Almost everyone has heard of Alcoholics Anonymous, or AA. Millions of people with drinking problems have benefitted from AA’s “Twelve Steps” approach to achieving sobriety since its founding in 1935. Many different spinoff groups (Narcotics Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, Sex Addicts Anonymous, etc.) use the same basic model. Al-Anon and Alateen provide resources for families of AA members.
I picked up some useful information about AA at a recent conference I attended. From this material, I found several interesting tidbits and facts you might not know about AA. Here are 10:
The requirement for membership: The only requirement for AA membership is “a desire to stop drinking.” This stance acknowledges that people may still be drinking while attending AA before they achieve complete sobriety.
Open vs closed meetings: AA has both open and closed meetings. Open meetings can be attended by anyone. In contrast, closed meetings are limited to those AA members who want to stop drinking. (I have often encouraged many non-drinkers to attend an open meeting to learn more about AA and the Twelve Step model. It’s a worthwhile and educational experience.)
Not required to speak: When AA meetings are shown on TV and in movies, we see people stand up and say, “I’m Joe and I’m an alcoholic,” and the group responds, “Hi Joe.” This does in fact occur at meetings, but there is no requirement to speak at a meeting. You are welcome to just sit and listen.
The “higher power” issue: In AA’s Twelve Steps, there are references to “God” and a higher “Power.” However, AA recognizes that not everyone is religious and it welcomes people “of all shades of belief and non-belief,” including agnostics and atheists.
No dues or fees: AA charges no fees or dues to attend meetings. They do commonly “pass the hat” for voluntary donations.
Not connected with other organizations: AA is not allied with any organization or religious denomination. It has no real governing body. Each AA group can work out its own ways of holding meetings.
Recognizes mental health issues: AA recognizes that people often deal with various mental health issues in addition to their drinking problem. People often participate in AA while receiving mental health treatments (therapy, medications, etc.).
Not against medications: While AA does have concerns about certain potentially addictive prescription medications being misused by AA members, AA is not anti-medication.There is recognition that many people benefit from appropriate prescription medications to manage a variety of health issues.
The “anonymous” thing: AA does not want members’ full names or faces to be revealed in the media. Also members don’t disclose other members’ names to people outside AA.
Friend of Bill: Sometimes in public buildings or on a cruise ship, you will see a notice for a “Friend of Bill” or “Friends of Bill W.” meeting. This is a somewhat less than secret code for an AA meeting. It refers to Bill Wilson, who founded AA.
To learn more about AA or to find a local AA meeting, go to aa.org. This site will link you to local AA meetings in your area. You will also find many useful AA brochures, books and other educational materials. I hope you will take the time to learn more about AA and other Twelve Step groups. They can be immensely helpful for many people.
Here’s a question: What other questions do you have about AA and similar programs? Please leave a comment. Also, please subscribe to my blog and feel free to follow me on X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram, “like” my Facebook page, or connect on LinkedIn. Finally, if you enjoyed this post, please share it with a friend.