Are you looking for information about AA for someone else?
You’ve come to the right place. In our experience, you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink. Only an alcoholic can decide they’re an alcoholic and that person has to want to recovery for themselves.
Understanding Alcoholism
“There are many different ideas about what alcoholism really is. The explanation that seems to make sense to most AA members is that alcoholism is an illness, a progressive illness, which can never be cured but which, like some other diseases, can be arrested. Going one step further, many AAs feel that the illness represents the combination of a physical sensitivity to alcohol and a mental obsession with drinking, which, regardless of consequences, cannot be broken by willpower alone.”
– Copyright A.A. World Services, Inc. Frequently Asked Questions About A.A.
Is there hope for me?
Al-Anon Family Groups is another Twelve Step program of recovery. Their members are made up of people concerned with someone’s drinking problem. In Al-Anon, members have the opportunity to learn from the experiences of others who have faced similar problems. Discover Al-Anon.
Understanding Anonymity
At the personal level, anonymity provides protection for all members from identification as alcoholics, a safeguard often of special importance to newcomers. As valuable as privacy is to new members, most of them are eager to share the good news of their AA affiliation with their families. Such a disclosure, however, is always their own choice. At the level of press, radio, TV, films, and on the internet practicing anonymity stresses the equality of all AA members. Maintaining anonymity at this level puts the brakes on those who might otherwise exploit their AA affiliation to achieve recognition, power, or personal gain. When using social media and other online platforms, AA members are responsible for their own anonymity and that of others. When we break our anonymity in online forums, we may inadvertently break the anonymity of others. Protecting anonymity is a major consideration for A.A. members who are moving online in ever-growing numbers.
For Professionals
We’re glad you found us. Professionals who work with alcoholics share a common purpose with AA: to help the alcoholic stop drinking. A members are available to provide AA meetings or information about AA upon request. The Cooperation with Professional Community (CPC) Committee can provide pamphlets, literature, and printed materials foryou to have on hand or to place in your workplace. Contact the CPC Committee for more information. Professionals, including healthcare workers and nursing students are welcom to attend open meetings of AA to learn more about the program.
Media Inquiries
If you are a member of the media and would like to speak with a loca member of Alcoholics Anonymous, you can contact the Public Information Committee here. Please note: anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions. Therfore, you will be asked to refrain from using picture, video, or likeness of individual members as well as their full name.