AA Frequently Asked Questions
This page attempts to answer the
Frequently Asked Questions about
AA.
Adapted from the Alcoholics Anonymous Website
This page attempts to answer the
Frequently Asked Questions about
AA.
Adapted from the Alcoholics Anonymous Website
44 Questions This is A.A. General Service Conference-approved
literature Copyright © 1952 by Works Publishing, Inc. (Now known as A.A.
World Services, Inc.) All Right Reserved
literature Copyright © 1952 by Works Publishing, Inc. (Now known as A.A.
World Services, Inc.) All Right Reserved
Quest
ions
and
Answ
ers
Abou
t
Alcoh
olics
Anon
ymou
s
Alcoh
olism
and
Alcoh
olics
The
Fello
wship
of
A.A.
Grou
p
Meeti
ngs
The
Reco
very
Progr
am
New
come
rs'
Quest
ions
A
New
Way
of
Life
ions
and
Answ
ers
Abou
t
Alcoh
olics
Anon
ymou
s
Alcoh
olism
and
Alcoh
olics
The
Fello
wship
of
A.A.
Grou
p
Meeti
ngs
The
Reco
very
Progr
am
New
come
rs'
Quest
ions
A
New
Way
of
Life
Qu
est
ion
s
an
d
An
sw
er
s
Ab
ou
t
Al
co
hol
ics
An
on
ym
ou
s
est
ion
s
an
d
An
sw
er
s
Ab
ou
t
Al
co
hol
ics
An
on
ym
ou
s
Several million people have
probably heard or read about
Alcoholics Anonymous since its
beginnings in 1935. Some are
relatively familiar with the program
of recovery from alcoholism that
has helped more than 2,000,000
problem drinkers. Others have
only a vague impression that A.A.
is some sort of organization that
somehow helps drunks stop
drinking.
probably heard or read about
Alcoholics Anonymous since its
beginnings in 1935. Some are
relatively familiar with the program
of recovery from alcoholism that
has helped more than 2,000,000
problem drinkers. Others have
only a vague impression that A.A.
is some sort of organization that
somehow helps drunks stop
drinking.
This pamphlet is designed for those who are
interested in A.A. for themselves, for a friend or
relative, or simply because they wish to be better
informed about this unusual Fellowship. Included
on the following pages are answers to many of the
specific questions that have been asked about
A.A. in the past. They add up to the story of a
loosely knit society of men and women who have
one great interest in common: the desire to stay
sober themselves and to help other alcoholics
who seek help for their drinking problem.
interested in A.A. for themselves, for a friend or
relative, or simply because they wish to be better
informed about this unusual Fellowship. Included
on the following pages are answers to many of the
specific questions that have been asked about
A.A. in the past. They add up to the story of a
loosely knit society of men and women who have
one great interest in common: the desire to stay
sober themselves and to help other alcoholics
who seek help for their drinking problem.
The thousands of men and
women who have come into
A.A. in recent years are not
altruistic do-gooders. Their
eagerness and willingness to
help other alcoholics may be
termed enlightened
self-interest. Members of
A.A. appreciate that their
own sobriety is largely
dependent on continuing
contact with alcoholics.
women who have come into
A.A. in recent years are not
altruistic do-gooders. Their
eagerness and willingness to
help other alcoholics may be
termed enlightened
self-interest. Members of
A.A. appreciate that their
own sobriety is largely
dependent on continuing
contact with alcoholics.
After reading this pamphlet, you may have questions
that do not seem to be answered fully in this brief
summary. A.A. groups in many metropolitan areas
have a central or intergroup office, listed in the
telephone book under "Alcoholics Anonymous." It can
direct you to the nearest A.A. meeting, where
members will be glad to give you additional
information. In smaller communities, a single group may
have a telephone listing. If there is no A.A. group near
you, feel free to write direct to Box 459, Grand
Central Station, New York, NY 10163. You can be
sure that your anonymity will be protected.
that do not seem to be answered fully in this brief
summary. A.A. groups in many metropolitan areas
have a central or intergroup office, listed in the
telephone book under "Alcoholics Anonymous." It can
direct you to the nearest A.A. meeting, where
members will be glad to give you additional
information. In smaller communities, a single group may
have a telephone listing. If there is no A.A. group near
you, feel free to write direct to Box 459, Grand
Central Station, New York, NY 10163. You can be
sure that your anonymity will be protected.
Alcoholism and Alcoholics
Not too long ago, alcoholism
was viewed as a moral
problem. Today, many
regard it primarily as a
health problem. To each
problem drinker, it will
always remain an intensely
personal matter. Alcoholics
who approach A.A.
frequently ask questions that
apply to their own
experience, their own fears,
and their own hopes for a
better way of life.
was viewed as a moral
problem. Today, many
regard it primarily as a
health problem. To each
problem drinker, it will
always remain an intensely
personal matter. Alcoholics
who approach A.A.
frequently ask questions that
apply to their own
experience, their own fears,
and their own hopes for a
better way of life.
What is alcoholism?
There
are
many
differ
ent
ideas
about
what
alcoh
olism
really
is.
are
many
differ
ent
ideas
about
what
alcoh
olism
really
is.
The explanation that seems to make sense
to most A.A. members is that alcoholism
is an illness, a progressive illness, which
can never be cured but which, like some
other diseases, can be arrested. Going
one step further, many A.A.s feel that the
illness represents the combination of a
physical sensitivity to alcohol and a mental
obsession with drinking, which, regardless
of consequences, cannot be broken by
willpower alone.
to most A.A. members is that alcoholism
is an illness, a progressive illness, which
can never be cured but which, like some
other diseases, can be arrested. Going
one step further, many A.A.s feel that the
illness represents the combination of a
physical sensitivity to alcohol and a mental
obsession with drinking, which, regardless
of consequences, cannot be broken by
willpower alone.
Before they are exposed to
A.A., many alcoholics who are
unable to stop drinking think of
themselves as morally weak or,
possibly, mentally unbalanced.
The A.A. concept is that
alcoholics are sick people who
can recover if they will follow a
simple program that has proved
successful for more than one
and a half million men and
women.
A.A., many alcoholics who are
unable to stop drinking think of
themselves as morally weak or,
possibly, mentally unbalanced.
The A.A. concept is that
alcoholics are sick people who
can recover if they will follow a
simple program that has proved
successful for more than one
and a half million men and
women.
Once alcoholism has set in, there is nothing
morally wrong about being ill. At this stage,
free will is not involved, because the sufferer
has lost the power of choice over alcohol. The
important thing is to face the facts of one's
illness and to take advantage of the help that is
available. There must also be a desire to get
well. Experience shows that the A.A. program
will work for all alcoholics who are sincere in
their efforts to stop drinking; it usually will not
work for those not absolutely certain that they
want to stop.
morally wrong about being ill. At this stage,
free will is not involved, because the sufferer
has lost the power of choice over alcohol. The
important thing is to face the facts of one's
illness and to take advantage of the help that is
available. There must also be a desire to get
well. Experience shows that the A.A. program
will work for all alcoholics who are sincere in
their efforts to stop drinking; it usually will not
work for those not absolutely certain that they
want to stop.
Ho
w
ca
n
I
tel
l
if
I
am
rea
lly
an
alc
oh
oli
c?
w
ca
n
I
tel
l
if
I
am
rea
lly
an
alc
oh
oli
c?
Only you can make that decision. Many
who are now in A.A. have previously
been told that they were not alcoholics,
that all they needed was more willpower,
a change of scenery, more rest, or a few
new hobbies in order to straighten out.
These same people finally turned to A.A.
because they felt, deep down inside, that
alcohol had them licked and that they
were ready to try anything that would
free them from the compulsion to drink.
who are now in A.A. have previously
been told that they were not alcoholics,
that all they needed was more willpower,
a change of scenery, more rest, or a few
new hobbies in order to straighten out.
These same people finally turned to A.A.
because they felt, deep down inside, that
alcohol had them licked and that they
were ready to try anything that would
free them from the compulsion to drink.
Some of these men and women went
through terrifying experiences with
alcohol before they were ready to
admit that alcohol was not for them.
They became derelicts, stole, lied,
cheated, and even killed while they
were drinking. They took advantage of
their employers and abused their
families. They were completely
unreliable in their relations with others.
They wasted their material, mental,
and spiritual assets.
through terrifying experiences with
alcohol before they were ready to
admit that alcohol was not for them.
They became derelicts, stole, lied,
cheated, and even killed while they
were drinking. They took advantage of
their employers and abused their
families. They were completely
unreliable in their relations with others.
They wasted their material, mental,
and spiritual assets.
Many others with far less tragic
records have turned to A.A.,
too. They have never been jailed
or hospitalized. Their too-heavy
drinking may not have been
noticed by their closest relatives
and friends. But they knew
enough about alcoholism as a
progressive illness to scare
them. They joined A.A. before
they had paid too heavy a price.
records have turned to A.A.,
too. They have never been jailed
or hospitalized. Their too-heavy
drinking may not have been
noticed by their closest relatives
and friends. But they knew
enough about alcoholism as a
progressive illness to scare
them. They joined A.A. before
they had paid too heavy a price.
There is a saying in
A.A. that there is no
such thing as being
a little bit alcoholic.
Either you are, or
you are not. And
only the individual
involved can say
whether or not
alcohol has become
an unmanageable
problem.
A.A. that there is no
such thing as being
a little bit alcoholic.
Either you are, or
you are not. And
only the individual
involved can say
whether or not
alcohol has become
an unmanageable
problem.
Ca
n
an
alc
oho
lic
ever
dri
nk
'nor
mal
ly'
aga
in?
n
an
alc
oho
lic
ever
dri
nk
'nor
mal
ly'
aga
in?
So far as can be determined, no one who has become an alcoholic has ever
ceased to be an alcoholic. The mere fact of abstaining from alcohol for
months or even years has never qualified an alcoholic to drink "normally" or
socially. Once the individual has crossed the borderline from heavy drinking
to irresponsible alcoholic drinking, there seems to be no retreat. Few
alcoholics deliberately try to drink themselves into trouble, but trouble seems
to be the inevitable consequence of an alcoholic's drinking. After quitting for a
period, the alcoholic may feel it is safe to try a few beers or a few glasses of
light wine. This can mislead the person into drinking only with meals. But it is
not too long before the alcoholic is back in the old pattern of too-heavy
drinking — in spite of all efforts to set limits for only moderate, social drinking.
ceased to be an alcoholic. The mere fact of abstaining from alcohol for
months or even years has never qualified an alcoholic to drink "normally" or
socially. Once the individual has crossed the borderline from heavy drinking
to irresponsible alcoholic drinking, there seems to be no retreat. Few
alcoholics deliberately try to drink themselves into trouble, but trouble seems
to be the inevitable consequence of an alcoholic's drinking. After quitting for a
period, the alcoholic may feel it is safe to try a few beers or a few glasses of
light wine. This can mislead the person into drinking only with meals. But it is
not too long before the alcoholic is back in the old pattern of too-heavy
drinking — in spite of all efforts to set limits for only moderate, social drinking.
The answer, based on A.A.
experience, is that if you are
an alcoholic, you will never be
able to control your drinking
for any length of time. That
leaves two paths open: to let
your drinking become worse
and worse with all the
damaging results that follow,
or to quit completely and to
develop a new pattern of
sober, constructive living.
experience, is that if you are
an alcoholic, you will never be
able to control your drinking
for any length of time. That
leaves two paths open: to let
your drinking become worse
and worse with all the
damaging results that follow,
or to quit completely and to
develop a new pattern of
sober, constructive living.
Ca
n't
an
A.
A.
me
mb
er
dri
nk
eve
n
bee
r?
n't
an
A.
A.
me
mb
er
dri
nk
eve
n
bee
r?
There are, of course, no musts in A.A., and
no one checks up on members to determine
whether or not they are drinking anything. The
answer to this question is that if a person is an
alcoholic, touching alcohol in any form cannot
be risked. Alcohol is alcohol whether it is
found in a martini, a Scotch and soda, a
bourbon and branch water, a glass of
champagne — or a short beer. For the
alcoholic, one drink of alcohol in any form is
likely to be too much, and twenty drinks are
not enough.
no one checks up on members to determine
whether or not they are drinking anything. The
answer to this question is that if a person is an
alcoholic, touching alcohol in any form cannot
be risked. Alcohol is alcohol whether it is
found in a martini, a Scotch and soda, a
bourbon and branch water, a glass of
champagne — or a short beer. For the
alcoholic, one drink of alcohol in any form is
likely to be too much, and twenty drinks are
not enough.
To be sure of
sobriety,
alcoholics
simply have to
stay away
from alcohol,
regardless of
the quantity,
mixture, or
concentration
they may
think they can
control.
sobriety,
alcoholics
simply have to
stay away
from alcohol,
regardless of
the quantity,
mixture, or
concentration
they may
think they can
control.
Obviously, few persons are going to get drunk on
one or two bottles of beer. The alcoholic knows this
as well as the next person. But alcoholics may
convince themselves that they are simply going to
take two or three beers and then quit for the day.
Occasionally, they may actually follow this program
for a number of days or weeks, Eventually, they
decide that as long as they are drinking, they may as
well "do a good job." So they increase their
consumption of beer or wine. Or they switch to hard
liquor. And again, they are back where they started.
one or two bottles of beer. The alcoholic knows this
as well as the next person. But alcoholics may
convince themselves that they are simply going to
take two or three beers and then quit for the day.
Occasionally, they may actually follow this program
for a number of days or weeks, Eventually, they
decide that as long as they are drinking, they may as
well "do a good job." So they increase their
consumption of beer or wine. Or they switch to hard
liquor. And again, they are back where they started.
I
ca
n
st
ay
so
be
r
qu
ite
a
w
hi
le
be
tw
ee
n
bi
ng
es;
ho
w
ca
n
I
tel
l
w
he
th
er
I
ne
ed
A.
A.
?
ca
n
st
ay
so
be
r
qu
ite
a
w
hi
le
be
tw
ee
n
bi
ng
es;
ho
w
ca
n
I
tel
l
w
he
th
er
I
ne
ed
A.
A.
?
Most A.A.s will say that it's how
you drink, not how often, that
determines whether or not you are
an alcoholic. Many problem
drinkers can go weeks, months, and
occasionally years between their
bouts with liquor. During their
periods of sobriety, they may not
give alcohol a second thought.
Without mental or emotional effort,
they are able to take it or leave it
alone, and they prefer to leave it
alone.
you drink, not how often, that
determines whether or not you are
an alcoholic. Many problem
drinkers can go weeks, months, and
occasionally years between their
bouts with liquor. During their
periods of sobriety, they may not
give alcohol a second thought.
Without mental or emotional effort,
they are able to take it or leave it
alone, and they prefer to leave it
alone.
Then, for some unaccountable
reason, or for no reason at all,
they go off on a first-class binge.
They neglect job, family, and
other civic and social
responsibilities. The spree may
last a single night, or it may be
prolonged for days or weeks.
When it is over, the drinker is
usually weak and remorseful,
determined never to let it happen
again. But it does happen again.
reason, or for no reason at all,
they go off on a first-class binge.
They neglect job, family, and
other civic and social
responsibilities. The spree may
last a single night, or it may be
prolonged for days or weeks.
When it is over, the drinker is
usually weak and remorseful,
determined never to let it happen
again. But it does happen again.
This type of "periodic"
drinking is baffling, not
only to those around the
drinker, but also to the
person still drinking. He
or she cannot
understand why there
should be so little
interest in alcohol during
the periods between
binges, or so little
control over it once the
drinking starts.
drinking is baffling, not
only to those around the
drinker, but also to the
person still drinking. He
or she cannot
understand why there
should be so little
interest in alcohol during
the periods between
binges, or so little
control over it once the
drinking starts.
The periodic drinker may or may not
be an alcoholic. But if drinking has
become unmanageable and if the
periods between binges are
becoming shorter, chances are the
time has come to face up to the
problem. If the person is ready to
admit to being an alcoholic, then the
first step has been taken toward the
continuing sobriety enjoyed by
thousands upon thousands of A.A.s.
be an alcoholic. But if drinking has
become unmanageable and if the
periods between binges are
becoming shorter, chances are the
time has come to face up to the
problem. If the person is ready to
admit to being an alcoholic, then the
first step has been taken toward the
continuing sobriety enjoyed by
thousands upon thousands of A.A.s.
Ot
her
s
say
I
am
not
an
alc
oh
oli
c.
Bu
t
my
dri
nki
ng
see
ms
to
be
get
tin
g
wo
rse.
Sh
oul
d I
joi
n
A.
A.?
her
s
say
I
am
not
an
alc
oh
oli
c.
Bu
t
my
dri
nki
ng
see
ms
to
be
get
tin
g
wo
rse.
Sh
oul
d I
joi
n
A.
A.?
Many members of A.A., during their drinking
days, were assured by relatives, friends, and
doctors that they were not alcoholics. The
alcoholic usually adds to the problem by an
unwillingness to realistically face the facts of
drinking. By not being completely honest, the
problem drinker makes it difficult for a doctor
to provide any help. The amazing thing, in fact,
is that so many doctors have been able to
penetrate the typical problem drinker's
deceptions and diagnose the problem
correctly.
days, were assured by relatives, friends, and
doctors that they were not alcoholics. The
alcoholic usually adds to the problem by an
unwillingness to realistically face the facts of
drinking. By not being completely honest, the
problem drinker makes it difficult for a doctor
to provide any help. The amazing thing, in fact,
is that so many doctors have been able to
penetrate the typical problem drinker's
deceptions and diagnose the problem
correctly.
It cannot be emphasized too often
that the important decision — am
I an alcoholic? — has to be made
by the drinker. Only he or she —
not the doctor, the family, or
friends — can make it. But once it
is made, half the battle for sobriety
is won. If the question is left to
others to decide, the alcoholic
may be dragging out needlessly
the dangers and misery of
uncontrollable drinking.
that the important decision — am
I an alcoholic? — has to be made
by the drinker. Only he or she —
not the doctor, the family, or
friends — can make it. But once it
is made, half the battle for sobriety
is won. If the question is left to
others to decide, the alcoholic
may be dragging out needlessly
the dangers and misery of
uncontrollable drinking.
Can
a
perso
n
achie
ve
sobri
ety
all
alone
by
readi
ng
A.A.
litera
ture?
a
perso
n
achie
ve
sobri
ety
all
alone
by
readi
ng
A.A.
litera
ture?
A few people have stopped
drinking after reading
Alcoholics Anonymous,
the A.A. "Big Book," which
sets forth the basic
principles of the recovery
program. But nearly all of
those who were in a
position to do so promptly
sought out other alcoholics
with whom to share their
experience and sobriety.
drinking after reading
Alcoholics Anonymous,
the A.A. "Big Book," which
sets forth the basic
principles of the recovery
program. But nearly all of
those who were in a
position to do so promptly
sought out other alcoholics
with whom to share their
experience and sobriety.
The A.A. program works best for the
individual when it is recognized and accepted
as a program involving other people.
Working with other alcoholics in the local
A.A. group, problem drinkers seem to learn
more about their problem and how to handle
it. The find themselves surrounded by others
who share their past experiences, their
present problems, and their hopes. They
shed the feelings of loneliness that may have
been an important factor in their compulsion
to drink.
individual when it is recognized and accepted
as a program involving other people.
Working with other alcoholics in the local
A.A. group, problem drinkers seem to learn
more about their problem and how to handle
it. The find themselves surrounded by others
who share their past experiences, their
present problems, and their hopes. They
shed the feelings of loneliness that may have
been an important factor in their compulsion
to drink.
Won
't
ever
yone
kno
w I
am
an
alco
holi
c if
I
com
e
into
A.A.
?
't
ever
yone
kno
w I
am
an
alco
holi
c if
I
com
e
into
A.A.
?
Anonymity is and always has been the
basis of the A.A. program. Most
members, after they have been in A.A.
awhile, have no particular objection if
the word gets around that they have
joined a fellowship that enables them to
stay sober. Traditionally, A.A.s never
disclose their association with the
movement in print, on the air, or through
any other public media. And no one has
the right to break the anonymity of
another member.
basis of the A.A. program. Most
members, after they have been in A.A.
awhile, have no particular objection if
the word gets around that they have
joined a fellowship that enables them to
stay sober. Traditionally, A.A.s never
disclose their association with the
movement in print, on the air, or through
any other public media. And no one has
the right to break the anonymity of
another member.
This means that the newcomer
can turn to A.A. with the
assurance that no newfound
friends will violate confidences
relating to his or her drinking
problem. The older members of
the group appreciate how the
newcomer feels. They can
remember their own fears
about being identified publicly
with what seems to be a
terrifying word - "alcoholic."
can turn to A.A. with the
assurance that no newfound
friends will violate confidences
relating to his or her drinking
problem. The older members of
the group appreciate how the
newcomer feels. They can
remember their own fears
about being identified publicly
with what seems to be a
terrifying word - "alcoholic."
Once in A.A., newcomers may be slightly amused
at those past worries about its becoming generally
known that they have stopped drinking. When
alcoholics drink, news of their escapades travels
with remarkable speed. Most alcoholics have made
names for themselves as full-fledged drunks by the
time they turn to A.A. Their drinking, with rare
exceptions, is not likely to be a well-kept secret.
Under these circumstances, it would be unusual
indeed if the good news of the alcoholic's continuing
sobriety did not also cause comment.
at those past worries about its becoming generally
known that they have stopped drinking. When
alcoholics drink, news of their escapades travels
with remarkable speed. Most alcoholics have made
names for themselves as full-fledged drunks by the
time they turn to A.A. Their drinking, with rare
exceptions, is not likely to be a well-kept secret.
Under these circumstances, it would be unusual
indeed if the good news of the alcoholic's continuing
sobriety did not also cause comment.
Whatever the
circumstances, no
disclosure of the
newcomer's,
affiliation with
A.A. can rightfully
be made by
anyone but the
newcomer, and
then only in such a
way that the
Fellowship will not
be harmed.
circumstances, no
disclosure of the
newcomer's,
affiliation with
A.A. can rightfully
be made by
anyone but the
newcomer, and
then only in such a
way that the
Fellowship will not
be harmed.
Ho
w
ca
n
I
get
al
on
g
in
bu
sin
ess
,
wh
ere
I
ha
ve
to
ma
ke
a
lot
of
so
cia
l
co
nt
act
s,
if
I
do
n't
dri
nk
?
w
ca
n
I
get
al
on
g
in
bu
sin
ess
,
wh
ere
I
ha
ve
to
ma
ke
a
lot
of
so
cia
l
co
nt
act
s,
if
I
do
n't
dri
nk
?
Social drinking has become an accepted
part of business enterprise in many fields
these days. Many contacts with customers
and prospective customers are timed to
coincide with occasions when cocktails,
highballs, or cordials seem the appropriate
order of the day or night. Many now in
A.A. would be the first to concede that they
had often transacted important business in
bars, cocktail lounges, or hotel rooms or
even during parties in private homes.
part of business enterprise in many fields
these days. Many contacts with customers
and prospective customers are timed to
coincide with occasions when cocktails,
highballs, or cordials seem the appropriate
order of the day or night. Many now in
A.A. would be the first to concede that they
had often transacted important business in
bars, cocktail lounges, or hotel rooms or
even during parties in private homes.
It is surprising, however,
how much of the world's
work is accomplished
without the benefit of
alcohol. It is equally
surprising to many
alcoholics to discover how
many recognized leaders in
business, industry,
professional life, and the
arts have attained success
without dependence on
alcohol.
how much of the world's
work is accomplished
without the benefit of
alcohol. It is equally
surprising to many
alcoholics to discover how
many recognized leaders in
business, industry,
professional life, and the
arts have attained success
without dependence on
alcohol.
In fact, many who are now sober
in A.A. admit that they used
"business contacts" as one of
several excuses for drinking.
Now that they no longer drink,
they find that they can actually
accomplish more than they used
to. Sobriety has proved no
hindrance to their ability to win
friends and influence people who
might contribute to their
economic success.
in A.A. admit that they used
"business contacts" as one of
several excuses for drinking.
Now that they no longer drink,
they find that they can actually
accomplish more than they used
to. Sobriety has proved no
hindrance to their ability to win
friends and influence people who
might contribute to their
economic success.
This does not mean that all A.A.s suddenly avoid
their friends or business associates who drink. If
a friend wants a cocktail or two before lunch, the
A.A. will usually take a soft drink, coffee, or one
of the popular juices. If the A.A. is invited to a
cocktail party being given for business reasons,
there will generally be no hesitation about
attending. The alcoholic knows from experience
that most of the other guests are concerned with
their own drinks, and are not likely to care
particularly what anyone else happens to be
drinking.
their friends or business associates who drink. If
a friend wants a cocktail or two before lunch, the
A.A. will usually take a soft drink, coffee, or one
of the popular juices. If the A.A. is invited to a
cocktail party being given for business reasons,
there will generally be no hesitation about
attending. The alcoholic knows from experience
that most of the other guests are concerned with
their own drinks, and are not likely to care
particularly what anyone else happens to be
drinking.
While beginning to take pride in the quality and quantity
of work on the job, the newcomer to A.A. is likely to find
that the payoff in most lines of business is still based on
performance. This was not always apparent in the
drinking days. The alcoholic may then have been
convinced that charm, ingenuity, and conviviality were the
chief keys to business success. While these qualities are
undoubtedly helpful to the person who drinks in a
controlled manner, they are not enough for the alcoholic,
if only because the latter, while drinking, is inclined to
assign to them far more importance than they deserve.
of work on the job, the newcomer to A.A. is likely to find
that the payoff in most lines of business is still based on
performance. This was not always apparent in the
drinking days. The alcoholic may then have been
convinced that charm, ingenuity, and conviviality were the
chief keys to business success. While these qualities are
undoubtedly helpful to the person who drinks in a
controlled manner, they are not enough for the alcoholic,
if only because the latter, while drinking, is inclined to
assign to them far more importance than they deserve.
W
ill
A.
A.
w
or
k
fo
r
th
e
pe
rs
o
n
w
h
o
h
as
re
al
ly
'h
it
b
ot
to
m
'?
ill
A.
A.
w
or
k
fo
r
th
e
pe
rs
o
n
w
h
o
h
as
re
al
ly
'h
it
b
ot
to
m
'?
The record shows that
A.A. will work for almost
anyone who really wants
to stop drinking, no
matter what the person's
economic or social
background may be.
A.A. today includes
among its members many
who have been on skid
row, in jails, and in other
public institutions.
A.A. will work for almost
anyone who really wants
to stop drinking, no
matter what the person's
economic or social
background may be.
A.A. today includes
among its members many
who have been on skid
row, in jails, and in other
public institutions.
The down-and-outer is at no disadvantage in coming to A.A.
His or her basic problem, the thing that has made life
unmanageable, is identical with the central problem of every
other member of A.A. The worth of a member in A.A. is not
judged on the basis of the clothes worn, the handling of
language, or the size (or existence) of the bank balance. The
only thing that counts in A.A. is whether or not the newcomer
really wants to stop drinking. If the desire is there, the person
will be welcomed. Chances are, the most rugged drinking story
the new member could tell will be topped by an amazing
number of people in the group, with similar backgrounds and
experiences.
His or her basic problem, the thing that has made life
unmanageable, is identical with the central problem of every
other member of A.A. The worth of a member in A.A. is not
judged on the basis of the clothes worn, the handling of
language, or the size (or existence) of the bank balance. The
only thing that counts in A.A. is whether or not the newcomer
really wants to stop drinking. If the desire is there, the person
will be welcomed. Chances are, the most rugged drinking story
the new member could tell will be topped by an amazing
number of people in the group, with similar backgrounds and
experiences.
Do
alc
oh
oli
cs
wh
o
are
alr
ead
y
sob
er
eve
r
joi
n
A.
A.?
alc
oh
oli
cs
wh
o
are
alr
ead
y
sob
er
eve
r
joi
n
A.
A.?
Most men and women turn to A.A. when they hit the low point in their
drinking careers. But this is not always the case. A number of persons have
joined the Fellowship long after they have had what they hoped was their
last drink. One person, recognizing that alcohol could not be controlled,
had been dry for six or seven years before becoming a member.
Self-enforced sobriety had not been a happy experience. Rising tension
and a series of upsets over minor problems of daily living were about to
lead to further experiments with alcohol, when a friend suggested that A.A.
should be investigated. Since then, this person has been a member for
many years, and says there is no comparison between the happy sobriety
of today and the self-pitying sobriety of yesterday.
drinking careers. But this is not always the case. A number of persons have
joined the Fellowship long after they have had what they hoped was their
last drink. One person, recognizing that alcohol could not be controlled,
had been dry for six or seven years before becoming a member.
Self-enforced sobriety had not been a happy experience. Rising tension
and a series of upsets over minor problems of daily living were about to
lead to further experiments with alcohol, when a friend suggested that A.A.
should be investigated. Since then, this person has been a member for
many years, and says there is no comparison between the happy sobriety
of today and the self-pitying sobriety of yesterday.
Others report similar experiences.
While they know that it is possible to
stay grimly sober for considerable
periods of time, they say that it is much
easier for them to enjoy and strengthen
their sobriety when they meet and work
with other alcoholics in A.A. Like most
members of the human race, they see
little point in deliberately doing things
the hard way. Given the choice of
sobriety with or without A.A., they
deliberately choose A.A.
While they know that it is possible to
stay grimly sober for considerable
periods of time, they say that it is much
easier for them to enjoy and strengthen
their sobriety when they meet and work
with other alcoholics in A.A. Like most
members of the human race, they see
little point in deliberately doing things
the hard way. Given the choice of
sobriety with or without A.A., they
deliberately choose A.A.
Why is A.A. interested
i
n
p
r
o
b
le
m
d
ri
n
k
e
rs
?
i
n
p
r
o
b
le
m
d
ri
n
k
e
rs
?
Members of A.A. have a selfish interest in offering a
helping hand to other alcoholics who have not yet
achieved sobriety. First, they know from experience
that this type of activity, usually referred to as "Twelfth
Step work," helps them to stay sober. Their lives now
have a great and compelling interest. Very likely,
reminders of their own previous experience with
alcohol help them to avoid the overconfidence that
could lead to a relapse. Whatever the explanation,
A.A.s who give freely of their time and effort to help
other alcoholics seldom have trouble preserving their
own sobriety.
helping hand to other alcoholics who have not yet
achieved sobriety. First, they know from experience
that this type of activity, usually referred to as "Twelfth
Step work," helps them to stay sober. Their lives now
have a great and compelling interest. Very likely,
reminders of their own previous experience with
alcohol help them to avoid the overconfidence that
could lead to a relapse. Whatever the explanation,
A.A.s who give freely of their time and effort to help
other alcoholics seldom have trouble preserving their
own sobriety.
A.A.s are anxious to help problem drinkers
for a second reason: It gives them an
opportunity to square their debt to those who
helped them. It is the only practical way in
which the individual's debt to A.A. can ever
be repaid. The A.A. member knows that
sobriety cannot be bought and that there is no
long-term lease on it. The A.A. does know,
however, that a new way of life without
alcohol may be had simply for the asking, if it
is honestly wanted and willingly shared with
those who follow.
for a second reason: It gives them an
opportunity to square their debt to those who
helped them. It is the only practical way in
which the individual's debt to A.A. can ever
be repaid. The A.A. member knows that
sobriety cannot be bought and that there is no
long-term lease on it. The A.A. does know,
however, that a new way of life without
alcohol may be had simply for the asking, if it
is honestly wanted and willingly shared with
those who follow.
Traditionally,
A.A. never
"recruits"
members,
never urges
that anyone
should
become a
member, and
never solicits
or accepts
outside funds.
A.A. never
"recruits"
members,
never urges
that anyone
should
become a
member, and
never solicits
or accepts
outside funds.
The Fellowship of A.A.
If the newcomer is
satisfied that he or
she is an alcoholic
and that A.A. may be
able to help, then a
number of specific
questions about the
nature, structure,
and history of the
movement itself
usually come up.
Here are some of the
most common ones.
satisfied that he or
she is an alcoholic
and that A.A. may be
able to help, then a
number of specific
questions about the
nature, structure,
and history of the
movement itself
usually come up.
Here are some of the
most common ones.
W
ha
t
is
Al
co
ho
lic
s
An
on
ym
ou
s?
ha
t
is
Al
co
ho
lic
s
An
on
ym
ou
s?
There are
two
practical
ways to
describe
A.A. The
first is the
familiar
description
of
purposes
and
objectives
that
appears
earlier:
two
practical
ways to
describe
A.A. The
first is the
familiar
description
of
purposes
and
objectives
that
appears
earlier:
"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 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 achieve sobriety."
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 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 achieve sobriety."
The "common problem" is alcoholism. The men and women
who consider themselves members of A.A. are, and always
will be, alcoholics, even though they may have other
addictions. They have finally recognized that they are no
longer able to handle alcohol in any form; they now stay
away from it completely. The important thing is that they do
not try to deal with the problem single-handedly. They bring
the problem out into the open with other alcoholics. This
sharing of "experience, strength and hope" seems to be the
key element that makes it possible for them to live without
alcohol and, in most cases, without even wanting to drink.
who consider themselves members of A.A. are, and always
will be, alcoholics, even though they may have other
addictions. They have finally recognized that they are no
longer able to handle alcohol in any form; they now stay
away from it completely. The important thing is that they do
not try to deal with the problem single-handedly. They bring
the problem out into the open with other alcoholics. This
sharing of "experience, strength and hope" seems to be the
key element that makes it possible for them to live without
alcohol and, in most cases, without even wanting to drink.
The second way to describe
Alcoholics Anonymous is to
outline the structure of the
Society. Numerically, A.A.
consists of more than
2,000,000 men and women,
in 150 countries. These
people meet in local groups
that range in size from a
handful of ex-drinkers in some
localities to many hundreds in
larger communities.
Alcoholics Anonymous is to
outline the structure of the
Society. Numerically, A.A.
consists of more than
2,000,000 men and women,
in 150 countries. These
people meet in local groups
that range in size from a
handful of ex-drinkers in some
localities to many hundreds in
larger communities.
In the populous metropolitan
areas, there may be scores of
neighborhood groups, each
holding its own regular
meetings. Many A.A. meetings
are open to the public; some
groups also hold "closed
meetings," where members are
encouraged to discuss
problems that might not be
fully appreciated by
nonalcoholics.
areas, there may be scores of
neighborhood groups, each
holding its own regular
meetings. Many A.A. meetings
are open to the public; some
groups also hold "closed
meetings," where members are
encouraged to discuss
problems that might not be
fully appreciated by
nonalcoholics.
The local group is the core
of the A.A. Fellowship. Its
open meetings welcome
alcoholics and their
families in an atmosphere
of friendliness and
helpfulness. There are now
more than 97,000 groups
throughout the world,
including hundreds in
hospitals, prisons, and
other institutions.
of the A.A. Fellowship. Its
open meetings welcome
alcoholics and their
families in an atmosphere
of friendliness and
helpfulness. There are now
more than 97,000 groups
throughout the world,
including hundreds in
hospitals, prisons, and
other institutions.
H
o
w
di
d
A
.
A
.
g
et
st
ar
te
d
?
o
w
di
d
A
.
A
.
g
et
st
ar
te
d
?
Alcoholics Anonymous had its beginnings in Akron in
1935 when a New Yorker on business there and
successfully sober for the first time in years sought out
another alcoholic. During his few months of sobriety,
the New Yorker had noticed that his desire to drink
lessened when he tried to help other drunks to get
sober. In Akron, he was directed to a local doctor with
a drinking problem. Working together, the businessman
and the doctor found that their ability to stay sober
seemed closely related to the amount of help and
encouragement they were able to give other alcoholics.
1935 when a New Yorker on business there and
successfully sober for the first time in years sought out
another alcoholic. During his few months of sobriety,
the New Yorker had noticed that his desire to drink
lessened when he tried to help other drunks to get
sober. In Akron, he was directed to a local doctor with
a drinking problem. Working together, the businessman
and the doctor found that their ability to stay sober
seemed closely related to the amount of help and
encouragement they were able to give other alcoholics.
For four years,
the new
movement,
nameless and
without any
organization or
descriptive
literature, grew
slowly. Groups
were established
in Akron, New
York, Cleveland,
and a few other
centers.
the new
movement,
nameless and
without any
organization or
descriptive
literature, grew
slowly. Groups
were established
in Akron, New
York, Cleveland,
and a few other
centers.
In 1939, with the
publication of the
book Alcoholics
Anonymous, from
which the Fellowship
derived its name, and
as the result of the
help of a number of
nonalcoholic friends,
the Society began to
attract national and
international attention.
publication of the
book Alcoholics
Anonymous, from
which the Fellowship
derived its name, and
as the result of the
help of a number of
nonalcoholic friends,
the Society began to
attract national and
international attention.
A service
office was
opened in
New York
City to
handle the
thousands
of inquiries
and
requests for
literature
that pour in
each year.
office was
opened in
New York
City to
handle the
thousands
of inquiries
and
requests for
literature
that pour in
each year.
A
re
th
er
e
a
n
y
ru
le
s
in
A.
A.
?
re
th
er
e
a
n
y
ru
le
s
in
A.
A.
?
The absence of rules,
regulations, or musts
is one of the unique
features of A.A. as a
local group and as a
worldwide
fellowship. There are
no bylaws that say a
member has to attend
a certain number of
meetings within a
given period.
regulations, or musts
is one of the unique
features of A.A. as a
local group and as a
worldwide
fellowship. There are
no bylaws that say a
member has to attend
a certain number of
meetings within a
given period.
Understandably, most groups have
an unwritten tradition that anyone
who is still drinking, and boisterous
enough to disturb a meeting, may
be asked to leave; the same person
will be welcomed back at any time
when not likely to disrupt a
meeting. Meanwhile, members of
the group will do their best to help
bring sobriety to the person if there
is a sincere desire to stop drinking.
an unwritten tradition that anyone
who is still drinking, and boisterous
enough to disturb a meeting, may
be asked to leave; the same person
will be welcomed back at any time
when not likely to disrupt a
meeting. Meanwhile, members of
the group will do their best to help
bring sobriety to the person if there
is a sincere desire to stop drinking.
W
hat
do
es
me
mb
ers
hip
in
A.
A.
cos
t?
hat
do
es
me
mb
ers
hip
in
A.
A.
cos
t?
Membership in A.A.
involves no financial
obligations of any
kind. The A.A.
program of recovery
from alcoholism is
available to anyone
who has a desire to
stop drinking,
whether he or she is
flat broke or the
possessor of millions.
involves no financial
obligations of any
kind. The A.A.
program of recovery
from alcoholism is
available to anyone
who has a desire to
stop drinking,
whether he or she is
flat broke or the
possessor of millions.
Most local groups "pass the hat" at meetings to
defray the cost of renting a meeting place and
other meeting expenses, including coffee,
sandwiches, cakes, or whatever else may be
served. In a large majority of the groups, part of
the money thus collected is voluntarily contributed
to A.A.'s national and international services. These
group funds are used exclusively for services
designed to help new and established groups and
to spread the word of the A.A. recovery program
to "the many alcoholics who still don't know."
defray the cost of renting a meeting place and
other meeting expenses, including coffee,
sandwiches, cakes, or whatever else may be
served. In a large majority of the groups, part of
the money thus collected is voluntarily contributed
to A.A.'s national and international services. These
group funds are used exclusively for services
designed to help new and established groups and
to spread the word of the A.A. recovery program
to "the many alcoholics who still don't know."
The important consideration
is that membership in A.A.
is in no way contingent upon
financial support of the
Fellowship. Many A.A.
groups have, in fact, placed
strict limitations on the
amount that can be
contributed by any member.
A.A. is entirely
self-supporting, and no
outside contributions are
accepted.
is that membership in A.A.
is in no way contingent upon
financial support of the
Fellowship. Many A.A.
groups have, in fact, placed
strict limitations on the
amount that can be
contributed by any member.
A.A. is entirely
self-supporting, and no
outside contributions are
accepted.
Who runs A.A.?
A.A. has no officers or executives who wield power or
authority over the Fellowship. There is no "government" in
A.A. It is obvious, however, that even in an informal
organization, certain jobs have to be done. In the local
group, for example, someone has to arrange for a suitable
meeting place; meetings have to be scheduled and
programmed; provision has to be made for serving the
coffee and snacks that contribute so much to the informal
comradeship of A.A. gatherings; many groups also consider
it wise to assign to someone the responsibility of keeping in
touch with the national and international development of
A.A.
authority over the Fellowship. There is no "government" in
A.A. It is obvious, however, that even in an informal
organization, certain jobs have to be done. In the local
group, for example, someone has to arrange for a suitable
meeting place; meetings have to be scheduled and
programmed; provision has to be made for serving the
coffee and snacks that contribute so much to the informal
comradeship of A.A. gatherings; many groups also consider
it wise to assign to someone the responsibility of keeping in
touch with the national and international development of
A.A.
When a local group is first formed, self-appointed
workers may take over responsibility for these tasks,
acting informally as servants of the group. As soon as
possible, however, these responsibilities are, by election,
rotated to others in the group for limited periods of
service. A typical A.A. group may have a chairperson, a
secretary, a program committee, a food committee, a
treasurer, and a general service representative who acts
for the group at regional or area meetings. Newcomers
who have a reasonable period of sobriety behind them
are urged to take part in handling group responsibilities.
workers may take over responsibility for these tasks,
acting informally as servants of the group. As soon as
possible, however, these responsibilities are, by election,
rotated to others in the group for limited periods of
service. A typical A.A. group may have a chairperson, a
secretary, a program committee, a food committee, a
treasurer, and a general service representative who acts
for the group at regional or area meetings. Newcomers
who have a reasonable period of sobriety behind them
are urged to take part in handling group responsibilities.
At the national and international levels, there are also
specific jobs to be done. Literature has to be written,
printed, and distributed to groups and individuals who ask
for it. Inquiries from both new and established groups have
to be answered. Individual requests for information about
A.A. and its program of recovery from alcoholism have to
be filled. Assistance and information have to be provided
for doctors, members of the clergy, business people, and
directors of institutions. Sound public relations must be
established and maintained in dealing with press, radio,
television, motion pictures, and other communications
media.
specific jobs to be done. Literature has to be written,
printed, and distributed to groups and individuals who ask
for it. Inquiries from both new and established groups have
to be answered. Individual requests for information about
A.A. and its program of recovery from alcoholism have to
be filled. Assistance and information have to be provided
for doctors, members of the clergy, business people, and
directors of institutions. Sound public relations must be
established and maintained in dealing with press, radio,
television, motion pictures, and other communications
media.
To provide for the sound growth of
A.A., early members of the Society,
together with nonalcoholic friends,
established a custodial board - now
known as the General Service
Board of Alcoholics Anonymous.
The board serves as the custodian
of A.A. Traditions and overall
service, and it assumes
responsibility for the service
standards of A.A.'s General Service
Office at New York.
A.A., early members of the Society,
together with nonalcoholic friends,
established a custodial board - now
known as the General Service
Board of Alcoholics Anonymous.
The board serves as the custodian
of A.A. Traditions and overall
service, and it assumes
responsibility for the service
standards of A.A.'s General Service
Office at New York.
The link between the board and the
A.A. groups of the U.S. and Canada is
the A.A. General Service Conference.
The Conference, comprising about 92
delegates from A.A. areas, the 21
trustees on the board, General Service
Office staff members, and others,
meets for several days each year. The
Conference is exclusively a consultative
service agency. It has no authority to
regulate or govern the Fellowship.
A.A. groups of the U.S. and Canada is
the A.A. General Service Conference.
The Conference, comprising about 92
delegates from A.A. areas, the 21
trustees on the board, General Service
Office staff members, and others,
meets for several days each year. The
Conference is exclusively a consultative
service agency. It has no authority to
regulate or govern the Fellowship.
Thus the
answer to
"Who runs
A.A.?" is that
the Society is
a uniquely
democratic
movement,
with no central
government
and only a
minimum of
formal
organization.
answer to
"Who runs
A.A.?" is that
the Society is
a uniquely
democratic
movement,
with no central
government
and only a
minimum of
formal
organization.
Is
A.
A.
a
re
li
gi
o
us
so
ci
et
y?
A.
A.
a
re
li
gi
o
us
so
ci
et
y?
A.A. is not a religious society,
since it requires no definite
religious belief as a condition of
membership. Although it has
been endorsed and approved
by many religious leaders, it is
not allied with any organization
or sect. Included in its
membership are Catholics,
Protestants, Jews, members of
other major religious bodies,
agnostics, and atheists.
since it requires no definite
religious belief as a condition of
membership. Although it has
been endorsed and approved
by many religious leaders, it is
not allied with any organization
or sect. Included in its
membership are Catholics,
Protestants, Jews, members of
other major religious bodies,
agnostics, and atheists.
The A.A. program
of recovery from
alcoholism is
undeniably based on
acceptance of
certain spiritual
values. The
individual member is
free to interpret
those values as he
or she thinks best,
or not to think about
them at all.
of recovery from
alcoholism is
undeniably based on
acceptance of
certain spiritual
values. The
individual member is
free to interpret
those values as he
or she thinks best,
or not to think about
them at all.
Most members, before turning to A.A., had already
admitted that they could not control their drinking.
Alcohol had become a power greater than themselves,
and it had been accepted on those terms. A.A. suggests
that to achieve and maintain sobriety, alcoholics need to
accept and depend upon another Power recognized as
greater than themselves. Some alcoholics choose to
consider the A.A. group itself as the power greater than
themselves; for many others, this Power is God — as
they, individually, understand Him; still others rely
upon entirely different concepts of a Higher Power.
admitted that they could not control their drinking.
Alcohol had become a power greater than themselves,
and it had been accepted on those terms. A.A. suggests
that to achieve and maintain sobriety, alcoholics need to
accept and depend upon another Power recognized as
greater than themselves. Some alcoholics choose to
consider the A.A. group itself as the power greater than
themselves; for many others, this Power is God — as
they, individually, understand Him; still others rely
upon entirely different concepts of a Higher Power.
Some alcoholics, when they first
turn to A.A., have definite
reservations about accepting any
concept of a Power greater than
themselves. Experience shows
that, if they will keep an open
mind on the subject and keep
coming to A.A. meetings, they
are not likely to have too difficult
a time in working out an
acceptable solution to this
distinctly personal problem.
turn to A.A., have definite
reservations about accepting any
concept of a Power greater than
themselves. Experience shows
that, if they will keep an open
mind on the subject and keep
coming to A.A. meetings, they
are not likely to have too difficult
a time in working out an
acceptable solution to this
distinctly personal problem.
Is
A.
A.
a
te
mp
er
an
ce
mo
ve
me
nt
?
A.
A.
a
te
mp
er
an
ce
mo
ve
me
nt
?
No. A.A. has no relation to temperance
movements. A.A. "neither endorses nor
opposes any causes." This phrase, from
the widely accepted outline of the purpose
of the Society, naturally applies to the
question of so-called temperance
movements. The alcoholic who has
become sober and is attempting to follow
the A.A. recovery program has an attitude
toward alcohol that might be likened to the
attitude of a hayfever sufferer toward
goldenrod.
movements. A.A. "neither endorses nor
opposes any causes." This phrase, from
the widely accepted outline of the purpose
of the Society, naturally applies to the
question of so-called temperance
movements. The alcoholic who has
become sober and is attempting to follow
the A.A. recovery program has an attitude
toward alcohol that might be likened to the
attitude of a hayfever sufferer toward
goldenrod.
While many A.A.s
appreciate that alcohol may
be all right for most people,
they know it to be poison
for them. The average A.A.
has no desire to deprive
anyone of something that,
properly handled, is a
source of pleasure. The
A.A. merely acknowledges
being personally unable to
handle the stuff.
appreciate that alcohol may
be all right for most people,
they know it to be poison
for them. The average A.A.
has no desire to deprive
anyone of something that,
properly handled, is a
source of pleasure. The
A.A. merely acknowledges
being personally unable to
handle the stuff.
Are
the
re
ma
ny
wo
me
n
alc
oho
lics
in
A.
A.?
the
re
ma
ny
wo
me
n
alc
oho
lics
in
A.
A.?
The number of women who
are finding help in A.A. for
their drinking problem
increases daily. Approximately
one-third of present-day
members are women; among
newcomers, the proportion
has been rising steadily. Like
the men in the Fellowship, they
represent every conceivable
social background and pattern
of drinking.
are finding help in A.A. for
their drinking problem
increases daily. Approximately
one-third of present-day
members are women; among
newcomers, the proportion
has been rising steadily. Like
the men in the Fellowship, they
represent every conceivable
social background and pattern
of drinking.
The general feeling
seems to be that a
woman alcoholic faces
special problems.
Because society has
tended to apply different
standards to the
behavior of women,
some women may feel
that a greater stigma is
attached to their
uncontrolled use of
alcohol.
seems to be that a
woman alcoholic faces
special problems.
Because society has
tended to apply different
standards to the
behavior of women,
some women may feel
that a greater stigma is
attached to their
uncontrolled use of
alcohol.
A.A. makes no
distinctions of this type.
Whatever her age, social
standing, financial status,
or education, the woman
alcoholic, like her male
counterpart, can find
understanding and help in
A.A. Within the local
group setup, women
A.A.s play the same
significant roles that men
do.
distinctions of this type.
Whatever her age, social
standing, financial status,
or education, the woman
alcoholic, like her male
counterpart, can find
understanding and help in
A.A. Within the local
group setup, women
A.A.s play the same
significant roles that men
do.
Ar
e
the
re
ma
ny
yo
un
g
peo
ple
in
A.
A.?
e
the
re
ma
ny
yo
un
g
peo
ple
in
A.
A.?
One of the most heartening trends
in the growth of A.A. is the fact
that more and more young men
and women are being attracted to
the program before their problem
drinking results in complete
disaster. Now that the progressive
nature of alcoholism is better
appreciated, these young people
recognize that, if one is an
alcoholic, the best time to arrest
the illness is in its early stages.
in the growth of A.A. is the fact
that more and more young men
and women are being attracted to
the program before their problem
drinking results in complete
disaster. Now that the progressive
nature of alcoholism is better
appreciated, these young people
recognize that, if one is an
alcoholic, the best time to arrest
the illness is in its early stages.
In the first days of the
movement, it was
commonly thought that the
only logical candidates for
A.A. were those men and
women who had lost their
jobs, had hit skid row, had
completely disrupted their
family fives, or had
otherwise isolated
themselves from normal
social relationships over a
period of years.
movement, it was
commonly thought that the
only logical candidates for
A.A. were those men and
women who had lost their
jobs, had hit skid row, had
completely disrupted their
family fives, or had
otherwise isolated
themselves from normal
social relationships over a
period of years.
Today, many of the young people
turning to A.A. are in their
twenties. Some are still in their
teens. The majority of them still
have jobs and families. Many have
never been jailed or committed to
institutions. But they have seen the
handwriting on the wall. They
recognize that they are alcoholics,
and they see no point in letting
alcoholism run its inevitable
disastrous course with them.
turning to A.A. are in their
twenties. Some are still in their
teens. The majority of them still
have jobs and families. Many have
never been jailed or committed to
institutions. But they have seen the
handwriting on the wall. They
recognize that they are alcoholics,
and they see no point in letting
alcoholism run its inevitable
disastrous course with them.
Their need for recovery is
just as compelling as that of
the older men and women
who had no opportunity to
turn to A.A. in their youth.
Once they are in A.A., the
young people and the
oldsters are rarely
conscious of their age
differentials. In A.A., both
groups start a new life from
the same milestone - their
last drink.
just as compelling as that of
the older men and women
who had no opportunity to
turn to A.A. in their youth.
Once they are in A.A., the
young people and the
oldsters are rarely
conscious of their age
differentials. In A.A., both
groups start a new life from
the same milestone - their
last drink.
Group Meetings
The local group meeting is
the center and heart of
the A.A. Fellowship. It is,
in many ways, a unique
type of gathering and one
that is likely to seem
strange to the newcomer.
The questions and an
swers that follow suggest
how the A.A. meeting
functions and how the
newcomer fits into the
group picture.
the center and heart of
the A.A. Fellowship. It is,
in many ways, a unique
type of gathering and one
that is likely to seem
strange to the newcomer.
The questions and an
swers that follow suggest
how the A.A. meeting
functions and how the
newcomer fits into the
group picture.
H
o
w
do
es
a
pe
rs
on
joi
n
A.
A.
?
o
w
do
es
a
pe
rs
on
joi
n
A.
A.
?
No one "joins" A.A.
in the usual sense of
the term. No
application for
membership has to
be filled out. In fact,
many groups do not
even keep
membership records.
There are no
initiation fees, no
dues, no assessments
of any kind.
in the usual sense of
the term. No
application for
membership has to
be filled out. In fact,
many groups do not
even keep
membership records.
There are no
initiation fees, no
dues, no assessments
of any kind.
Most people become associated with A.A.
simply by attending the meetings of a
particular local group. Their introduction to
A.A. may have come about in one of several
ways. Having come to the point in their
drinking where they sincerely wanted to stop,
they may have gotten in touch with A.A.
voluntarily. They may have called the local
A.A. office fisted in the phone book, or they
may have written to the General Service
Office, Box 459, Grand Central Station,
New York, NY 10163.
simply by attending the meetings of a
particular local group. Their introduction to
A.A. may have come about in one of several
ways. Having come to the point in their
drinking where they sincerely wanted to stop,
they may have gotten in touch with A.A.
voluntarily. They may have called the local
A.A. office fisted in the phone book, or they
may have written to the General Service
Office, Box 459, Grand Central Station,
New York, NY 10163.
Others
may
have
been
guided
to a
local
A.A.
group
by a
friend,
relative,
doctor,
or
spiritual
adviser.
may
have
been
guided
to a
local
A.A.
group
by a
friend,
relative,
doctor,
or
spiritual
adviser.
Usually, a newcomer to A.A. has
had an opportunity to talk to one or
more local members before attending
the first meeting. This provides an
opportunity to learn how A.A. has
helped these people. The beginner
gets facts about alcoholism and A.A.
that help to determine whether he or
she is honestly prepared to give up
alcohol. The only requirement for
membership is a desire to stop
drinking.
had an opportunity to talk to one or
more local members before attending
the first meeting. This provides an
opportunity to learn how A.A. has
helped these people. The beginner
gets facts about alcoholism and A.A.
that help to determine whether he or
she is honestly prepared to give up
alcohol. The only requirement for
membership is a desire to stop
drinking.
There are no membership drives in
A.A. If, after attending several
meetings, the newcomer decides A.A.
is not for him or for her, no one will
urge continuation in the association.
There may be suggestions about
keeping an open mind on the subject,
but no one in A.A. will try to make up
newcomers' minds for them. Only the
alcoholic concerned can answer the
question "Do I need Alcoholics
Anonymous?"
A.A. If, after attending several
meetings, the newcomer decides A.A.
is not for him or for her, no one will
urge continuation in the association.
There may be suggestions about
keeping an open mind on the subject,
but no one in A.A. will try to make up
newcomers' minds for them. Only the
alcoholic concerned can answer the
question "Do I need Alcoholics
Anonymous?"
W
h
at
is
a
n
'o
pe
n'
m
ee
ti
n
g?
h
at
is
a
n
'o
pe
n'
m
ee
ti
n
g?
An open meeting
of A.A. is a group
meeting that any
member of the
community,
alcoholic or
nonalcoholic, may
attend. The only
obligation is that of
not disclosing the
names of A.A.
members outside
the meeting.
of A.A. is a group
meeting that any
member of the
community,
alcoholic or
nonalcoholic, may
attend. The only
obligation is that of
not disclosing the
names of A.A.
members outside
the meeting.
A typical open meeting will usually have a "leader"
and other speakers. The leader opens and closes
the meeting and introduces each speaker. With
rare exceptions, the speakers at an open meeting
are A.A. members. Each, in turn, may review some
individual drinking experiences that led to joining
A.A. The speaker may also give his or her
interpretation of the recovery program and suggest
what sobriety has meant personally. All views
expressed are purely personal, since all members
of A.A. speak only for themselves.
and other speakers. The leader opens and closes
the meeting and introduces each speaker. With
rare exceptions, the speakers at an open meeting
are A.A. members. Each, in turn, may review some
individual drinking experiences that led to joining
A.A. The speaker may also give his or her
interpretation of the recovery program and suggest
what sobriety has meant personally. All views
expressed are purely personal, since all members
of A.A. speak only for themselves.
Most open
meetings
conclude
with a
social
period
during
which
coffee, soft
drinks, and
cakes or
cookies
are served.
meetings
conclude
with a
social
period
during
which
coffee, soft
drinks, and
cakes or
cookies
are served.
W
at
is
a
'c
lo
se
d'
m
ee
ti
n
g
?
at
is
a
'c
lo
se
d'
m
ee
ti
n
g
?
A closed meeting is
limited to members of the
local A.A. group, or
visiting members from
other groups. The
purpose of the closed
meeting is to give
members an opportunity
to discuss particular
phases of their alcoholic
problem that can be
understood best only by
other alcoholics.
limited to members of the
local A.A. group, or
visiting members from
other groups. The
purpose of the closed
meeting is to give
members an opportunity
to discuss particular
phases of their alcoholic
problem that can be
understood best only by
other alcoholics.
These meetings are usually
conducted with maximum
informality, and all members are
encouraged to participate in the
discussions. The closed meetings
are of particular value to the
newcomer, since they provide an
opportunity to ask questions that
may trouble a beginner, and to
get the benefit of "older"
members' experience with the
recovery program.
conducted with maximum
informality, and all members are
encouraged to participate in the
discussions. The closed meetings
are of particular value to the
newcomer, since they provide an
opportunity to ask questions that
may trouble a beginner, and to
get the benefit of "older"
members' experience with the
recovery program.
M
ay
I
br
in
g
re
la
ti
ve
s
or
fri
en
ds
to
a
n
A.
A.
m
ee
ti
n
g?
ay
I
br
in
g
re
la
ti
ve
s
or
fri
en
ds
to
a
n
A.
A.
m
ee
ti
n
g?
In most places, anyone interested in A.A.,
whether a member or not, is welcome at
open meetings of A.A. groups. *
Newcomers, in particular, are invited to
bring wives, husbands, or friends to these
meetings, since their understanding of the
recovery program may be an important
factor in helping the alcoholic to achieve and
maintain sobriety. Many wives and husbands
attend as frequently as their spouses and
take an active part in the social activities of
the local group.
whether a member or not, is welcome at
open meetings of A.A. groups. *
Newcomers, in particular, are invited to
bring wives, husbands, or friends to these
meetings, since their understanding of the
recovery program may be an important
factor in helping the alcoholic to achieve and
maintain sobriety. Many wives and husbands
attend as frequently as their spouses and
take an active part in the social activities of
the local group.
(It
will
be
recalle
d that
"close
d"
meetin
gs are
traditi
onally
limited
to
alcoho
lics.)
will
be
recalle
d that
"close
d"
meetin
gs are
traditi
onally
limited
to
alcoho
lics.)
* Consult the group for local custom.
H
o
w
of
te
n
do
A.
A.
m
e
m
be
rs
h
av
e
to
at
te
n
d
m
ee
ti
n
gs
?
o
w
of
te
n
do
A.
A.
m
e
m
be
rs
h
av
e
to
at
te
n
d
m
ee
ti
n
gs
?
Abraham
Lincoln was
once asked
how long a
man's legs
should be.
The classic
answer was:
"Long
enough to
reach the
ground."
Lincoln was
once asked
how long a
man's legs
should be.
The classic
answer was:
"Long
enough to
reach the
ground."
A.A. members don't have to attend any
set number of meetings in a given period.
It is purely a matter of individual
preference and need. Most members
arrange to attend at least one meeting a
week. They feel that is enough to satisfy
their personal need for contact with the
program through a local group. Others
attend a meeting nearly every night, in
areas where such opportunities are
available. Still others may go for relatively
long periods without meetings.
set number of meetings in a given period.
It is purely a matter of individual
preference and need. Most members
arrange to attend at least one meeting a
week. They feel that is enough to satisfy
their personal need for contact with the
program through a local group. Others
attend a meeting nearly every night, in
areas where such opportunities are
available. Still others may go for relatively
long periods without meetings.
The friendly injunction "Keep coming
to meetings," so frequently heard by
the newcomer, is based on the
experience of the great majority of
A.A.s, who find that the quality of their
sobriety suffers when they stay away
from meetings for too long. Many
know from experience that if they do
not come to meetings, they may get
drunk and that if they are regular in
attendance, they seem to have no
trouble staying sober.
to meetings," so frequently heard by
the newcomer, is based on the
experience of the great majority of
A.A.s, who find that the quality of their
sobriety suffers when they stay away
from meetings for too long. Many
know from experience that if they do
not come to meetings, they may get
drunk and that if they are regular in
attendance, they seem to have no
trouble staying sober.
Newcomers particularly seem to
benefit from exposure to a
relatively large number of meetings
(or other A.A. contacts) during
their first weeks and months in a
group. By multiplying their
opportunities to meet and hear
other A.A.s whose drinking
experience parallels their own,
they seem to be able to strengthen
their own understanding of the
program and what it can give them.
benefit from exposure to a
relatively large number of meetings
(or other A.A. contacts) during
their first weeks and months in a
group. By multiplying their
opportunities to meet and hear
other A.A.s whose drinking
experience parallels their own,
they seem to be able to strengthen
their own understanding of the
program and what it can give them.
Nearly all alcoholics, at one time or
another, have tried to stay sober on
their own. For most, the
experience has not been
particularly enjoyable — or
successful. So long as attendance
at meetings helps the alcoholic to
maintain sobriety, and to have fun
at the same time, it seems to be
good sense to be guided by the
experience of those who "keep
coming to meetings."
another, have tried to stay sober on
their own. For most, the
experience has not been
particularly enjoyable — or
successful. So long as attendance
at meetings helps the alcoholic to
maintain sobriety, and to have fun
at the same time, it seems to be
good sense to be guided by the
experience of those who "keep
coming to meetings."
_______
* Consult the group for local custom.
Do
A.
A.
s
ha
ve
to
att
en
d
me
eti
ng
s
for
th
e
res
t
of
th
eir
liv
es
?
A.
A.
s
ha
ve
to
att
en
d
me
eti
ng
s
for
th
e
res
t
of
th
eir
liv
es
?
Not
necessaril
y, but —
as one
member
has
suggested
— "Most
of us
want to,
and some
of us may
need to."
necessaril
y, but —
as one
member
has
suggested
— "Most
of us
want to,
and some
of us may
need to."
Most alcoholics
don't like to be told
that they have to do
anything for any
extended period of
time. At first glance,
the prospect of
having to attend
A.A. meetings for all
the years of the
foreseeable future
may seem a heavy
load.
don't like to be told
that they have to do
anything for any
extended period of
time. At first glance,
the prospect of
having to attend
A.A. meetings for all
the years of the
foreseeable future
may seem a heavy
load.
The answer, again,
is that no one has
to do anything in A.
A. There is always
a choice between
doing and not
doing a thing —
including the
crucial choice of
whether or not to
seek sobriety
through A.A.
is that no one has
to do anything in A.
A. There is always
a choice between
doing and not
doing a thing —
including the
crucial choice of
whether or not to
seek sobriety
through A.A.
The primary reason an alcoholic has
for attending meetings of an A.A.
group is to get help in staying sober
today — not tomorrow or next week
or ten years from now. Today, the
immediate present, is the only period
in fife that the A.A. can do something
about. A.A.s do not worry about
tomorrow, or about "the rest of their
lives." The important thing for them is
to maintain their sobriety now. They
will take care of the future when it
arrives.
for attending meetings of an A.A.
group is to get help in staying sober
today — not tomorrow or next week
or ten years from now. Today, the
immediate present, is the only period
in fife that the A.A. can do something
about. A.A.s do not worry about
tomorrow, or about "the rest of their
lives." The important thing for them is
to maintain their sobriety now. They
will take care of the future when it
arrives.
So the A.A. who wants to do
everything possible to insure
sobriety today will probably
keep going to meetings. But
attendance will always be on
the basis of taking care of
present sobriety. As long as
the approach to A.A. is on this
basis, no activity, including
attendance at meetings, can
ever resemble a long-term
obligation.
everything possible to insure
sobriety today will probably
keep going to meetings. But
attendance will always be on
the basis of taking care of
present sobriety. As long as
the approach to A.A. is on this
basis, no activity, including
attendance at meetings, can
ever resemble a long-term
obligation.
Ho
w
wil
l I
be
abl
e
to
fin
d
the
tim
e
for
A.
A.
me
eti
ngs
,
wo
rk
wit
h
oth
er
alc
oh
oli
cs,
an
d
oth
er
A.
A.
act
ivit
ies
?
w
wil
l I
be
abl
e
to
fin
d
the
tim
e
for
A.
A.
me
eti
ngs
,
wo
rk
wit
h
oth
er
alc
oh
oli
cs,
an
d
oth
er
A.
A.
act
ivit
ies
?
During our drinking days, most of us somehow
managed to minimize the importance of time when
there was alcohol to be consumed. Yet the
newcomer to A.A. is occasionally dismayed to learn
that sobriety will make some demands on time, too.
If the beginner is a typical alcoholic, there will be an
urge to make up "lost time" in a hurry — to work
diligently at a job, to indulge in the pleasures of a
homelife too long neglected, to devote time to
church or civic affairs. What else is sobriety for, the
new member may ask, but to lead a full, normal life,
great chunks of it at a time?
managed to minimize the importance of time when
there was alcohol to be consumed. Yet the
newcomer to A.A. is occasionally dismayed to learn
that sobriety will make some demands on time, too.
If the beginner is a typical alcoholic, there will be an
urge to make up "lost time" in a hurry — to work
diligently at a job, to indulge in the pleasures of a
homelife too long neglected, to devote time to
church or civic affairs. What else is sobriety for, the
new member may ask, but to lead a full, normal life,
great chunks of it at a time?
A.A., however, is not something that can be taken like a pill.
The experience of those who have been successful in the
recovery program is worth considering. Almost without
exception, the men and women who find their sobriety most
satisfying are those who attend meetings regularly, never
hesitate to work with other alcoholics seeking help, and take
more than a casual interest in the other activities of their
groups. They are men and women who recall realistically
and honestly the aimless hours spent in bars, the days lost
from work, the decreased efficiency, and the remorse that
accompanied hangovers on the morning after.
The experience of those who have been successful in the
recovery program is worth considering. Almost without
exception, the men and women who find their sobriety most
satisfying are those who attend meetings regularly, never
hesitate to work with other alcoholics seeking help, and take
more than a casual interest in the other activities of their
groups. They are men and women who recall realistically
and honestly the aimless hours spent in bars, the days lost
from work, the decreased efficiency, and the remorse that
accompanied hangovers on the morning after.
Balanced
against such
memories as
these, the
few hours
spent in
underwriting
and
strengthening
their sobriety
add up to a
small price
indeed.
against such
memories as
these, the
few hours
spent in
underwriting
and
strengthening
their sobriety
add up to a
small price
indeed.
C
an
ne
wc
o
m
er
s
joi
n
A.
A.
ou
tsi
de
th
eir
o
w
n
co
m
m
un
ity
?
an
ne
wc
o
m
er
s
joi
n
A.
A.
ou
tsi
de
th
eir
o
w
n
co
m
m
un
ity
?
This question is sometimes raised by persons
who seem to have perfectly valid reasons for
not wanting to risk identification as alcoholics
by any of their neighbors. They may, for
example, have employers who are totally
unfamiliar with the A.A. program and
potentially hostile to anyone who admits the
existence of a drinking problem. They may wish
desperately to be associated with A.A. as a
means of gaining and maintaining sobriety. But
they may hesitate to turn to a group in their own
community.
who seem to have perfectly valid reasons for
not wanting to risk identification as alcoholics
by any of their neighbors. They may, for
example, have employers who are totally
unfamiliar with the A.A. program and
potentially hostile to anyone who admits the
existence of a drinking problem. They may wish
desperately to be associated with A.A. as a
means of gaining and maintaining sobriety. But
they may hesitate to turn to a group in their own
community.
The answer to the question is that a person is free to
join an A.A. group anywhere he or she may choose.
Obviously, it is more convenient to join the nearest
group. It may also be the most straightforward
approach to the individual's problem. The person who
turns to A.A. for help is usually, but not always, pretty
well identified as a drunk. Inevitably, the good news of
this person's sobriety is bound to spread, too. Few
employers or neighbors are likely to resent the source
of their worker's or friend's continued sobriety,
whether it centers in a local A.A. group or one located
fifty miles away.
join an A.A. group anywhere he or she may choose.
Obviously, it is more convenient to join the nearest
group. It may also be the most straightforward
approach to the individual's problem. The person who
turns to A.A. for help is usually, but not always, pretty
well identified as a drunk. Inevitably, the good news of
this person's sobriety is bound to spread, too. Few
employers or neighbors are likely to resent the source
of their worker's or friend's continued sobriety,
whether it centers in a local A.A. group or one located
fifty miles away.
Few people these days are
fired from their jobs or
ostracized socially because
they are sober. If the
experience of many
thousands of A.A.s is a
reliable guide, the best
approach for the
newcomer is to seek help
in the nearest group before
beginning to worry about
the reactions of others.
fired from their jobs or
ostracized socially because
they are sober. If the
experience of many
thousands of A.A.s is a
reliable guide, the best
approach for the
newcomer is to seek help
in the nearest group before
beginning to worry about
the reactions of others.
If
I
co
m
e
in
to
A.
A.
,
w
o
n'
t
I
m
is
s
a
lo
t
of
fri
en
ds
a
n
d
a
lo
t
of
fu
n
?
I
co
m
e
in
to
A.
A.
,
w
o
n'
t
I
m
is
s
a
lo
t
of
fri
en
ds
a
n
d
a
lo
t
of
fu
n
?
The best answer to this
is the experience of the
hundreds of thousands
of men and women who
have already come into
A.A. In general, their
attitude is that they did
not enjoy real
friendships or real fun
until they joined A.A.
Their point of view on
both has changed.
is the experience of the
hundreds of thousands
of men and women who
have already come into
A.A. In general, their
attitude is that they did
not enjoy real
friendships or real fun
until they joined A.A.
Their point of view on
both has changed.
Many alcoholics discover that their
best friends are delighted to see
them face up to the fact that they
cannot handle alcohol. No one
wants to see a friend continue to
hurt.
Naturally, it is important to
distinguish between friendships and
casual barroom acquaintanceships.
The alcoholic is likely to have many
acquaintances whose conviviality
may be missed for a while. But their
place will be taken by the hundreds
of A.A.s the newcomer will meet -
men and women who offer
understanding acceptance, and help
in sustaining sobriety at all times.
best friends are delighted to see
them face up to the fact that they
cannot handle alcohol. No one
wants to see a friend continue to
hurt.
Naturally, it is important to
distinguish between friendships and
casual barroom acquaintanceships.
The alcoholic is likely to have many
acquaintances whose conviviality
may be missed for a while. But their
place will be taken by the hundreds
of A.A.s the newcomer will meet -
men and women who offer
understanding acceptance, and help
in sustaining sobriety at all times.
Few
members
of A.A.
would
trade the
fun that
comes
with
sobriety
for what
seemed
to be fun
while they
were
drinking.
members
of A.A.
would
trade the
fun that
comes
with
sobriety
for what
seemed
to be fun
while they
were
drinking.
The Recovery Program
Upon attending only a few
meetings, the newcomer is
sure to hear references to
such things as "the Twelve
Steps, "the Twelve
Traditions, " "slips, " "the
Big Book, and other
expressions characteristic of
A.A. The following
Paragraphs describe these
factors and suggest why
they are mentioned
frequently by A.A. speakers.
meetings, the newcomer is
sure to hear references to
such things as "the Twelve
Steps, "the Twelve
Traditions, " "slips, " "the
Big Book, and other
expressions characteristic of
A.A. The following
Paragraphs describe these
factors and suggest why
they are mentioned
frequently by A.A. speakers.
W
ha
t
ar
e
th
e
'T
w
el
ve
St
ep
s'
?
ha
t
ar
e
th
e
'T
w
el
ve
St
ep
s'
?
The "Twelve Steps" are the core of
the A.A. program of personal
recovery from alcoholism. They are
not abstract theories; they are based
on the trial-and-error experience of
early members of A.A. They
describe the attitudes and activities
that these early members believe
were important in helping them to
achieve sobriety. Acceptance of the
"Twelve Steps" is not mandatory in
any sense.
the A.A. program of personal
recovery from alcoholism. They are
not abstract theories; they are based
on the trial-and-error experience of
early members of A.A. They
describe the attitudes and activities
that these early members believe
were important in helping them to
achieve sobriety. Acceptance of the
"Twelve Steps" is not mandatory in
any sense.
Experience suggests, however, that members who
make an earnest effort to follow these Steps and
to apply them in daily living seem to get far more
out of A.A. than do those members who seem to
regard the Steps casually. It has been said that it is
virtually impossible to follow all the Steps literally,
day in and day out. While this may be true, in the
sense that the Twelve Steps represent an
approach to living that is totally new for most
alcoholics, many A.A. members feel that the Steps
are a practical necessity if they are to maintain
their sobriety.
make an earnest effort to follow these Steps and
to apply them in daily living seem to get far more
out of A.A. than do those members who seem to
regard the Steps casually. It has been said that it is
virtually impossible to follow all the Steps literally,
day in and day out. While this may be true, in the
sense that the Twelve Steps represent an
approach to living that is totally new for most
alcoholics, many A.A. members feel that the Steps
are a practical necessity if they are to maintain
their sobriety.
Here is
the text of
the
Twelve
Steps,
which first
appeared
in
Alcoholics
Anonymo
us, the
A.A.
book of
experience
:
the text of
the
Twelve
Steps,
which first
appeared
in
Alcoholics
Anonymo
us, the
A.A.
book of
experience
:
1. We
admitted
we
were
powerles
s over
alcohol
- that
our lives
had
become
unmanag
eable.
admitted
we
were
powerles
s over
alcohol
- that
our lives
had
become
unmanag
eable.
2.
Came
to
believe
that a
Power
greater
than
ourselv
es
could
restore
us to
sanity.
Came
to
believe
that a
Power
greater
than
ourselv
es
could
restore
us to
sanity.
3.
Made a
decision
to turn
our will
and our
lives
over to
the care
of God
as we
underst
ood
Him.
Made a
decision
to turn
our will
and our
lives
over to
the care
of God
as we
underst
ood
Him.
4.
Made
a
searc
hing
and
fearle
ss
moral
invent
ory
of
oursel
ves.
Made
a
searc
hing
and
fearle
ss
moral
invent
ory
of
oursel
ves.
5.
Admitte
d to
God, to
ourselve
s and to
another
human
being
the
exact
nature
of our
wrongs.
Admitte
d to
God, to
ourselve
s and to
another
human
being
the
exact
nature
of our
wrongs.
6.
Were
entirel
y
ready
to
have
God
remov
e all
these
defect
s of
charac
ter.
Were
entirel
y
ready
to
have
God
remov
e all
these
defect
s of
charac
ter.
7.
Hum
bly
aske
d
Him
to
rem
ove
our
short
-co
ming
s.
Hum
bly
aske
d
Him
to
rem
ove
our
short
-co
ming
s.
8.
Made a
list of all
persons
we had
harmed,
and
became
willing
to make
amends
to them
all.
Made a
list of all
persons
we had
harmed,
and
became
willing
to make
amends
to them
all.
9. Made
direct
amends
to such
people
wherever
possible,
except
when to
do so
would
injure
them or
others.
direct
amends
to such
people
wherever
possible,
except
when to
do so
would
injure
them or
others.
10.
Continu
ed to
take
personal
inventor
y and
when
we
were
wrong
promptl
y
admitte
d it.
Continu
ed to
take
personal
inventor
y and
when
we
were
wrong
promptl
y
admitte
d it.
11. Sought
through prayer
and meditation
to improve our
conscious
contact with
God, as we
understood
Him, praying
only for
knowledge of
His will for us
and the power
to carry that out.
through prayer
and meditation
to improve our
conscious
contact with
God, as we
understood
Him, praying
only for
knowledge of
His will for us
and the power
to carry that out.
12. Having
had a spiritual
awakening as
the result of
these steps,
we tried to
carry this
message to
alcoholics,
and to
practice these
principles in
all our affairs.
had a spiritual
awakening as
the result of
these steps,
we tried to
carry this
message to
alcoholics,
and to
practice these
principles in
all our affairs.
W
ha
t
ar
e
th
e
'T
we
lve
Tr
ad
iti
on
s'?
ha
t
ar
e
th
e
'T
we
lve
Tr
ad
iti
on
s'?
The "Twelve Traditions"
of A.A. are suggested
principles to insure the
survival and growth of
the thousands of groups
that make up the
Fellowship. They are
based on the experience
of the groups
themselves during the
critical early years of the
movement.
of A.A. are suggested
principles to insure the
survival and growth of
the thousands of groups
that make up the
Fellowship. They are
based on the experience
of the groups
themselves during the
critical early years of the
movement.
The Traditions are
important to both
oldtimers and
newcomers as
reminders of the true
foundations of A.A.
as a society of men
and women whose
primary concern is to
maintain their own
sobriety and help
others to achieve
sobriety:
important to both
oldtimers and
newcomers as
reminders of the true
foundations of A.A.
as a society of men
and women whose
primary concern is to
maintain their own
sobriety and help
others to achieve
sobriety:
1. Our
commo
n
welfare
should
come
first;
personal
recover
y
depends
upon
A.A.
unity.
commo
n
welfare
should
come
first;
personal
recover
y
depends
upon
A.A.
unity.
2. For our group
purpose there is
but one ultimate
authority — a
loving God as
He may express
Himself in our
group
conscience. Our
leaders are but
trusted servants;
they do not
govern.
purpose there is
but one ultimate
authority — a
loving God as
He may express
Himself in our
group
conscience. Our
leaders are but
trusted servants;
they do not
govern.
3.
The
only
requir
ement
for
A.A.
memb
ership
is a
desire
to
stop
drinki
ng.
The
only
requir
ement
for
A.A.
memb
ership
is a
desire
to
stop
drinki
ng.
4. Each
group
should
be
autonom
ous
except in
matters
affecting
other
groups
or A.A.
as a
whole.
group
should
be
autonom
ous
except in
matters
affecting
other
groups
or A.A.
as a
whole.
5. Each
group
has but
one
primary
purpose
— to
carry its
message
to the
alcoholic
who still
suffers.
group
has but
one
primary
purpose
— to
carry its
message
to the
alcoholic
who still
suffers.
6. An A.A.
group ought
never endorse,
finance, or lend
the A.A. name to
any related
facility or outside
enterprise, lest
problems of
money, property,
and prestige
divert us from
our primary
purpose.
group ought
never endorse,
finance, or lend
the A.A. name to
any related
facility or outside
enterprise, lest
problems of
money, property,
and prestige
divert us from
our primary
purpose.
7.
Every
A.A.
group
ought
to be
fully
self-sup
porting,
declinin
g
outside
contrib
utions.
Every
A.A.
group
ought
to be
fully
self-sup
porting,
declinin
g
outside
contrib
utions.
8.
Alcoholics
Anonymous
should
remain
forever
non-profess
ional, but
our service
centers
may
employ
special
workers.
Alcoholics
Anonymous
should
remain
forever
non-profess
ional, but
our service
centers
may
employ
special
workers.
9. A.A., as
such, ought
never be
organized;
but we may
create
service
boards or
committees
directly
responsible
to those
they serve.
such, ought
never be
organized;
but we may
create
service
boards or
committees
directly
responsible
to those
they serve.
10.
Alcoholics
Anonymous
has no
opinion on
outside
issues;
hence the
A.A. name
ought never
be drawn
into public
controversy.
Alcoholics
Anonymous
has no
opinion on
outside
issues;
hence the
A.A. name
ought never
be drawn
into public
controversy.
11. Our
public
relations
policy is
based on
attraction
rather than
promotion;
we need
always
maintain
personal
anonymity at
the level of
press, radio,
and films.
public
relations
policy is
based on
attraction
rather than
promotion;
we need
always
maintain
personal
anonymity at
the level of
press, radio,
and films.
12.
Anonymity
is the
spiritual
foundation
of all our
traditions,
ever
reminding
us to
place
principles
before
personaliti
es.
Anonymity
is the
spiritual
foundation
of all our
traditions,
ever
reminding
us to
place
principles
before
personaliti
es.
What are 'slips'?
Occasionally a man or
women who has been
sober through A.A.
will get drunk. In A.A.
a relapse of this type is
commonly known as a
"slip." It may occur
during the first few
weeks or months of
sobriety or after the
alcoholic has been dry
a number of years.
women who has been
sober through A.A.
will get drunk. In A.A.
a relapse of this type is
commonly known as a
"slip." It may occur
during the first few
weeks or months of
sobriety or after the
alcoholic has been dry
a number of years.
Nearly all A.A.s who have been through this
experience say that slips can be traced to specific
causes. They deliberately forgot that they had
admitted they were alcoholics and got
overconfident about their ability to handle alcohol.
Or they stayed away from A.A. meetings or from
informal association with other A.A.s. Or they let
themselves become too involved with business or
social affairs to remember the importance of being
sober. Or they let themselves become tired and
were caught with their mental and emotional
defenses down.
experience say that slips can be traced to specific
causes. They deliberately forgot that they had
admitted they were alcoholics and got
overconfident about their ability to handle alcohol.
Or they stayed away from A.A. meetings or from
informal association with other A.A.s. Or they let
themselves become too involved with business or
social affairs to remember the importance of being
sober. Or they let themselves become tired and
were caught with their mental and emotional
defenses down.
In
oth
er
wor
ds,
mos
t
"slip
s"
don
't
just
hap
pen
.
oth
er
wor
ds,
mos
t
"slip
s"
don
't
just
hap
pen
.
Do
es
A.
A.
ha
ve
a
bas
ic
'te
xtb
oo
k'?
es
A.
A.
ha
ve
a
bas
ic
'te
xtb
oo
k'?
The Fellowship has four books that are
generally accepted as "textbooks." The first is
Alcoholics Anonymous, also known as "the
Big Book," originally published in 1939,
revised in 1955 and 1976. It records the
personal stories of 42 representative problem
drinkers who achieved stable sobriety for the
first time through A.A. It also records the
suggested steps and principles that early
members believed were responsible for their
ability to overcome the compulsion to drink.
generally accepted as "textbooks." The first is
Alcoholics Anonymous, also known as "the
Big Book," originally published in 1939,
revised in 1955 and 1976. It records the
personal stories of 42 representative problem
drinkers who achieved stable sobriety for the
first time through A.A. It also records the
suggested steps and principles that early
members believed were responsible for their
ability to overcome the compulsion to drink.
The second book is
Twelve Steps and
Twelve Traditions,
published in 1953. It
is an interpretation,
by Bill W., a
co-founder, of the
principles that have
thus far assured the
continuing survival of
individuals and
groups within A.A.
Twelve Steps and
Twelve Traditions,
published in 1953. It
is an interpretation,
by Bill W., a
co-founder, of the
principles that have
thus far assured the
continuing survival of
individuals and
groups within A.A.
A third
book,
Alcoholics
Anonymous
Comes of
Age,
published in
1957, is a
brief history
of the first
two
decades of
the
Fellowship.
book,
Alcoholics
Anonymous
Comes of
Age,
published in
1957, is a
brief history
of the first
two
decades of
the
Fellowship.
The
fourth is
As Bill
Sees It
(formerly
titled
The
A.A.
Way of
Life, a
reader
by Bill).
This is a
selection
of Bill
W.'s
writings.
fourth is
As Bill
Sees It
(formerly
titled
The
A.A.
Way of
Life, a
reader
by Bill).
This is a
selection
of Bill
W.'s
writings.
These books
may be
purchased
through local
A.A. groups or
ordered direct
from
Alcoholics
Anonymous,
Box 459,
Grand Central
Station, New
York, NY
10163.
may be
purchased
through local
A.A. groups or
ordered direct
from
Alcoholics
Anonymous,
Box 459,
Grand Central
Station, New
York, NY
10163.
W
ha
t
is
't
he
24
-h
ou
r
pr
og
ra
m'
?
ha
t
is
't
he
24
-h
ou
r
pr
og
ra
m'
?
"The 24-hour program" is a phrase used to
describe a basic A.A. approach to the problem
of staying sober. A.A.s never swear off alcohol
for life, never take pledges committing
themselves not to take a drink "tomorrow." By
the time they turned to A.A. for help, they had
discovered that, no matter how sincere they may
have been in promising themselves to abstain
from alcohol "in the future," somehow they forgot
the pledge and got drunk. The compulsion to
drink proved more powerful than the best
intentions not to drink.
describe a basic A.A. approach to the problem
of staying sober. A.A.s never swear off alcohol
for life, never take pledges committing
themselves not to take a drink "tomorrow." By
the time they turned to A.A. for help, they had
discovered that, no matter how sincere they may
have been in promising themselves to abstain
from alcohol "in the future," somehow they forgot
the pledge and got drunk. The compulsion to
drink proved more powerful than the best
intentions not to drink.
The A.A. member recognizes that the
biggest problem is to stay sober now! The
current 24 hours is the only period the
A.A. can do anything about as far as
drinking is concerned. Yesterday is gone.
Tomorrow never comes. "But today," the
A.A. says, "today, I will not take a drink.
I may be tempted to take a drink
tomorrow - and perhaps I will. But
tomorrow is something to worry about
when it comes. My big problem is not to
take a drink during this 24 hours.
biggest problem is to stay sober now! The
current 24 hours is the only period the
A.A. can do anything about as far as
drinking is concerned. Yesterday is gone.
Tomorrow never comes. "But today," the
A.A. says, "today, I will not take a drink.
I may be tempted to take a drink
tomorrow - and perhaps I will. But
tomorrow is something to worry about
when it comes. My big problem is not to
take a drink during this 24 hours.
Along with the 24-hour program, A.A.
emphasizes the importance of three
slogans that have probably been heard
many times by the newcomer before
joining A.A. These slogans are: "Easy
Does It," "Live and Let Live," and "First
Things First." By making these slogans a
basic part of the attitude toward
problems of daily living, the average
A.A. is usually helped substantially in
the attempt to live successfully without
alcohol.
emphasizes the importance of three
slogans that have probably been heard
many times by the newcomer before
joining A.A. These slogans are: "Easy
Does It," "Live and Let Live," and "First
Things First." By making these slogans a
basic part of the attitude toward
problems of daily living, the average
A.A. is usually helped substantially in
the attempt to live successfully without
alcohol.
W
h
at
is
th
e
A.
A.
G
ra
pe
vi
ne
?
h
at
is
th
e
A.
A.
G
ra
pe
vi
ne
?
The Grapevine is a
monthly pocket-size
magazine published
for members and
friends who seek
further sharing of
A.A. experience. The
only international
journal of the Society,
the Grapevine is
edited by a staff made
up entirely of A.A.s.
monthly pocket-size
magazine published
for members and
friends who seek
further sharing of
A.A. experience. The
only international
journal of the Society,
the Grapevine is
edited by a staff made
up entirely of A.A.s.
Single copies of the
magazine are usually
available each month at
meetings of local groups,
but most readers prefer
to receive their copies on
a regular subscription
basis. In the U.S. the cost
of annual subscription is
$15.00, slightly more - in
Canada; single copies are
$1.50.
magazine are usually
available each month at
meetings of local groups,
but most readers prefer
to receive their copies on
a regular subscription
basis. In the U.S. the cost
of annual subscription is
$15.00, slightly more - in
Canada; single copies are
$1.50.
W
hy
do
es
n't
A.
A.
se
e
m
to
w
or
k
fo
r
so
m
e
pe
op
le
?
hy
do
es
n't
A.
A.
se
e
m
to
w
or
k
fo
r
so
m
e
pe
op
le
?
The answer is
that A.A. will
work only for
those who admit
that they are
alcoholics, who
honestly want to
stop drinking —
and who are able
to keep those
facts uppermost
in their minds at
all times.
that A.A. will
work only for
those who admit
that they are
alcoholics, who
honestly want to
stop drinking —
and who are able
to keep those
facts uppermost
in their minds at
all times.
A.A. usually will
not work for the
man or woman
who has
reservations
about whether
or not he or she
is an alcoholic,
or who clings to
the hope of
being able to
drink normally
again.
not work for the
man or woman
who has
reservations
about whether
or not he or she
is an alcoholic,
or who clings to
the hope of
being able to
drink normally
again.
Most medical
authorities say no
one who is an
alcoholic can ever
drink normally again.
The alcoholic must
admit and accept this
cardinal fact.
Coupled with this
admission and
acceptance must be
the desire to stop
drinking.
authorities say no
one who is an
alcoholic can ever
drink normally again.
The alcoholic must
admit and accept this
cardinal fact.
Coupled with this
admission and
acceptance must be
the desire to stop
drinking.
After they have been sober a
while in A.A., some people tend
to forget that they are alcoholics,
with all that this diagnosis implies.
Their sobriety makes them
overconfident, and they decide to
experiment with alcohol again.
The results of such experiments
are, for the alcoholic, completely
predictable. Their drinking
invariably becomes progressively
worse.
while in A.A., some people tend
to forget that they are alcoholics,
with all that this diagnosis implies.
Their sobriety makes them
overconfident, and they decide to
experiment with alcohol again.
The results of such experiments
are, for the alcoholic, completely
predictable. Their drinking
invariably becomes progressively
worse.
Newcomers' Questions
A.A. has but
one primary
purpose,
although it may
indirectly be
responsible for
other benefits.
The following
are questions
that are
occasionally
asked by
newcomers to
the Fellowship.
one primary
purpose,
although it may
indirectly be
responsible for
other benefits.
The following
are questions
that are
occasionally
asked by
newcomers to
the Fellowship.
W
ill
A.
A.
h
el
p
m
e
fi
n
a
n
ci
al
ly
?
ill
A.
A.
h
el
p
m
e
fi
n
a
n
ci
al
ly
?
Many alcoholics, by the
time they turn to A.A.
for help with their
drinking problems, have
also accumulated
substantial financial
problems. Not
unnaturally, some may
cherish the hope that
A.A. may in some way
be able to help them with
more pressing financial
obligations.
time they turn to A.A.
for help with their
drinking problems, have
also accumulated
substantial financial
problems. Not
unnaturally, some may
cherish the hope that
A.A. may in some way
be able to help them with
more pressing financial
obligations.
Very early in A.A.
experience as a society,
it was discovered that
money or the lack of it
had nothing to do with
the newcomer's ability to
achieve sobriety and
work his or her way out
of the many problems
that had been
complicated by
excessive use of alcohol.
experience as a society,
it was discovered that
money or the lack of it
had nothing to do with
the newcomer's ability to
achieve sobriety and
work his or her way out
of the many problems
that had been
complicated by
excessive use of alcohol.
The absence of money — even with a heavy burden of
debts — seemed to prove no hindrance to the alcoholic
who honestly and sincerely wanted to face up to the
realities of a life without alcohol. Once the big problem of
alcohol had been cleared away, the other problems,
including those related to finances, seemed to work out,
too. Some A.A.s have made sensational financial
comebacks in relatively brief periods. For others, the road
has been hard and long. The basic answer to this question
is that A.A. exists for just one purpose, and that purpose is
in no way related to material prosperity or the lack thereof.
debts — seemed to prove no hindrance to the alcoholic
who honestly and sincerely wanted to face up to the
realities of a life without alcohol. Once the big problem of
alcohol had been cleared away, the other problems,
including those related to finances, seemed to work out,
too. Some A.A.s have made sensational financial
comebacks in relatively brief periods. For others, the road
has been hard and long. The basic answer to this question
is that A.A. exists for just one purpose, and that purpose is
in no way related to material prosperity or the lack thereof.
There is nothing to prevent
any member of a group
from staking a newcomer
to a meal, a suit of clothes,
or even a cash loan. That is
a matter for individual
decision and discretion. It
would, however, be
misleading if an alcoholic
gets the impression that
A.A. is any sort of
moneyed charity
organization.
any member of a group
from staking a newcomer
to a meal, a suit of clothes,
or even a cash loan. That is
a matter for individual
decision and discretion. It
would, however, be
misleading if an alcoholic
gets the impression that
A.A. is any sort of
moneyed charity
organization.
W
ill
A.
A.
he
lp
m
e
st
ra
ig
ht
en
o
ut
m
y
fa
m
il
y
tr
o
u
bl
es
?
ill
A.
A.
he
lp
m
e
st
ra
ig
ht
en
o
ut
m
y
fa
m
il
y
tr
o
u
bl
es
?
Alcohol is frequently a
complicating factor in
family life, magnifying
petty irritations,
exposing character
defects, and
contributing to financial
problems. Many men
and women, by the time
they turn to A.A., have
managed to make a
complete mess of their
family lives.
complicating factor in
family life, magnifying
petty irritations,
exposing character
defects, and
contributing to financial
problems. Many men
and women, by the time
they turn to A.A., have
managed to make a
complete mess of their
family lives.
Some newcomers to
A.A., suddenly aware of
their own contributions to
chaos, are eager and
enthusiastic about making
amends and resuming
normal patterns of living
with those closest to
them. Others, with or
without cause, continue to
feel bitter resentments
toward their families.
A.A., suddenly aware of
their own contributions to
chaos, are eager and
enthusiastic about making
amends and resuming
normal patterns of living
with those closest to
them. Others, with or
without cause, continue to
feel bitter resentments
toward their families.
Almost without exception, newcomers
who are sincere in their approach to the
A.A. recovery program are successful in
mending broken family lives. The bonds
that reunite the honest alcoholic with
family members are often stronger than
ever before. Sometimes, of course,
irreparable damage has been done, and
a totally new approach to family life has
to be developed. But generally, the
story is one with a happy ending.
who are sincere in their approach to the
A.A. recovery program are successful in
mending broken family lives. The bonds
that reunite the honest alcoholic with
family members are often stronger than
ever before. Sometimes, of course,
irreparable damage has been done, and
a totally new approach to family life has
to be developed. But generally, the
story is one with a happy ending.
Experience suggests that the alcoholic
who comes to A.A. solely to keep
peace in the family, and not because
of an honest desire to stop drinking,
may have difficulty achieving sobriety.
The sincere desire for sobriety should
come first. Once sober, the alcoholic
will find that many of the other
problems of daily living can be
approached realistically and with very
good chance of success.
who comes to A.A. solely to keep
peace in the family, and not because
of an honest desire to stop drinking,
may have difficulty achieving sobriety.
The sincere desire for sobriety should
come first. Once sober, the alcoholic
will find that many of the other
problems of daily living can be
approached realistically and with very
good chance of success.
D
oe
s
A.
A.
op
er
at
e
ho
sp
it
al
s
or
re
st
ho
m
es
fo
r
al
co
ho
lic
s?
oe
s
A.
A.
op
er
at
e
ho
sp
it
al
s
or
re
st
ho
m
es
fo
r
al
co
ho
lic
s?
There are no "A.A. rest homes or
hospitals." Traditionally, no
professional services or facilities
are ever offered or performed
under A.A. sponsorship. By
adhering to the tradition of
avoiding services that others are
prepared to render, A.A. thus
avoids any possible
misunderstanding of its primary
purpose, which is to help
alcoholics searching for a way of
life without alcohol.
hospitals." Traditionally, no
professional services or facilities
are ever offered or performed
under A.A. sponsorship. By
adhering to the tradition of
avoiding services that others are
prepared to render, A.A. thus
avoids any possible
misunderstanding of its primary
purpose, which is to help
alcoholics searching for a way of
life without alcohol.
In some areas, service
committees made up of
individual A.A.
members have made
arrangements with local
hospitals for the
admission of alcoholics
who are sponsored by
A.A.s as individuals,
not as representatives
of the Fellowship as a
whole.
committees made up of
individual A.A.
members have made
arrangements with local
hospitals for the
admission of alcoholics
who are sponsored by
A.A.s as individuals,
not as representatives
of the Fellowship as a
whole.
In other areas, individual A.A.s or groups of A.A.s
have established rest homes that cater primarily to
newcomers to the recovery program. Because of their
special understanding of problems confronting the
alcoholic, the owners or managers of these homes are
often able to help the newcomer during the first crucial
period of sobriety. But these homes have no
connection with A.A. beyond the fact that they may
be operated by persons who achieved their own
sobriety through A.A. As a movement, A.A. is never
affiliated with business enterprises of any description.
have established rest homes that cater primarily to
newcomers to the recovery program. Because of their
special understanding of problems confronting the
alcoholic, the owners or managers of these homes are
often able to help the newcomer during the first crucial
period of sobriety. But these homes have no
connection with A.A. beyond the fact that they may
be operated by persons who achieved their own
sobriety through A.A. As a movement, A.A. is never
affiliated with business enterprises of any description.
Do
es
A.
A.
spo
nso
r
an
y
soc
ial
act
ivit
y
for
me
mb
ers
?
es
A.
A.
spo
nso
r
an
y
soc
ial
act
ivit
y
for
me
mb
ers
?
Most A.A.s are
sociable people, a
factor that may
have been partially
responsible for
their becoming
alcoholics in the
first place. As a
consequence,
meetings of local
A.A. groups tend
to be lively affairs.
sociable people, a
factor that may
have been partially
responsible for
their becoming
alcoholics in the
first place. As a
consequence,
meetings of local
A.A. groups tend
to be lively affairs.
A.A. as a fellowship has never
developed any formal program of social
activities for members, since the sole
purpose of the movement is to help
alcoholics get sober. In some areas,
members, entirely on their own individual
responsibility, have opened clubrooms or
other facilities for members of the local
group. These clubs are traditionally
independent of A.A., and great care is
usually taken to avoid direct identification
with the movement.
developed any formal program of social
activities for members, since the sole
purpose of the movement is to help
alcoholics get sober. In some areas,
members, entirely on their own individual
responsibility, have opened clubrooms or
other facilities for members of the local
group. These clubs are traditionally
independent of A.A., and great care is
usually taken to avoid direct identification
with the movement.
Even where no club exists,
it is not uncommon for
local groups to arrange
anniversary dinners,
picnics, parties on New
Year's Eve and other
special occasions, and
similar affairs. In some
large cities, A.A.s meet
regularly for lunch and
sponsor informal
get-togethers over
weekends.
it is not uncommon for
local groups to arrange
anniversary dinners,
picnics, parties on New
Year's Eve and other
special occasions, and
similar affairs. In some
large cities, A.A.s meet
regularly for lunch and
sponsor informal
get-togethers over
weekends.
What do medical authorities
think of A.A.?
Also see pamphlet: "A.A. as a Resource
for the Health Care Professional"
think of A.A.?
Also see pamphlet: "A.A. as a Resource
for the Health Care Professional"
From its earliest days, A.A. has enjoyed the
friendship and support of doctors who were familiar
with its program of recovery from alcoholism.
Doctors, perhaps better than any other group, are in
a position to appreciate how unreliable other
approaches to the problem of alcoholism have been
in the past. A.A. has never been advanced as the
only answer to the problem, but the A.A. recovery
program has worked so often, after other methods
have failed, that doctors today are frequently the
most outspoken boosters for the program in their
communities.
friendship and support of doctors who were familiar
with its program of recovery from alcoholism.
Doctors, perhaps better than any other group, are in
a position to appreciate how unreliable other
approaches to the problem of alcoholism have been
in the past. A.A. has never been advanced as the
only answer to the problem, but the A.A. recovery
program has worked so often, after other methods
have failed, that doctors today are frequently the
most outspoken boosters for the program in their
communities.
Some measure of the medical
profession's atti tude toward
A.A. was suggested in 1951
when the American Public
Health Association named
Alcoholics Anonymous as one
of the recipients of the famed
Lasker Awards in "formal
recognition of A.A.'s success in
treating alcoholism as an illness
and in blotting out its social
stigma."
A.A. is still new (or unknown)
in some communities, and not
all doctors are familiar with the
recovery program. But here
are excerpts from comments
on A.A. by leading medical
authorities:
profession's atti tude toward
A.A. was suggested in 1951
when the American Public
Health Association named
Alcoholics Anonymous as one
of the recipients of the famed
Lasker Awards in "formal
recognition of A.A.'s success in
treating alcoholism as an illness
and in blotting out its social
stigma."
A.A. is still new (or unknown)
in some communities, and not
all doctors are familiar with the
recovery program. But here
are excerpts from comments
on A.A. by leading medical
authorities:
In 1967, the American Medical Association
stated that membership in A.A. was still the most
effective means of treating alcoholism and
quoted Dr. Ruth Fox, an eminent authority on
alcoholism and then medical director of the
National Council on Alcoholism: "With its
thousands of groups and its 300,000 recovered
alcoholics [now upwards of 2,000,000], A.A.
has undoubtedly reached more cases than all the
rest of us together. For patients who can and will
accept it, A.A. may be the only form of therapy
needed."
stated that membership in A.A. was still the most
effective means of treating alcoholism and
quoted Dr. Ruth Fox, an eminent authority on
alcoholism and then medical director of the
National Council on Alcoholism: "With its
thousands of groups and its 300,000 recovered
alcoholics [now upwards of 2,000,000], A.A.
has undoubtedly reached more cases than all the
rest of us together. For patients who can and will
accept it, A.A. may be the only form of therapy
needed."
"I have the utmost
respect for the
work A.A. is
doing, for its spirit,
for its essential
philosophy of
mutual helpfulness.
I lose no
opportunity to
express my
endorsement
publicly and
privately where it
is of any concern."
respect for the
work A.A. is
doing, for its spirit,
for its essential
philosophy of
mutual helpfulness.
I lose no
opportunity to
express my
endorsement
publicly and
privately where it
is of any concern."
K
ar
l
M
en
ni
n
ge
r,
M
.D
.
M
en
ni
n
ge
r
F
o
u
n
d
at
io
n
ar
l
M
en
ni
n
ge
r,
M
.D
.
M
en
ni
n
ge
r
F
o
u
n
d
at
io
n
"Perhaps the most effective treatment in
the rehabilitation of the alcoholic is a
philosophy of living which is compatible
with the individual and his family, an
absorbing faith in himself which comes
only after he has learned to understand
himself, and a close association with
others whose experiences parallel his
own. The physician's cooperation with
Alcoholics Anonymous is one way of
obtaining these things for his patient."
the rehabilitation of the alcoholic is a
philosophy of living which is compatible
with the individual and his family, an
absorbing faith in himself which comes
only after he has learned to understand
himself, and a close association with
others whose experiences parallel his
own. The physician's cooperation with
Alcoholics Anonymous is one way of
obtaining these things for his patient."
Ma
rvin
A.
Blo
ck,
M.
D.,
me
mb
er
of
the
Am
eric
an
Me
dic
al
Ass
oci
atio
n's
Co
mm
itte
e
on
Alc
oho
lism
and
Dru
g
Dep
end
enc
e
rvin
A.
Blo
ck,
M.
D.,
me
mb
er
of
the
Am
eric
an
Me
dic
al
Ass
oci
atio
n's
Co
mm
itte
e
on
Alc
oho
lism
and
Dru
g
Dep
end
enc
e
What do religious leaders
think of A.A.?
Also see pamphlet:
"Members of the Clergy Ask About A.A."
think of A.A.?
Also see pamphlet:
"Members of the Clergy Ask About A.A."
Probably no lay movement of modem times has been
more richly endowed than A.A. with the support of
the clergy of all the great faiths. Like the doctors,
mankind's spiritual advisers have long been troubled
by the problem of alcoholism. Many of these advisers
have heard honest people make sincere pledges to
abstain from alcohol they could not control - only to
see them break those pledges within hours, days, or
weeks. Sympathy, understanding, and appeals to
conscience have been of little avail to the clergy in
their attempts to help the alcoholic.
more richly endowed than A.A. with the support of
the clergy of all the great faiths. Like the doctors,
mankind's spiritual advisers have long been troubled
by the problem of alcoholism. Many of these advisers
have heard honest people make sincere pledges to
abstain from alcohol they could not control - only to
see them break those pledges within hours, days, or
weeks. Sympathy, understanding, and appeals to
conscience have been of little avail to the clergy in
their attempts to help the alcoholic.
Thus it is perhaps not
surprising that A.A. -
although it offers a
way of fife rather than
a way of formal
religion - should be
embraced so warmly
by representatives of
many different
denominations. Here
is how some of them
have referred to A.A.
in the past:
surprising that A.A. -
although it offers a
way of fife rather than
a way of formal
religion - should be
embraced so warmly
by representatives of
many different
denominations. Here
is how some of them
have referred to A.A.
in the past:
Th
e
Dir
ect
ors
Bul
leti
n,
a
Jes
uit
peri
odi
cal
pub
lish
ed
at
St.
Lo
uis,
Mo
.
e
Dir
ect
ors
Bul
leti
n,
a
Jes
uit
peri
odi
cal
pub
lish
ed
at
St.
Lo
uis,
Mo
.
"Father
Dowling of
The
Queen's
Work staff
had
exceptional
opportunity
to observe
the
Alcoholics
Anonymous
movement.
Dowling of
The
Queen's
Work staff
had
exceptional
opportunity
to observe
the
Alcoholics
Anonymous
movement.
"He found that the keystone of the A.A.
therapy includes self-denial, humility, charity,
good example, and opportunities for a new
pattern of social recreation. All denominations
are represented in the movement. Readers
can be assured that no article or book on the
movement is one-tenth as convincing as is
personal contact with an individual or group
of A.A.s whose personalities and homes and
businesses have been transformed from chaos
into sound achievement."
therapy includes self-denial, humility, charity,
good example, and opportunities for a new
pattern of social recreation. All denominations
are represented in the movement. Readers
can be assured that no article or book on the
movement is one-tenth as convincing as is
personal contact with an individual or group
of A.A.s whose personalities and homes and
businesses have been transformed from chaos
into sound achievement."
Th
e
Li
vi
ng
Ch
ur
ch
(E
pis
co
pal
)
e
Li
vi
ng
Ch
ur
ch
(E
pis
co
pal
)
"Basis of the technique of Alcoholics
Anonymous is the truly Christian principle
that a man cannot help himself except by
helping others. The A.A. plan is
described by the members themselves as
'self-insurance.' This self-insurance has
resulted in the restoration of physical,
mental, and spiritual health and
self-respect to hundreds of men and
women who would be hopelessly
down-and-out without its unique but
effective therapy. "
Anonymous is the truly Christian principle
that a man cannot help himself except by
helping others. The A.A. plan is
described by the members themselves as
'self-insurance.' This self-insurance has
resulted in the restoration of physical,
mental, and spiritual health and
self-respect to hundreds of men and
women who would be hopelessly
down-and-out without its unique but
effective therapy. "
W
h
o
is
re
sp
o
ns
ib
le
fo
r
th
e
p
u
bl
ic
it
y
a
b
o
ut
A.
A.
?
h
o
is
re
sp
o
ns
ib
le
fo
r
th
e
p
u
bl
ic
it
y
a
b
o
ut
A.
A.
?
The A.A. tradition of
public relations has always
been keyed to attraction
rather than promotion.
A.A. never seeks publicity
but always cooperates fully
with responsible
representatives of press,
radio, television, motion
pictures, and other media
that seek information about
the recovery program.
public relations has always
been keyed to attraction
rather than promotion.
A.A. never seeks publicity
but always cooperates fully
with responsible
representatives of press,
radio, television, motion
pictures, and other media
that seek information about
the recovery program.
At national and
international levels, news
of A.A. is made
available by the Public
Information Committee
of the General Service
Board. Local
committees have also
been organized, to
provide the media with
facts about A.A. as a
resource for alcoholics in
their communities.
international levels, news
of A.A. is made
available by the Public
Information Committee
of the General Service
Board. Local
committees have also
been organized, to
provide the media with
facts about A.A. as a
resource for alcoholics in
their communities.
A.A. is deeply grateful
to all its friends who
have been responsible
for the recognition
accorded the movement.
It is also deeply aware
of the fact that the
anonymity of members,
upon which the program
is so dependent, has
been respected so
faithfully by all media.
to all its friends who
have been responsible
for the recognition
accorded the movement.
It is also deeply aware
of the fact that the
anonymity of members,
upon which the program
is so dependent, has
been respected so
faithfully by all media.
It should
also be
noted that
within
A.A., at
A.A.
meetings
and
among
themselves
, A.A.
members
are not
anonymou
s.
also be
noted that
within
A.A., at
A.A.
meetings
and
among
themselves
, A.A.
members
are not
anonymou
s.
A New Way of Life
A way of life cannot truly be
described; it must be lived.
Descriptive literature that relies upon
broad, inspirational generalities is
bound to leave many questions
unanswered and many readers not
fully satisfied that they have come
upon the thing they need and seek. At
the other extreme, a catalog of the
mechanics and details of a program
for living can portray only part of the
value of such a program.
described; it must be lived.
Descriptive literature that relies upon
broad, inspirational generalities is
bound to leave many questions
unanswered and many readers not
fully satisfied that they have come
upon the thing they need and seek. At
the other extreme, a catalog of the
mechanics and details of a program
for living can portray only part of the
value of such a program.
A.A. is a program for a
new way of life without
alcohol, a program that is
working successfully for
hundreds of thousands of
men and women who
approach it and apply it
with honesty and sincerity.
It is working throughout
the world and for men
and women in all stations
and walks of life.
new way of life without
alcohol, a program that is
working successfully for
hundreds of thousands of
men and women who
approach it and apply it
with honesty and sincerity.
It is working throughout
the world and for men
and women in all stations
and walks of life.
Perhaps this pamphlet has answered the main
questions, spoken and unspoken, that you
may have concerning A.A. Perhaps there are
other questions that can be answered, as
those in this pamphlet have been, solely on
the basis of A.A. experience with the
problem of alcoholism. If you have such
questions, feel free to get in touch with an
A.A. group in or near your community. Or
write to General Service Office, Box 459,
Grand Central Station, New York, NY
10163.
questions, spoken and unspoken, that you
may have concerning A.A. Perhaps there are
other questions that can be answered, as
those in this pamphlet have been, solely on
the basis of A.A. experience with the
problem of alcoholism. If you have such
questions, feel free to get in touch with an
A.A. group in or near your community. Or
write to General Service Office, Box 459,
Grand Central Station, New York, NY
10163.
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.
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 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.
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.
Co
pyr
igh
t
©
by
Th
e
A.
A.
Gr
ape
vin
e,
Inc
.;
rep
rint
ed
wit
h
per
mis
sio
n
pyr
igh
t
©
by
Th
e
A.
A.
Gr
ape
vin
e,
Inc
.;
rep
rint
ed
wit
h
per
mis
sio
n