Is AA for you?
Only you can decide if you want to try AA and if it is right for you. We in AA came because we finally gave up trying to control our drinking. We still hated to admit that we could not drink safely. Then we heard from other AA members that we were sick (we thought so for years!)
Ask yourself this:
1. If, when you honestly want to quit, do you find you cannot quit entirely?
2. When drinking, do you have little control over the amount you take?
If you answered yes to either of these questions, then you’re probably an alcoholic. Guess what? You never have to drink again. There is a solution, and we’d be happy to share it with you.
Alcoholics Anonymous was founded in 1935 by two men. Today, there are an estimated 2,000,000 members in AA. It’s been working for decades. Rarely have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our path.
How does it work?
Members use the Twelve Steps to achieve and maintain sobriety. The book, Alcoholics Anonymous, describes the AA program of recovery and how to practice the steps in our everyday life. It is strongly encouraged that anyone seeking sobriety finds someone willing to read the book with them and show them how they worked the steps.
How do I get started?
Attend a meeting. There you will find people just like you who are willing to share their experience, strength, and hope so that you too can achieve sobriety and serenity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect at a meeting?
Meetings come in all shapes and sizes. Typically, a meeting consists of a group of individuals who gather together for approximately one hour. During that hour, people share the struggle they faced when drinking and how AA has helped them recover from alcoholism.
The meeting is “hosted” by a chair who will open the meeting by reading an introduction and providing information about what will occur. You are not required to introduce yourself, and you do not have to share. You may be asked to provide your name and offered a “phone list” so that you have people to turn to for help after you leave the meeting.
What if I see someone I know?
They are there for the same reason you are. Our Traditions (our spiritual principles) teach us to treat others the way we would like to be treated by respecting others’ anonymity. That is why it’s called Alcoholics Anonymous.
Is AA a religious organization?
No. AA is not affiliated with any institution, organization, or religion. It is a spiritual program. We believe no human power can relieve us of our alcoholism. You may hear the words God or higher power used but know that you are encouraged to identify a power greater than yourself of your own understanding.
Will someone help me get to or attend a meeting with me?
Absolutely. If you have been recently released from a correctional facility or treatment center, you can contact treatment.d14.a21@gmail.com and they will connect you with an able member.
What if I’m not an alcoholic, but concerned about someone else’s drinking?
You are welcome to attend a meeting with your loved one, so long as it is an open meeting. This is indicated in the meeting guide. We encourage family, friends, and loved ones of alcoholics to check out Al-Anon, a companion program of AA.
