About Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
What is A.A.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a community of people who come together to share their experiences, challenges, and victories, so that no one has to face alcoholism alone. Through mutual support, we find strength and hope, and we help each other on the path to recovery.
Membership is open to anyone who has the desire to stop drinking—nothing more is required. There are no dues or fees; AA is fully supported by the voluntary contributions of its members.
AA does not belong to any political group, religious organization, or outside institution. We stay free of controversy and do not take sides on issues.
Our one primary purpose is simple: to stay sober and to help others find freedom in sobriety.
How A.A. works
Members follow the Twelve Steps to maintain sobriety,
while Groups follow the Twelve Traditions to remain united. G
The Twelve Steps of A.A. are spiritual principles that, when practiced as a way of living, can remove the obsession with drinking and allow recovery from alcoholism.
The Twelve Traditions guide A.A. as a whole, explaining how it preserves unity and interacts with the world around it.
The book Alcoholics Anonymous explains the A.A. recovery program and includes personal stories from the co-founders as well as many members who have found sobriety through A.A.
History of A.A.
Since its start in 1935, Alcoholics Anonymous has drawn wide interest. A.A. members, professionals, and the public have wanted to understand more about how A.A. works to help alcoholics. Through the General Service Office Archives, we’ve gathered historical information. Here you can explore online exhibits and find additional resources to learn more.
What AA Does and Does Not Do?
What A.A. Does
- Non-alcoholic visitors are welcome at “Open” A.A. meetings. Attendance at “Closed” meetings is reserved for those who are alcoholics or who believe they may have a drinking problem.
- During meetings, A.A. members share their recovery experiences with anyone seeking help for a drinking problem and may provide one-on-one support or “Sponsorship” to alcoholics coming into A.A.
- The A.A. program, outlined in the Twelve Steps of recovery, offers alcoholics the chance to build a fulfilling life free from alcohol.
What A.A. Does Not Do
- Make medical or psychiatric diagnoses or offer advice.
- Provide detox services, nursing care, hospitalization, medication, housing, jobs, money, or other social services.
- Accept payment for its services or contributions from outside sources.
- Provide letters of reference to parole boards, lawyers, courts, social agencies, or employers.
- Conduct or support education, research, or professional treatment.
“Our recovery is built on sharing our experience, strength, and hope with each other so that we may overcome our common problem; above all, our continued sobriety depends on helping others recover from alcoholism.”
Understanding Anonymity
Why is anonymity so important in Alcoholics Anonymous?
It is often called the Fellowship’s greatest safeguard—protecting A.A.’s very existence and growth since its beginnings in 1935. Anonymity serves two essential purposes:
On a personal level – It protects every member from being publicly identified as an alcoholic, a safeguard that is especially valuable for newcomers.
On a public level – In media such as press, radio, television, film, and today’s internet and social platforms, anonymity preserves equality within the Fellowship. It prevents individuals from using their A.A. connection for personal recognition, power, or gain.
When using social media, members are responsible not only for protecting their own anonymity but also for safeguarding that of others. A simple post or message online should always be considered public. Breaking your own anonymity may unintentionally break someone else’s.
The word “anonymous” in Alcoholics Anonymous is more than just part of the name—it is a promise of privacy and protection for anyone who seeks recovery through A.A.