Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who come together to solve their drinking problem. It doesn’t cost anything to attend A.A. meetings. There are no age or education requirements to participate. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about their drinking problem.
A.A.’s primary purpose is to help alcoholics to achieve sobriety.
Alcoholism is a family disease. Has your life been effected by someone’s drinking? Al-Anon and Alanteen of New Jersey is a fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics. They share their experience, strength and hope in order to solve their common problems.
If you are a family member of an alcoholic, Al-Anon is a source of information. Click here to learn more.
How it Began
A.A. was founded in 1935 by Bill W. and Dr. Bob in Cleveland, Ohio. It began slowly with the two men who, after they got sober themselves, went to a local hospital and began helping a third man get and stay sober. Since then, Alcoholics Anonymous has grown to a global movement where one member of A.A. helps another person achieve sobriety. Click here to read more about the history of A.A.
How it Works
For the individual, AA works through the 12 Steps. Similarly, the individual groups and meetings follow the 12 Traditions. Together, these two sets of guiding principles have ensured that AA remains completely unaffiliated and effective as a means to treat and overcome alcohol addiction.
A.A. Meetings
When someone has decided to stop drinking, they can attend an A.A. Meeting. Click here to learn more about what to expect at a meeting and descriptions of the types of meetings offered. To find a local meeting, click here.
AA Literature
The Big Book is a good place to start if you want to learn more about A.A. Here is a link to all the chapters in the book: “Big Book” of Alcoholics Anonymous
The book “Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions” explains the 24 basic principles of Alcoholics Anonymous. Known as the “Twelve and Twelve,” the book dedicates a chapter to each Step and each Tradition. Chapters provide an interpretation of these principles for personal recovery and the organization of the group. Here is a link to all the chapters in the book: 12 Steps & 12 Traditions
Click below to view some of the most common A. A readings at meetings:
The Preamble of Alcoholics Anonymous
More About Alcoholism (from pg 30 of the Big Book)
A Vision for You: (from pg 164 of the Big Book)
The Promises (pgs 83-84)