top of page

AA FAQ's & Literature Downloads

Who is Alcoholics Anonymous?

We in A.A. are men and women who have discovered, and admitted, that we cannot control alcohol. We have learned that we must live without it if we are to avoid disaster for ourselves and those close to us.
We are not reformers, and we are not allied with any group, cause, or religious denomination. We have no wish to dry up the world. We do not recruit new members, but we do welcome them. We do not impose our experience with problem drinking on others, but we do share it when we are asked to do so.
Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.

How much does AA cost?

There are no dues or fees for membership in A.A. Period.
You can freely attend as many AA meetings as you choose for as long as you choose without payment of any kind.
Of course we do have expenses such as rent, refreshments, A.A. literature, etc...  However in keeping with our Seventh Tradition a group may “pass the basket” for voluntary contributions from only Alcoholics. Members can participate if they choose.

How do I become a member?

Anyone with a desire to stop drinking is welcome, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, income, or profession. You don’t have to pay anything to attend.
You can just sit and listen and learn more about recovery, or you can share about your situation. It's completely up to you.
The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking. The group membership requires no formal application. We are members of A.A. if we say we are.
AA has no leadership, only people who are trusted in service to their fellow alcoholics. 
No matter how down-and-out an alcoholic may be, or how high he or she may be on the social and economic scales, we know from experience and observation that A.A. offers a sober way out of the squirrel cage of confused problem drinking. Most of us have found it an easy way.

The 24hr Plan...

For example, we take no pledges, we don’t say that we will “never” drink again. Instead, we try to follow what we in A.A. call the “24-hour plan.” We concentrate on keeping sober just the current twenty-four hours. We simply try to get through one day at a time without a drink. If we feel the urge for a drink, we neither yield nor resist. We merely put off taking that particular drink until tomorrow.

What can I expect from my first meeting?

The doors of an AA meeting are generally open 30 minutes or more before the meeting starting time. Each meeting begins differently for every group however there are often similarities that are common. Often there is a Chairperson who will call the meeting to order with a moment of silent reflection and a prayer.  Usually a member reads something from AA literature, announcements are made, and the 7th Tradition is observed. 
The meeting leader will ask for a topic associated with Alcoholism or will have a topic ready should there be none brought up by someone in attendance.   Members share their experience, strength, and hope on the topic.  Everyone be given the opportunity to share however there is no requirement.  Many choose to only listen to participate. The meetings typically last around an hour and many AA's stay for a while after the meeting to talk and fellowship.

How do I know if AA is "right" for me?

The easy answer is, come to a meeting and find out...  If you feel better after an AA meeting, come to another and see if you feel better again...
Only you can decide whether you want to give A.A. a try — whether you think it can help you.
Below is a link titled "Is AA right for me - Self Test".  This link will take you to a self test with 12 questions that only you can answer. IF you answer these questions honestly and find you need help, the other link at the bottom of the page can connect you to a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous in Kansas.

AA PDF Literature Downloads

bottom of page