Many of us were sent to our first A.A. meetings by judges, employers, counselors, or some other authority as a result of being arrested for drunken driving, family disputes, or some other problem involving alcohol. If you’ve come to A.A. at the direction (or suggestion) of someone else, you probably have some questions.
What is Alcoholics Anonymous?
Here’s What A.A. Says About A.A.
Alcoholics Anonymous 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.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. A.A. 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.
Copyright ©The A.A. Grapevine, Inc.
Reprinted with permission.
Millions of people have found recovery through A.A., including many who were sent by professionals. There are A.A. meetings in virtually every country in the world, from Australia to Zambia. While some who are sent to A.A. attend only the required meetings and never come back, others keep coming back because they find that A.A. helps them live life without alcohol.
If You Have Been “Sent” to A.A.
- If you have been sent to A.A. meetings, it is because someone believes there is evidence that you may have a drinking problem.
- A.A. meetings fall into two categories: Open and Closed.
- Open meetings are for anyone interested in our program of recovery, for themselves, for a loved one, or for academic purposes. Click here to see a schedule of Open meetings.
- Closed meetings are for members only — those who have a drinking problem and a desire to stop drinking. Click here to see a schedule of both Open and Closed meetings.
- We recommend you attend Open meetings, unless you believe you are an alcoholic and would like to become a member. You are a member when you say you are — nobody else will make that decision for you.
A.A. and the Courts
- A.A. is not part of the court system. We do not work for the courts or the police department.
- A.A does not “recruit” members. We do not ask the courts to send people to meetings — they do so because they believe A.A. can help.
- If you are court-ordered to attend A.A., A.A. had nothing to do with the court’s decision. We do cooperate with professionals to inform them of who we are, and what we do and do not do.
What to Expect at a Meeting
- You are a welcome guest. We ask that you conduct yourself in a civil and responsible manner. Please refrain from talking while others are sharing, using cell phones, or other distractive behavior during meetings. Alcoholism is a matter of life and death for us.
- If you have any questions, feel free to ask before or after the meeting. You will always find someone willing to talk to you and answer your questions.
- In A.A. we respect all members’ anonymity. While you are free to take, repeat and use any of the ideas or suggestions that you hear at a meeting, please do not identify anyone you heard or saw there. We will do the same for you.
- We cannot help with any other substance abuse problems (drugs, food, etc). There are other programs specifically designed for these addictions.
- There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership. We are fully self-supporting through our own contributions. We pass the basket to pay our rent and expenses.
Proof of Attendance
- If you’ve been asked to provide proof of attendance (a signature card), please understand that A.A. is not allied with the court system — we are not required to sign court cards.
- While many meetings will sign cards, some will not. It’s up to each group to decide. If you arrive at a meeting a few minutes early, you can ask if someone will sign your card.
- If someone agrees to sign your court card, they will probably just sign their first name or initials. We are personally anonymous.
Being “sent” to A.A. does not make you an alcoholic. People may point out indications that you have a drinking problem — loss of control, driving under the influence, arrests, lost jobs, broken marriages or relationships, blackouts, the shakes, etc. Only you can decide that you are an alcoholic. If you think that you are an alcoholic then we encourage you to keep coming back.
There are links to pamphlets in the sidebar to the right. The answers to many of the questions you might have may be found in them. Please take a moment to read some of them. Many of the links are directly to the literature area of the www.AA.org website. You can find other pamphlets and information on that site.