About Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is an international fellowship founded in 1935, guided by a desire to help individuals struggling with alcoholism to achieve sobriety.
Participant members support one another through shared experiences and adherence to the 12 Steps, a set of guiding principles for recovery.
The program promotes anonymity, aspiring to provide a safe space for all attendees.
The cornerstone text for AA is the “Big Book,” formally known as “Alcoholics Anonymous.” This book outlines the philosophy and methods of the AA program, including stories of recovery and the 12 Steps that form the foundation of the group’s approach.
AA is precisely nonprofessional, self-supporting, and apolitical, maintaining no affiliation with any external institutions.
AA’s World Services, Inc., and the General Service Office operate as resources for the AA groups, managing literature distribution and serving the fellowship globally.
They work to sustain the overarching structure while respecting the autonomy of individual groups.
The 12 Traditions were introduced to help maintain the unity and functionality of AA’s many member groups.
Meanwhile, the concept of a “Higher Power” offers members a spiritual framework for understanding their recovery, though AA doesn’t endorse any specific religious viewpoint.
The primary purpose of each AA group is to carry its message of recovery to the alcoholic seeking help.
The AA fellowship emphasises acceptance and mutual aid, ensuring everyone who wishes to stop drinking may experience a welcoming community and find a potential path to sustained sobriety.
Meetings and Resources
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) provides a comprehensive range of meetings and resources designed to support individuals on their journey to recovery.
These tools cater to a wide audience including US and Canadian residents, as well as individuals seeking support online.
Meeting Formats
AA offers various meeting formats to accommodate the different preferences and needs of those with a desire to stop drinking.
There are open meetings where speakers share their experiences with sobriety to both AA members and non-members.
On the other hand, closed meetings are reserved for those who have a drinking problem and wish to explore the path to recovery in a more private setting.
Discussion meetings allow participants to engage in group conversations based on a topic related to recovery, often selected from AA literature.
Support for Individuals
One of the cornerstones of AA is providing personalized support.
This includes specialty groups such as those exclusively for women, which offer a safe space for sharing and reflection.
There are also meetings available in various languages, including French and Spanish, to serve the needs of non-English speaking individuals seeking recovery.
Additional Information
AA maintains a rich repository of online resources.
This includes educational videos on YouTube, pamphlets, and other materials that provide additional insight into the world of recovery and the principles of AA.
Outreach and Cooperation
AA cooperates with professionals through various outreach programs, sharing information about AA’s role in facilitating recovery.
It underlines AA’s willingness to work alongside medical, legal, and educational experts to foster sobriety.
Products and Literature
The AA website features a selection of products and literature for purchase.
Notable among these is the “Big Book,” AA’s main text which outlines the organization’s approach to overcoming alcoholism.
Additionally, there are gifts and other materials available to support individuals in their recovery.
International Presence
AA’s international footprint includes meetings in Canada and other parts of the world, demonstrating its wide reach and the universal applicability of its message.
This ensures that no matter where individuals are, they can find an AA meeting and community that can support their journey to recovery.