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 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. 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 history begins June 10, 1935 in Akron, Ohio when Bill W. and Dr. Bob through the Oxford Group helped each other until forming what became AA. They started working with alcoholics at Akron’s City Hospital. One patient, who soon achieved sobriety, joined them and together they formed the foundation of what would later become Alcoholics Anonymous. Same year a new group of alcoholics began forming in New York, followed by another in Cleveland in 1939. Over the course of 4 years, these 3 initial groups helped around 100 people achieve sobriety. In 1939 the Fellowship published its foundational text, Alcoholics Anonymous, which outlined AA’s philosophy and introduced the Twelve Steps. Media coverage generated a surge of interest and requests for help, Fellowship grew significantly and in April 1946 Bill W. began promoting Twelve Traditions.
Today, AA is present in approximately 180 nations. By 2018, AA had more then 2 million members and more then 120 thousand groups.
Here are some key aspects of AA:
- 12-Step Program: The AA program is based on 12 steps, which encourage individuals to acknowledge their powerlessness over alcohol, seek help from a higher power (however they define it), and make amends for harm done in the past. The steps also include regular self-examination and maintenance of sobriety through daily practices.
- Meetings: AA hosts regular meetings where members can share their experiences, challenges, and successes in a supportive environment. Meetings can be in-person or virtual, and they are typically open to anyone who wishes to stop drinking.
- Anonymity: One of the key principles of AA is anonymity. Members are encouraged to protect the identity of other members to create a safe and supportive environment where people feel comfortable sharing their experiences without fear of stigma.
- Support Network: AA promotes building a support network of people who understand what one is going through. Members are encouraged to form sponsorship relationships, where a more experienced member (the sponsor) offers guidance and support to someone newer to the program.
- Literature: AA has published a variety of literature, including “The Big Book,” which outlines the principles of the program and includes personal stories from members.
- Global Fellowship: AA has groups in many countries, making it accessible to people worldwide. The organization emphasizes that recovery can be achieved through community support.
- 12-Step Program: The AA program is based on 12 steps, which encourage individuals to acknowledge their powerlessness over alcohol, seek help from a higher power (however they define it), and make amends for harm done in the past. The steps also include regular self-examination and maintenance of sobriety through daily practices.
- Meetings: AA hosts regular meetings where members can share their experiences, challenges, and successes in a supportive environment. Meetings can be in-person or virtual, and they are typically open to anyone who wishes to stop drinking.
- Anonymity: One of the key principles of AA is anonymity. Members are encouraged to protect the identity of other members to create a safe and supportive environment where people feel comfortable sharing their experiences without fear of stigma.
- Support Network: AA promotes building a support network of people who understand what one is going through. Members are encouraged to form sponsorship relationships, where a more experienced member (the sponsor) offers guidance and support to someone newer to the program.
- Literature: AA has published a variety of literature, including “The Big Book,” which outlines the principles of the program and includes personal stories from members.
- Global Fellowship: AA has groups in many countries, making it accessible to people worldwide. The organization emphasizes that recovery can be achieved through community support.
Types of Meetings:
- Open Meetings: These meetings are open to anyone interested in learning about AA, including family and friends.
- Closed Meetings: These are for individuals who identify as having a drinking problem. They provide a more intimate space for sharing experiences.
- Specialty Meetings: Some groups focus on specific populations or particular topics related to recovery.
Currently we have:
- Men only
- Women only
- Mixed
- Speaker meetings
- Seniors in Recovery
- Discussion
- Book Study