AA aims to provide mutual support, understanding, and comfort through shared experiences. The organization does not condone any sort of discrimination or positive or negative reinforcement about religion or beliefs. AA does not promote any particular brand of religion. Instead, the organization encourages members to draw spiritual strength from their own faith-based beliefs. Many meetings include readings from religious texts, such as the Bible, and some end with a serenity prayer. However, prayers are optional, and participants are allowed to share without judgment.

Groups also tend to meet regularly, sometimes as often as once a week or multiple times per week, thus fostering a sense of camaraderie and making some members feel as if they are part of a “family” or community. Member serving as “leader” or “chair” opens the meeting using that group’s format, and selects a topic for discussion. Background for many topic meetings derives from A.A. Literature, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (Big Book), Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, As Bill Sees It, Daily Reflections, and from AA Grapevine.

Is AA for You?

We may receive advertising fees if you follow links to promoted online therapy websites. Families Anonymous is similar to Al-Anon except that by using the 12 Steps, it addresses issues related to alcohol, drugs, and behavioral problems. More than 15 million Americans have an alcohol-use disorder, and overuse of alcohol leads to nearly 90,000 deaths each year in the United States, according to data from the U.S.

• Following his hospital discharge, Wilson joined the Oxford Group and tried to recruit other alcoholics to the group.
• Many meetings close with members joining in a moment of silence followed by a prayer, or perhaps by reciting the Responsibility Statement or other A.A.
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is an internationally-reputed and widely-recognized organization devoted to helping individuals struggling with alcohol addiction find sobriety and achieve recovery.
• At the same time, it is important to recognize that society has created a stigma around members of groups like AA – this can hinder people from seeking help when they need it most.
• Many meetings begin with a reading from the Big Book — frequently a portion of Chapter 5 (“How It Works”) or Chapter 3 (“More About Alcoholism”).
• It was suggested that Wilson pay more attention to the scientific aspects of alcoholism treatment rather than the Christian elements of recovery.
• Learn about Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), a self-help fellowship for people with current or past alcohol use problems.

In many ways, AA serves as a first step in recovery and a source of strength for those seeking liberation from alcohol-related problems. Proof of attendance at meetings is not part of A.A.’s procedure. Each group is autonomous and has the right to choose whether or not to provide proof of attendance at their meeting. Some groups, with the consent of the prospective member, have an A.A. This may be provided  on a slip that has been furnished by the referral source, or via a digital method if the group is online.

Behavior-Based Meetings

There are no age or education requirements to participate. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about their drinking problem. Online meetings are digital meetings alcoholics anonymous held on platforms such as Zoom. Offline meetings, also called « face to face », « brick and mortar », or « in-person » meetings, are held in a shared physical real-world location.

Also, if you share about your story when asked to lead you don’t have to share anything that you’re not comfortable speaking about. All autobiography is subjective, and chances are if you landed in Alcoholics Anonymous you’ll have many interesting life experiences related to your drinking to share about. In 1939, High Watch Recovery Center in Kent, Connecticut, was founded by https://ecosoberhouse.com/ Bill Wilson and Marty Mann. Sister Francis who owned the farm tried to gift the spiritual retreat for alcoholics to Alcoholics Anonymous, however citing the sixth tradition Bill W. Turned down the gift but agreed to have a separate non-profit board run the facility composed of AA members. Bill Wilson and Marty Mann served on the High Watch board of directors for many years.

Agenda for Finance Meeting – 11 Sep 2023

The referred person is responsible for returning the proof of attendance. Some call for a moment of silence and/or recite the Serenity Prayer. The chair will often ask if there are any people new to A.A. Attending the meeting who would like to introduce themselves.