Alcoholics Anonymous is an association of men and women who communicate to solve issues, build one another up, and assist others in overcoming their drinking. The sole condition for membership is a willingness to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self-sufficient via our own efforts. AA is not affiliated with any sect, church, politics, organization, or institution; it does not seek to engage in any issue, and neither supports nor opposes any causes. Our main objective is to stay sober and assist other alcoholics to attain recovery.
The meeting usually starts with each person introducing themselves and saying, “I’m an alcoholic.”
The meeting usually starts with each person introducing themselves and saying, “I’m an alcoholic.” Each person then shares their story of alcohol, alcoholism, and recovery. This is often a compelling experience for people in the room because they can hear how many others have struggled with the same issues. They may also discover that other people have had similar experiences to theirs and feel validated in their journey towards recovery.
Next, there’s time for people to share their experiences of alcohol, alcoholism, and recovery.
Participants are encouraged to discuss their experiences with alcohol, alcoholism, and recovery after the meeting. This can be done in various manners:
- You may feel at ease concerning your personal experiences with AA or other 12-step groups and with different support services such as counseling or therapy. You might wish to take advantage of this chance for self-reflection. For example, you may discover that certain areas of your life are preventing you from progressing more readily towards sobriety or recovery than others; this might have been impeding your development and producing worry. (e.g., feeling like something inside of you needs healing). In these cases, it can be helpful for someone else who knows what they’re talking about (a spiritual advisor, etc.)
- You could also take turns sharing stories related specifically to the context of Alcoholics Anonymous itself – such as how important it was for me at one point during my journey towards sobriety/recovery when I realized how much better off everyone else seemed after attending meetings regularly over several months.
The chairperson remains neutral and may say a closing prayer or reading.
The chairperson is not leading the meeting, giving advice, or making motions. Instead, it’s their job to keep things on track and moving forward. They might also be a sponsor who helps others in addiction recover by being there for them when they need it most (usually when they’re going through withdrawal symptoms).
There is no membership charge.
Membership fees or dues are non-existent in AA membership; it is not how we generate money. Instead, we are self-sustaining through our contributions of time, energy, and resources (such as money), allowing us to continue providing free services to those in need worldwide, including alcoholics who want to recover from addiction.
They usually have a literature table where you can pick up AA information, such as pamphlets, posters, and books.
These are free for members to use. You can also check out the AA meetings website for more information on your local group or to find an online meeting.
Alcoholics Anonymous is self-sufficient via our own efforts.
If you want to give more, there’s a simple way: donate money and time to the AA General Service Office (AGSO), run by volunteers from all over the world, including many members of Alcoholics Anonymous themselves! No one can tell you whether or not you should attend an AA meeting; it’s entirely up to you! The sole prerequisite for membership is a desire to stop drinking and doing other drugs, so if that’s what you want, then go for it!
What will the meeting be like?
Alcoholics Anonymous is a society of men and women who share their thoughts, strength, and hope with one another in order to address common issues and assist others in recovering from alcoholism. The Alcoholics Anonymous program was founded in 1933 by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith as an organization to help alcoholics maintain sobriety after they had stopped drinking on their own. They believed that the key to long-term recovery was not abstinence but finding new ways to live soberly without returning to alcohol use. To accomplish this goal, AA uses the twelve steps as its foundation.
Conclusion
Alcoholics Anonymous is based on the idea that alcoholics are people who cannot control their drinking and that they need help to do so. This can come from an outside source, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or other organizations that help people with addictions. The 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous are the foundation of their program and provide a path for alcoholics to follow to recover from their addiction. The steps include:
- Admitting powerlessness over alcohol.
- Deciding to turn one’s life over to a higher power.
- Making amends for past behavior.
- Taking a moral inventory.
- Asking for guidance from God.
With that said, if you have a problem with alcohol and are seeking help, please do not hesitate to visit AA meetings to book a free recovery meeting near you.