AA Meeting Guide App

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a global fellowship of individuals who share their experiences, strength, and hope with each other to help solve their common problem of alcoholism. The organization is founded on the belief that individuals can recover from alcoholism by following a 12-step program and receiving support from others who are facing similar challenges.

Key Elements of AA:

The 12-Step Program:The AA program is centered around 12 steps that focus on personal growth, spiritual development, and accountability. These steps are intended to help individuals:Acknowledge their inability to control their addiction. Seek help from a higher power (however individuals define it). Take responsibility for their actions and make amends where necessary. Maintain continuous personal growth and recovery.

The 12 Traditions: AA’s 12 Traditions govern how the organization functions, with a focus on unity, anonymity, and the primary purpose of helping individuals recover from alcoholism. Key traditions include:The fellowship should be non-professional, with no fees or dues. AA’s primary purpose is to help people stay sober and help others achieve sobriety. Anonymity is a core principle, ensuring confidentiality among members.

Meetings: AA meetings are gatherings where members come together to share their experiences with alcohol addiction and recovery. These meetings are typically open to anyone who wants to stop drinking, and they often involve:

• Discussion meetings: Members talk about their personal experiences.

• Speaker meetings: A member shares their recovery story for the group.

• Step and Tradition meetings: Focus on the principles of the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions.

• Closed meetings: Only those struggling with alcoholism may attend.

• Open meetings: These are open to anyone who wants to attend, including family members or friends of alcoholics.
  

• Sponsorship: A key component of the AA program is the sponsor-sponsee relationship. Sponsors are experienced members who guide newcomers through the 12 steps, offering support and advice.

• Anonymity: AA’s commitment to anonymity ensures that members' identities are kept private. This principle is fundamental to creating a safe, supportive environment for individuals to share their struggles without fear of judgment or public disclosure.

• Spirituality, Not Religion: AA does not align with any specific religion but encourages individuals to develop their own spiritual beliefs. The concept of a “higher power” in the program is flexible and can be interpreted in many ways depending on the individual’s personal beliefs.

• Global Reach: AA is a worldwide organization, with meetings in over 180 countries. It provides a network of support that transcends cultural, geographic, and social boundaries. The program has been adapted in different regions and languages to accommodate diverse populations.

• AA Literature: AA offers a range of literature, the most well-known being Alcoholics Anonymous (often referred to as the "Big Book"), which outlines the 12 steps, the stories of recovering alcoholics, and the philosophy behind the program. Other materials include workbooks, pamphlets, and audio resources.

• The AA Promise: AA holds the belief that anyone who earnestly desires to stop drinking can find a path to recovery. By participating in the program, members can experience profound personal transformation and find freedom from alcoholism.

Key Features of AA:

• Free and open to all: There are no fees or dues to be part of AA, and the organization is open to anyone who wishes to stop drinking.

• Voluntary participation: Individuals are not required to stay in the program once they’ve started; participation is voluntary.

• Supportive environment: Members support one another, creating a safe space to talk about struggles with alcohol.

• No professional counseling: AA is a peer support group, with members providing help and guidance, rather than professional therapists.

AA’s 12-step program has influenced many other recovery programs for various addictions, and its emphasis on mutual support has been a cornerstone for those seeking long-term sobriety.