
By Buddy TBuddy T is a writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism. Because he is a member of a support group that stresses the importance of anonymity at the public level, he does not use his photograph or his real name on this website. Fortunately, there are many different types of meetings for people from different backgrounds or with similar situations.
Notable people who have attended AA
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people 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 AA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. AA 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. 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.
Our Facilities
But as a group they have but one purpose, to reach out to others who are still suffering. Their purpose is to share with others the experience, strength, and hope that they have found inside the rooms. The primary purpose of any 12-step group is to carry its message and give comfort to others who are still suffering. There are those members who are so well-founded in the principles and traditions of the program that the group turns to them when questions arise involving possible violations of those principles and traditions. These are leaders, too, but they do not govern, either. Groups clearly have other types of “leaders.” There are those who, by sharing their wisdom and strength in the meetings, are quietly recognized by the group as “spiritual leaders.”

What is the History of Alcoholics Anonymous?
The Oxford Group had a broad focus and was designed to help people overcome their problems by confronting their fear and selfishness. Ultimately, Wilson broke away from the group to develop an organization specifically formed to contend with alcoholism, a problem rampant during his era and one that continues to plague millions in the U.S. and abroad. Through AA we have learned a number of things about alcoholism and about ourselves. We try to keep these facts uppermost in our minds at all times because they seem to be the key to our sobriety. For us sobriety must always be our first concern.

There are even a few self-proclaimed atheists and agnostics among us. Belief in, or adherence to, a formal creed is not a condition of membership. We are not reformers and we are not allied with any group, cause or religious denomination. We avoid imposing our viewpoint on problem drinking on others, unless we are asked to do so. If there are any concerns about content we have published, please reach out to us at Step 11 is about moving forward without losing track of a higher power.
Statistics on Alcohol Use and Addiction
- In turn, as members freely share their own experiences, strength, and hope with the newcomer, they help themselves and reinforce their own recovery.
- The Central Office is also fully self-supporting through the sale of literature and member contributions.
- In some cases, U.S. court rulings will recommend or mandate a person to attend AA meetings as part of sentencing or rehabilitation for alcohol-related legal issues.
- Through meetings and talking with other alcoholics we are somehow able to stay sober.
Alcoholics Anonymous.” What to Expect at an A.A.
People with problems other than alcoholism are eligible for AA membership only if they have a drinking problem. A 2020 review looked at 27 studies involving a total of 10,565 participants and noted that A.A. And other twelve-step programs are effective for increasing abstinence.

A Short History of the 12 Principles of AA

There are many alcohol addiction treatment options today. After getting to know its principles, you may want to try the program, or include it as part of your post-rehab aftercare plan. On the other hand, millions have acknowledged their belief that AA and its principles saved their life. By studying the program, how it works, and each of its principles, you can determine if this type of program is ideal for you. Many people find it so helpful that they continue to meet with the group in order to help others as they work to maintain their own recovery. We are united by a common problem; – alcohol.
AA assists individuals struggling with alcoholism through mutual support, regular meetings, and adherence to the 12-step program. This program emphasizes acknowledging alcoholism, making what does aa stand for alcohol amends, and aiding others in their recovery journey. AA meetings are gatherings where individuals share their experiences and support each other in their journey to sobriety.

Is Alcoholics Anonymous for You?
You’ve worked your way through the entire process of growing and setting yourself up for success in sobriety, and now you have the opportunity to guide less experienced members through their own journey. Living with the principle of service means it’s your responsibility to help others as you were helped when you first started to work the 12 steps. Be of service by sharing your experience, strength and hope with fellow alcoholics, new and old, around the world. Although AA is well-known and used by millions around the world, mental health professionals are sometimes skeptical of its effectiveness, Humphreys said.
What Happens at Meetings
The autonomy provided in Tradition 4 does not mean an individual group has the authority to reword the 12 steps or Traditions, or to create its own literature. It also doesn’t mean that groups should introduce, discuss, or sell outside literature at their meeting places. If you’re already on the path to recovery through Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and seeking a supportive environment to continue your sobriety journey, Design for Recovery can be your next step. Ultimately, AA’s effectiveness is subjective and varies from person to person.



























