Alcoholics Anonymous

The A.A. Philosophy

A key to their philosophy is that A.A. views alcoholics as lacking the ability to control their drinking once they begin and that help outside the self is needed to gain and maintain sobriety. Although A.A. and its members do not seek out alcoholics who would benefit from A.A., they espouse the notion that those who seek help must be taught that alcoholism cannot be cured, but it can be treated via total abstinence. The typical path of A.A. participants is to first hit rock bottom because of their drinking habits, then to attend A.A. to become sober, and then to continue in a state of recovery by attending A.A. meetings.

A.A. Meetings

It is in the A.A. meetings where the therapeutic value of talking comes into play; talking topics are limited to those relating only to alcohol. Meetings generally include a recitation of the Twelve Steps, a motivational speaker (usually a member), and the Serenity Prayer. Outside of these core elements, the meetings are quite autonomous in that they are member driven, and each group creates its own culture and traditions.

The meetings are designed to offer each member an outlet to talk about personal alcohol-related experiences and to hear the stories of others; the therapeutic value of such talk has been the core of the program. The interpersonal climate of the A.A. meeting is one that typically encourages relationships based on the common goal of abstinence. In addition, the meetings offer members a place to meet new friends, hear inspirational speakers, and socialize in an alcohol-free environment.

The open meetings allow for anyone to attend with the pledge to not reveal the names of the participants. The closed meetings are only for A.A. members so they can discuss problems and situations that are specific to alcohol; closed meetings also give the newcomers opportunities to ask questions of veteran A.A. members. A.A. meetings are available in most towns and cities all across the United States and in 150 countries.

A.A. meetings in an online environment are the most recent advancement and source for support. Online meetings exist for convenience and for those who are unable to attend meetings due to geographic locale, or physical inability to attend due to lack of mobility.

Eighty-six percent of A.A. members belong to a home group, which is the meeting group they primarily attend; this group is where the member volunteers time, gives support, makes friends, and receives support from other members. In addition to attending meetings with the home group, A.A. members often seek out and attend meetings when they are away from home. Listings of A.A. meetings are found in newspapers, A.A. booklets, and through word of mouth. Often groups are formed based on demographics or particular needs; these include meetings for beginners, women only, men only, gay or lesbian individuals, nonsmokers, and Spanish speakers, to name a few.

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