can help you. 12 questions only you can answer

What is A.A.?

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 A.A. membership. (1)

What does AA cost?

There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. (2)

Over the years, Alcoholics Anonymous has affirmed and strengthened a tradition of being fully self-supporting and of neither seeking nor accepting contributions from nonmembers. Within the Fellowship, the amount that may be contributed by any individual member is limited to $3,000 a year. (1)

How does AA help keep members sober?

A.A. is a program of total abstinence. Members simply stay away from one drink, one day at a time. Sobriety is maintained through sharing experience, strength, and hope at group meetings and through the suggested Twelve Steps for recovery from alcoholism. (1)

Why is Alcoholics Anonymous ‘Anonymous’?

Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of A.A. It disciplines the Fellowship to govern itself by principles rather than personalities. We are a society of peers. We strive to make known our program of recovery, not individuals who participate in the program. Anonymity in the public media is assurance to all A.A.s, especially to newcomers, that their A.A. membership will not be disclosed. (1)

Who may attend AA Meetings?

Anyone may attend open meetings of A.A. These usually consist of talks by a leader and speakers who share experience as it relates to their alcoholism and their recovery in A.A. Some meetings are held for the specific purpose of informing the nonalcoholic public about A.A. Doctors, members of the clergy, and public officials are invited. Closed meetings are for alcoholics and those having a desire to quit drinking. “The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.” (3)

How does AA keep control of its membership?

It does not try to control its members. It is completely voluntary. A.A. does not: keep membership records or case histories… engage in or support research… join “councils” or social agencies (although A.A. members, groups and service offices frequently cooperate with them)… follow up or try to control its members… make medical or psychiatric prognoses or dispense medicines or psychiatric advice…provide drying-out or nursing services or sanitariums… offer religious services.. provide housing, food, clothing, jobs, money, or other welfare or social services.. provide domestic or vocational counseling… provide letters of reference to parole boards, lawyers, court officials, social agencies, employers, etc. (1)

Notes

1. AA at a glance*
2. AA Preamble*
3. 12 Steps and 12 Traditions*
* This is A.A. General Service Conference-approved literature