Alcoholics Anonymous

Structure and Membership in AA

AA is often referred to as a fellowship. There are no "rules" or "shoulds"; rather, there are Twelve Steps (suggestions for recovery that help each member's sobriety) and Twelve Traditions (guaranteeing AAs unity covering a guide to better ways of working and living). Because there is no formal membership, no one can be expelled from the group or punished. Members have the ability to interpret the program, as it is commonly called, as they like. Most alcoholics will not reach out to AA until they have hit "rock bottom" (had significant losses in their lives).

There is an estimated 1.7 million AA members in 150 countries. Membership is based solely on a desire to stop drinking. One need not be referred to AA, there is no formal registration process, no dues or fee to be paid, and no treatment plan developed. Participation is voluntary, not compulsory, although the criminal justice system may require AA attendance as a condition of probation or parole. The primary components of the AA model are to accept the label of being an "alcoholic," admit loss of control of use of alcohol, express a desire to quit drinking, and to become or remain abstinent from all forms of alcohol and mood-altering drugs. AA functions primarily as a support group for people with a common problem; there is no professional facilitator or group leader. According to AA, groups, which consist of at least two members, are the primary vehicles through which recovery takes place. There are an estimated 100,000 groups worldwide.

The group provides a sense of hope for individuals and has been written about extensively in the group literature. It also allows for a shared sense of purpose, a feeling of progress, and a sense of optimism as individuals recover and see their own change as well as that in others. AA gives many people a sense of faith, which guides them through recovery. Due to the perceived popularity and success of AA, group counseling has become the most popular method of treatment for alcoholism.

Meetings

Meetings, as the groups are referred to, are generally classified as open. Open meetings are available to anyone who wishes to attend, including longtime members and newcomers, alcoholic and nonalcoholic. Closed meetings are limited to individuals who identify themselves as members of the AA fellowship. Typically, closed meetings have a set of discussion topics (steps, the Big Book), and only AA members may attend. These meetings tend to be personal in nature or include an interpretation of the steps and traditions. Groups are available to meet many needs: newcomer groups for AA beginners; Big Book meetings, which center on the reading and interpretation of Alcoholic Anonymous; as well as groups that have been established to serve diverse populations, including women's groups, gay and lesbian groups, business-men groups, Hispanic groups, and many others. Meeting times and places are published in newspapers, or a local contact phone number can be obtained through the yellow pages or the AA Web site. Most meetings are held in donated spaces, thus allowing the meeting to take place for free.

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