About A.A.

Information About Alcoholics Anonymous

The A.A. Preamble

​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.
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The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A. 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.

Declaration of Unity

“This we owe to A.A.’s future: To place our common welfare first; To keep our fellowship united. For on A.A. unity depend our lives, and the lives of those to come”.

Responsibility Declaration

“When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of A.A. always to be there, and for that I am responsible”.

What A.A. Does

Nonalcoholic guests are welcome at “open” A.A. meetings. Attendance at “closed” meetings is limited to those who are alcoholic or think they may have a drinking problem.

What A.A. Does

The A.A. program, as set forth in the Twelve Steps to recovery, offers the alcoholic an opportunity to develop a satisfying way of life free from alcohol.

What A.A. Does

At meetings A.A. members share their recovery experience with anyone seeking help with a drinking problem, and give person-to-person services or “sponsorship” to the alcoholics coming to A.A.

What A.A. Does NOT Do

Make medical or psychiatric diagnoses or prognoses, or offer advice.

What A.A. Does NOT Do

Provide detox or nursing services, hospitalization, drugs, housing, jobs, money or other welfare services.

What A.A. Does NOT Do

Provide letters of reference to parole boards, lawyers, court officials, social agencies, employers, etc.

What A.A. Does NOT Do

Accept any money for its services or contributions from outside sources..

What A.A. Does NOT Do

Engage in or support education, research, or professional treatment.

Our recovery is based on sharing our experience, strength and hope with each other, that we may solve our common problem; more importantly, our continued sobriety depends upon helping others to recover from alcoholism.