What is Alcoholics Anonymous?

AA is a voluntary, worldwide fellowship of men and women from all walks of life who meet together to attain and maintain sobriety. It is estimated that there are more than 106,000 groups and over 2,000,000 members in over 180 countries.

How A.A. Members Maintain Sobriety

Sobriety is maintained through sharing experience, strength, and hope at group meetings and through the suggested Twelve Steps for recovery from alcoholism. A.A. is a program of total abstinence.

How does Alcoholics Anonymous help the alcoholic?

Through the example and friendship of the recovered alcoholics in AA, new members are encouraged to stay away from a drink “one day at a time,” just as the A.A.’s do. Instead of swearing off forever or worrying about whether they will be sober tomorrow, A.A.’s concentrate on not drinking right now — today. By keeping alcohol out of their systems, the newcomers give their bodies a chance to get well.

However, if they are going to stay sober, they need healthy minds and healthy emotions, too. Following A.A’s Twelve Steps to recovery, they begin to straighten out their confused thinking and unhappy feelings. The Twelve Steps suggest ideas and actions that can guide alcoholics toward happy and useful lives.

New members go to A.A. meetings regularly, in order to learn about the recovery program and to be in touch with other members.

Text Copyright © AA World Services Inc.

New to AA?
Information & Literature