Comprehensive Guide to Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.)

Explore Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.), a global support network dedicated to alcohol recovery. Discover how A.A. meetings work, who can participate, and how to locate one near you.

Buddy T is an experienced writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee, with decades dedicated to educating about alcoholism. To honor the group's commitment to anonymity, he uses a pseudonym and does not share his photo on this platform.

Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) is a worldwide fellowship aimed at helping individuals overcome alcohol dependence and maintain lasting sobriety. Attendance at meetings is free, and they are conveniently available in many locations globally.

In this article, we delve into the nature of A.A. meetings, their benefits, eligibility for membership, and scientific insights into their effectiveness in supporting recovery from alcohol misuse.

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Origins of Alcoholics Anonymous

Founded in 1935 by Bill W. and Dr. Bob S. in Akron, Ohio, Alcoholics Anonymous began when these two men discovered the profound power of mutual support among those struggling with alcoholism. Their initial group included only themselves and a hospital patient.

The publication of the seminal book Alcoholics Anonymous, commonly called the "Big Book," in 1939, along with a 1941 feature in the Saturday Evening Post, significantly expanded the movement.

Who Is Welcome to Join Alcoholics Anonymous?

The sole requirement to become a member of A.A. is a genuine desire to stop drinking. There are no other prerequisites or barriers to attending meetings.

Participants may come voluntarily, be encouraged by loved ones, or attend as part of court mandates, such as after DUI convictions. Regardless of referral source, A.A. focuses solely on supporting the individual attendee.

Despite references to "God" and a "higher power" in its literature, A.A. welcomes individuals of all faiths and beliefs, including those who identify as non-religious.

Understanding A.A. Meetings

A.A. meetings are categorized as either open or closed. Open meetings welcome anyone interested, whereas closed meetings are exclusive to members. The majority of meetings are closed.

There are four primary meeting formats:

Beginners: Tailored for newcomers, these sessions are led by experienced members and focus on introductory discussions or exploring the first three of the Twelve Steps.
Discussion: Guided by a chairperson, these meetings cover topics like the Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, and daily reflections.
Speaker: Featuring one or two members sharing their personal recovery stories, often requiring a period of sustained sobriety before participation. Typically, these are open meetings.
Step, Tradition, or Big Book: Focuses on reading and reflecting on A.A. literature together.

What to Expect at an A.A. Meeting

Meetings usually begin with the chairperson opening the session, sometimes followed by the Serenity Prayer or a moment of silence. Newcomers are invited to introduce themselves but are not obligated.

A passage from the Big Book is often read, reinforcing the importance of confidentiality and anonymity. Meetings typically conclude with a prayer, moment of silence, the Responsibility Statement, or a reading from A.A. texts.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of A.A. Meetings

Are A.A. meetings truly helpful? Research indicates they are. A 2020 review of 27 studies involving over 10,000 participants found that A.A. and similar twelve-step programs effectively promote abstinence and perform comparably to other treatment methods.

Additional studies highlight the benefits of peer support in substance use recovery, including improved outcomes for individuals facing both addiction and mental health challenges.

Is Alcoholics Anonymous the Right Choice for You?

While A.A. incorporates spiritual elements, it is not tied to any specific religion, which may be a consideration for some. Success often depends on finding a meeting that fits your personal needs and background.

Different groups cater to diverse demographics, so exploring various meetings can help identify the best environment. Since there are no fees, attending a meeting to see if it suits you is risk-free.

If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol use, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for local support and treatment options.

For additional mental health resources, consult our National Helpline Database.

How to Locate an A.A. Meeting Near You

Residents of North America can find local A.A. meetings by visiting the official Alcoholics Anonymous website, which offers a search tool by state or region to list nearby meetings.

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References

Verywell Mind relies on authoritative sources, including peer-reviewed research, to ensure accuracy and trustworthiness. Our editorial process guarantees the reliability of our content.

Mendola A, Gibson RL. Addiction, 12-step programs, and ethical treatment recommendations. AMA J Ethics. 2016;18(6):646-655. doi:10.1001/journalofethics.2016.18.6.sect1-1606
Alcoholics Anonymous. Understanding Alcoholics Anonymous and spirituality.
Kelly JF, Humphreys K, Ferri M. Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step programs for alcohol use disorder. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;3:CD012880. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012880.pub2
Bassuk EL, Hanson J, Greene RN, Richard M, Laudet A. Peer-delivered recovery support services for addictions: A systematic review. J Subst Abuse Treat. 2016;63:1-9. doi:10.1016/j.jsat.2016.01.003

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