P-2 Frequently Asked Questions About A.A. · 475 Riverside Drive New York, NY 10115 Mail address:...

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ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS® is a fellowship of menand women who share their experience, strengthand hope with each other that they may solvetheir common problem and help others to recoverfrom alcoholism.

• The only requirement for membership is adesire to stop drinking. There are no dues or feesfor A.A. membership; we are self-supportingthrough our own contributions.

• A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination,politics, organization or institution; does not wishto engage in any controversy; neither endorsesnor opposes any causes.

• Our primary purpose is to stay sober andhelp other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.

Copyright © by A.A. Grapevine, Inc.;reprinted with permission

Copyright © 1952Works Publishing, Inc.

(Now known as Alcoholics AnonymousWorld Services, Inc.)

Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.475 Riverside DriveNew York, NY 10115

Mail address: Box 459Grand Central Station

New York, NY 10163

www.aa.org

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Frequently Asked QuestionsAbout A.A.

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llowship of men erience, strength they may solve others to recover membership is a e no dues or fees

self-supporting

ct, denomination, n; does not wish

neither endorses o stay sober and obriety.

.A. Grapevine, Inc.;nted with permission

52 Inc.

Anonymous c.)

d Services, Inc. ve 15

x 459 ion 0163


Questions and Answers About Alcoholics Anonymous

Several million people have probably heard orread about Alcoholics Anonymous since its begin-nings in 1935. Some are relatively familiar with theprogram of recovery from alcoholism that hashelped more than 2,000,000 problem drinkers.Others have only a vague impression that A.A. issome sort of organization that somehow helpsdrunks stop drinking.

This pamphlet is designed for those who areinterested in A.A. for themselves, for a friend orrelative, or simply because they wish to be betterinformed about this unusual Fellowship. Includedon the following pages are answers to many of thespecific questions that have been asked about A.A.in the past. They add up to the story of a looselyknit society of men and women who have onegreat interest in common: the desire to stay soberthemselves and to help other alcoholics who seekhelp for their drinking problem.

The thousands of men and women who havecome into A.A. in recent years are not altruisticdo-gooders. Their eagerness and willingness tohelp other alcoholics may be termed enlightenedself-interest. Members of A.A. appreciate that theirown sobriety is largely dependent on continuingcontact with alcoholics.

After reading this pamphlet, you may have ques-tions that do not seem to be answered fully in thisbrief summary. A.A. groups in many metropolitanareas have a central or intergroup office, listed in thetelephone book under “Alcoholics Anonymous.” Itcan direct you to the nearest A.A. meeting, wheremembers will be glad to give you additional informa-tion. In smaller communities, a single group mayhave a telephone listing. If there is no A.A. groupnear you, feel free to write direct to Box 459, GrandCentral Station, New York, NY 10163. You can besure that your anonymity will be protected.

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Alcoholism and Alcoholics

Not too long ago, alcoholism was viewed as a moralproblem. Today, many regard it primarily as ahealth problem. To each problem drinker, it willalways remain an intensely personal matter.Alcoholics who approach A.A. frequently ask ques-tions that apply to their own experience, their ownfears, and their own hopes for a better way of life.

What is alcoholism?

There are many different ideas about what alco-holism really is.

The explanation that seems to make sense tomost A.A. members is that alcoholism is an illness,a progressive illness, which can never be cured butwhich, like some other diseases, can be arrested.Going one step further, many A.A.s feel that the ill-ness represents the combination of a physical sen-sitivity to alcohol and a mental obsession withdrinking, which, regardless of consequences, can-not be broken by willpower alone.

Before they are exposed to A.A., many alco-holics who are unable to stop drinking think ofthemselves as morally weak or, possibly, mentallyunbalanced. The A.A. concept is that alcoholics aresick people who can recover if they will follow asimple program that has proved successful formore than two million men and women.

Once alcoholism has set in, there is nothingmorally wrong about being ill. At this stage, freewill is not involved, because the sufferer has lostthe power of choice over alcohol. The importantthing is to face the facts of one’s illness and to takeadvantage of the help that is available. There mustalso be a desire to get well. Experience shows thatthe A.A. program will work for all alcoholics whoare sincere in their efforts to stop drinking; it usu-ally will not work for those not absolutely certainthat they want to stop.

How can I tell if I am really an alcoholic?

Only you can make that decision. Many who arenow in A.A. have previously been told that theywere not alcoholics, that all they needed was morewillpower, a change of scenery, more rest, or a fewnew hobbies in order to straighten out. These same

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trol your drinkin leaves two paths o worse and worse follow, or to quit pattern of sober, c

Can’t an A.A. m

There are, of cou checks up on me not they are drink question is that i ing alcohol in any is alcohol whethe and soda, a bour champagne — or one drink of alco much, and twenty

To be sure of stay away from alc ture, or concentrati

Obviously, few on one or two bo this as well as the convince themsel take two or three Occasionally, they for a number of decide that as lon as well “do a goo sumption of beer liquor. And again,

I can stay sobe between binges whether I need

Most A.A.s will how often, that de an alcoholic. M weeks, months, their bouts with sobriety, they m thought. Witho they are able to they prefer to leav

Then, for som reason at all, they

people finally turned to A.A. because they felt, deepdown inside, that alcohol had them licked and thatthey were ready to try anything that would freethem from the compulsion to drink.

Some of these men and women went throughterrifying experiences with alcohol before theywere ready to admit that alcohol was not for them.They became derelicts, stole, lied, cheated, andeven killed while they were drinking. They tookadvantage of their employers and abused theirfamilies. They were completely unreliable in theirrelations with others. They wasted their material,mental, and spiritual assets.

Many others with far less tragic records haveturned to A.A., too. They have never been jailed orhospitalized. Their too-heavy drinking may nothave been noticed by their closest relatives andfriends. But they knew enough about alcoholismas a progressive illness to scare them. They joinedA.A. before they had paid too heavy a price.

There is a saying in A.A. that there is no suchthing as being a little bit alcoholic. Either you are,or you are not. And only the individual involvedcan say whether or not alcohol has become anunmanageable problem.

Can an alcoholic ever drink ‘normally’ again?

So far as can be determined, no one who hasbecome an alcoholic has ever ceased to be an alco-holic. The mere fact of abstaining from alcohol formonths or even years has never qualified an alco-holic to drink “normally” or socially. Once the indi-vidual has crossed the borderline from heavydrinking to irresponsible alcoholic drinking, thereseems to be no retreat. Few alcoholics deliberatelytry to drink themselves into trouble, but troubleseems to be the inevitable consequence of an alco-holic’s drinking. After quitting for a period, thealcoholic may feel it is safe to try a few beers or afew glasses of light wine. This can mislead the per-son into drinking only with meals. But it is not toolong before the alcoholic is back in the old patternof too-heavy drinking — in spite of all efforts to setlimits for only moderate, social drinking.

The answer, based on A.A. experience, is that ifyou are an alcoholic, you will never be able to con-

8


trol your drinking for any length of time. Thatleaves two paths open: to let your drinking becomeworse and worse with all the damaging results thatfollow, or to quit completely and to develop a newpattern of sober, constructive living.

Can’t an A.A. member drink even beer?

There are, of course, no musts in A.A., and no onechecks up on members to determine whether ornot they are drinking anything. The answer to thisquestion is that if a person is an alcoholic, touch-ing alcohol in any form cannot be risked. Alcoholis alcohol whether it is found in a martini, a Scotchand soda, a bourbon and branch water, a glass ofchampagne — or a short beer. For the alcoholic,one drink of alcohol in any form is likely to be toomuch, and twenty drinks are not enough.

To be sure of sobriety, alcoholics simply have tostay away from alcohol, regardless of the quantity, mix-ture, or concentration they may think they can control.

Obviously, few persons are going to get drunkon one or two bottles of beer. The alcoholic knowsthis as well as the next person. But alcoholics mayconvince themselves that they are simply going totake two or three beers and then quit for the day.Occasionally, they may actually follow this programfor a number of days or weeks, Eventually, theydecide that as long as they are drinking, they mayas well “do a good job.” So they increase their con-sumption of beer or wine. Or they switch to hardliquor. And again, they are back where they started.

I can stay sober quite a while between binges; how can I tell whether I need A.A.?

Most A.A.s will say that it’s how you drink, nothow often, that determines whether or not you arean alcoholic. Many problem drinkers can goweeks, months, and occasionally years betweentheir bouts with liquor. During their periods ofsobriety, they may not give alcohol a secondthought. Without mental or emotional effort, they are able to take it or leave it alone, and they prefer to leave it alone.

Then, for some unaccountable reason, or for noreason at all, they go off on a first-class binge.

9

use they felt, deep m licked and that g that would free k.

en went through ohol before they

was not for them. ed, cheated, and nking. They took

nd abused their unreliable in their ed their material,

gic records have

ver been jailed or rinking may not

est relatives and about alcoholism

hem. They joined vy a price.

there is no such c. Either you are,

dividual involved has become an

no one who has sed to be an alco-

g from alcohol for qualified an alco-

ly. Once the indi- line from heavy

c drinking, there holics deliberately

uble, but trouble quence of an alco- for a period, the

a few beers or a n mislead the per- s. But it is not too in the old pattern

of all efforts to set inking. perience, is that if

er be able to con-


sets forth the bas gram. But nearly tion to do so prom with whom to sha

The A.A. prog when it is recogn involving other p holics in the loc seem to learn mo to handle it. The others who share sent problems, a feelings of lonelin tant factor in their

Won’t everyone if I come into A

Anonymity is and A.A. program. M been in A.A. awh the word gets ar lowship that e Traditionally, A.A with the moveme any other public to break the anon

This means th with the assuran violate confidenc problem. The old ate how the new their own fears ab what seems to be

Once in A.A amused at those generally known When alcoholics travels with rem have made name drunks by the tim ing, with rare e well-kept secre it would be unu the alcoholic’s c cause comment.

Whatever the the newcomer’s

They neglect job, family, and other civic andsocial responsibilities. The spree may last a singlenight, or it may be prolonged for days or weeks.When it is over, the drinker is usually weak andremorseful, determined never to let it happenagain. But it does happen again.

This type of “periodic” drinking is baffling, notonly to those around the drinker, but also to theperson still drinking. He or she cannot understandwhy there should be so little interest in alcoholduring the periods between binges, or so little con-trol over it once the drinking starts.

The periodic drinker may or may not be analcoholic. But if drinking has become unmanage-able and if the periods between binges are becom-ing shorter, chances are the time has come to faceup to the problem. If the person is ready to admitto being an alcoholic, then the first step has beentaken toward the continuing sobriety enjoyed bythousands upon thousands of A.A.s.

Others say I am not an alcoholic. But my drinking seems to be getting worse.Should I join A.A.?

Many members of A.A., during their drinking days,were assured by relatives, friends, and doctors thatthey were not alcoholics. The alcoholic usuallyadds to the problem by an unwillingness to realisti-cally face the facts of drinking. By not being com-pletely honest, the problem drinker makes it diffi-cult for a doctor to provide any help. The amazingthing, in fact, is that so many doctors have beenable to penetrate the typical problem drinker’sdeceptions and diagnose the problem correctly.

It cannot be emphasized too often that theimportant decision — am I an alcoholic? — has tobe made by the drinker. Only he or she — not thedoctor, the family, or friends — can make it. Butonce it is made, half the battle for sobriety is won.If the question is left to others to decide, the alco-holic may be dragging out needlessly the dangersand misery of uncontrollable drinking.

Can a person achieve sobriety all alone byreading A.A. literature?

A few people have stopped drinking after readingAlcoholics Anonymous, the A.A. “Big Book,” which

10


sets forth the basic principles of the recovery pro-gram. But nearly all of those who were in a posi-tion to do so promptly sought out other alcoholicswith whom to share their experience and sobriety.

The A.A. program works best for the individualwhen it is recognized and accepted as a programinvolving other people. Working with other alco-holics in the local A.A. group, problem drinkersseem to learn more about their problem and howto handle it. They find themselves surrounded byothers who share their past experiences, their pre-sent problems, and their hopes. They shed thefeelings of loneliness that may have been an impor-tant factor in their compulsion to drink.

Won’t everyone know I am an alcoholic if I come into A.A.?

Anonymity is and always has been the basis of theA.A. program. Most members, after they havebeen in A.A. awhile, have no particular objection ifthe word gets around that they have joined a fel-lowship that enables them to stay sober.Traditionally, A.A.s never disclose their associationwith the movement in print, on the air, or throughany other public media. And no one has the rightto break the anonymity of another member.

This means that the newcomer can turn to A.A.with the assurance that no newfound friends willviolate confidences relating to his or her drinkingproblem. The older members of the group appreci-ate how the newcomer feels. They can remembertheir own fears about being identified publicly withwhat seems to be a terrifying word — “alcoholic.”

Once in A.A., newcomers may be slightlyamused at those past worries about its becominggenerally known that they have stopped drinking.When alcoholics drink, news of their escapadestravels with remarkable speed. Most alcoholicshave made names for themselves as full-fledgeddrunks by the time they turn to A.A. Their drink-ing, with rare exceptions, is not likely to be awell-kept secret. Under these circumstances, it would be unusual indeed if the good news of the alcoholic’s continuing sobriety did not alsocause comment.

Whatever the circumstances, no disclosure ofthe newcomer’s affiliation with A.A. can rightfully

11

d other civic and may last a single r days or weeks. usually weak and

to let it happen ng is baffling, not

r, but also to the annot understand

terest in alcohol es, or so little con-

ts. r may not be an

come unmanage- inges are becom-

has come to face is ready to admit rst step has been

briety enjoyed by A.s.

holic. But my g worse.

eir drinking days, , and doctors that alcoholic usually ngness to realisti- y not being com-

ker makes it diffi- elp. The amazing

octors have been oblem drinker’s

lem correctly. o often that the

coholic? — has to or she — not the

can make it. But r sobriety is won.

decide, the alco- essly the dangers

king.

ety all alone by

king after reading Big Book,” which


always apparent holic may then h ingenuity, and co business succe undoubtedly help controlled mann alcoholic, if only ing, is inclined to tance than they d

Will A.A. work who has really

The record show anyone who reall ter what the per ground may be. members many jails, and in other

The down-and coming to A.A. H that has made life the central proble The worth of a m the basis of the c guage, or the siz ance. The only th or not the newcom If the desire is th Chances are, the new member cou ing number of p backgrounds and

Do alcoholics ever join A.A.?

Most men and w the low point in t not always the c joined the Fellow what they hoped recognizing that had been dry for ing a member. Se a happy experien upsets over mino about to lead to f when a friend sug

be made by anyone but the newcomer, and thenonly in such a way that the Fellowship will not be harmed.

How can I get along in business, where I have to make a lot of social contacts, if I don’t drink?

Social drinking has become an accepted part ofbusiness enterprise in many fields these days.Many contacts with customers and prospectivecustomers are timed to coincide with occasionswhen cocktails, highballs, or cordials seem theappropriate order of the day or night. Many now inA.A. would be the first to concede that they hadoften transacted important business in bars, cock-tail lounges, or hotel rooms or even during partiesin private homes.

It is surprising, however, how much of theworld’s work is accomplished without the benefit ofalcohol. It is equally surprising to many alcoholicsto discover how many recognized leaders in busi-ness, industry, professional life, and the arts haveattained success without dependence on alcohol.

In fact, many who are now sober in A.A. admitthat they used “business contacts” as one of sever-al excuses for drinking. Now that they no longerdrink, they find that they can actually accomplishmore than they used to. Sobriety has proved nohindrance to their ability to win friends and influ-ence people who might contribute to their eco-nomic success.

This does not mean that all A.A.s suddenlyavoid their friends or business associates whodrink. If a friend wants a cocktail or two beforelunch, the A.A. will usually take a soft drink, coffee, or one of the popular juices. If the A.A. isinvited to a cocktail party being given for busi-ness reasons, there will generally be no hesitationabout attending. The alcoholic knows from expe-rience that most of the other guests are concerned with their own drinks, and are not like-ly to care particularly what anyone else happens to be drinking.

While beginning to take pride in the quality andquantity of work on the job, the newcomer to A.A.is likely to find that the payoff in most lines of busi-ness is still based on performance. This was not

12


always apparent in the drinking days. The alco-holic may then have been convinced that charm,ingenuity, and conviviality were the chief keys tobusiness success. While these qualities areundoubtedly helpful to the person who drinks in acontrolled manner, they are not enough for thealcoholic, if only because the latter, while drink-ing, is inclined to assign to them far more impor-tance than they deserve.

Will A.A. work for the person who has really ‘hit bottom’?

The record shows that A.A. will work for almostanyone who really wants to stop drinking, no mat-ter what the person’s economic or social back-ground may be. A.A. today includes among itsmembers many who have been on skid row, injails, and in other public institutions.

The down-and-outer is at no disadvantage incoming to A.A. His or her basic problem, the thingthat has made life unmanageable, is identical withthe central problem of every other member of A.A.The worth of a member in A.A. is not judged onthe basis of the clothes worn, the handling of lan-guage, or the size (or existence) of the bank bal-ance. The only thing that counts in A.A. is whetheror not the newcomer really wants to stop drinking.If the desire is there, the person will be welcomed.Chances are, the most rugged drinking story thenew member could tell will be topped by an amaz-ing number of people in the group, with similarbackgrounds and experiences.

Do alcoholics who are already soberever join A.A.?

Most men and women turn to A.A. when they hitthe low point in their drinking careers. But this isnot always the case. A number of persons havejoined the Fellowship long after they have hadwhat they hoped was their last drink. One person,recognizing that alcohol could not be controlled,had been dry for six or seven years before becom-ing a member. Self-enforced sobriety had not beena happy experience. Rising tension and a series ofupsets over minor problems of daily living wereabout to lead to further experiments with alcohol,when a friend suggested that A.A. should be inves-

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comer, and then lowship will not

ness, f nk?

accepted part of elds these days.

and prospective e with occasions

ordials seem the ght. Many now in

de that they had ess in bars, cock-

en during parties

ow much of the hout the benefit of many alcoholics

d leaders in busi- and the arts have

nce on alcohol. ber in A.A. admit

” as one of sever- at they no longer

tually accomplish y has proved no

friends and influ- ute to their eco- A.A.s suddenly

associates who ail or two before ke a soft drink, ces. If the A.A. is g given for busi-

y be no hesitation nows from expe- her guests are

and are not like- at anyone else

in the quality and newcomer to A.A.

most lines of busi- ce. This was not


If the newcomer alcoholic and tha number of specif structure, and his come up. Here ar

What is Alcoho

There are two pr first is the famil objectives that ap

“Alcoholics An and women who and hope with e their common pr er from alcohol membership is a are no dues or fe self-supporting t A.A. is not allie politics, organiza to engage in any nor opposes any to stay sober a achieve sobriety.

The “commo men and women bers of A.A. are even though they have finally reco able to handle al away from it com that they do not gle-handedly. Th open with other a ence, strength an ment that makes out alcohol and, i ng to drink.

The second Anonymous is t Society. Numeric 2,000,000 men an countries. These range in size from localities to many

tigated. Since then, this person has been a mem-ber for many years, and says there is no compari-son between the happy sobriety of today and theself-pitying sobriety of yesterday.

Others report similar experiences. While theyknow that it is possible to stay grimly sober forconsiderable periods of time, they say that it ismuch easier for them to enjoy and strengthentheir sobriety when they meet and work withother alcoholics in A.A. Like most members of thehuman race, they see little point in deliberatelydoing things the hard way. Given the choice ofsobriety with or without A.A., they deliberatelychoose A.A.

Why is A.A. interested in problem drinkers?

Members of A.A. have a selfish interest in offeringa helping hand to other alcoholics who have notyet achieved sobriety. First, they know from expe-rience that this type of activity, usually referred toas “Twelfth Step work,” helps them to stay sober.Their lives now have a great and compelling inter-est. Very likely, reminders of their own previousexperience with alcohol help them to avoid theoverconfidence that could lead to a relapse.Whatever the explanation, A.A.s who give freely oftheir time and effort to help other alcoholics sel-dom have trouble preserving their own sobriety.

A.A.s are anxious to help problem drinkers fora second reason: It gives them an opportunity tosquare their debt to those who helped them. It isthe only practical way in which the individual’sdebt to A.A. can ever be repaid. The A.A. memberknows that sobriety cannot be bought and thatthere is no long-term lease on it. The A.A. doesknow, however, that a new way of life without alcohol may be had simply for the asking, if it ishonestly wanted and willingly shared with thosewho follow.

Traditionally, A.A. never “recruits” members,never urges that anyone should become a mem-ber, and never solicits or accepts outside funds.

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The Fellowship of A.A.

If the newcomer is satisfied that he or she is analcoholic and that A.A. may be able to help, then anumber of specific questions about the nature,structure, and history of the movement itself usuallycome up. Here are some of the most common ones.

What is Alcoholics Anonymous?

There are two practical ways to describe A.A. Thefirst is the familiar description of purposes andobjectives that appears earlier:

“Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of menand women who share their experience, strengthand hope with each other that they may solvetheir common problem and help others to recov-er from alcoholism. The only requirement formembership is a desire to stop drinking. Thereare no dues or fees for A.A. membership; we areself-supporting through our own contributions.A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination,politics, organization or institution; does not wishto engage in any controversy; neither endorsesnor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose isto stay sober and help other alcoholics toachieve sobriety.”

The “common problem” is alcoholism. Themen and women who consider themselves mem-bers of A.A. are, and always will be, alcoholics,even though they may have other addictions. Theyhave finally recognized that they are no longerable to handle alcohol in any form; they now stayaway from it completely. The important thing isthat they do not try to deal with the problem sin-gle-handedly. They bring the problem out into theopen with other alcoholics. This sharing of “experi-ence, strength and hope” seems to be the key ele-ment that makes it possible for them to live with-out alcohol and, in most cases, without even wanti-ng to drink.

The second way to describe AlcoholicsAnonymous is to outline the structure of theSociety. Numerically, A.A. consists of more than2,000,000 men and women, in approximately 170countries. These people meet in local groups thatrange in size from a handful of ex-drinkers in somelocalities to many hundreds in larger communities.

15

has been a mem- re is no compari- of today and the

nces. While they

grimly sober for hey say that it is

and strengthen t and work with t members of the nt in deliberately

en the choice of hey deliberately

nterest in offering cs who have not

know from expe- sually referred to

em to stay sober. compelling inter-

eir own previous hem to avoid the

ad to a relapse. who give freely of

er alcoholics sel- r own sobriety.

blem drinkers for an opportunity to

helped them. It is h the individual’s The A.A. member

bought and that t. The A.A. does y of life without he asking, if it is hared with those

cruits” members,

become a mem- outside funds.


Understandab ten tradition that boisterous enoug asked to leave; th back at any time ing. Meanwhile, their best to help there is a sincere

What does mem

Membership in A tions of any kind from alcoholism desire to stop dr broke or the poss

Most local gro defray the cost other meeting ex wiches, cakes, or a large majority thus collected is national and inte funds are used e to help new and the word of the many alcoholics w

The importan ship in A.A. is in support of the F have, in fact, pl amount that can A.A. is entirely contributions are

Who runs A.A.

A.A. has no office or authority over ernment” in A.A. in an informal org done. In the loca has to arrange fo ings have to be sc sion has to be m snacks that cont comradeship of also consider it responsibility of k

In the populous metropolitan areas, there maybe scores of neighborhood groups, each holdingits own regular meetings. Many A.A. meetings areopen to the public; some groups also hold “closed meetings,” where members are encour-aged to discuss problems that might not be fullyappreciated by nonalcoholics.

The local group is the core of the A.A.Fellowship. Its open meetings welcome alcoholicsand their families in an atmosphere of friendlinessand helpfulness. There are now more than 114,000groups throughout the world, including hundredsin hospitals, prisons, and other institutions.

How did A.A. get started?

Alcoholics Anonymous had its beginnings in Akron,Ohio, in 1935 when a New Yorker on businessthere and successfully sober for the first time inyears sought out another alcoholic. During his fewmonths of sobriety, the New Yorker had noticedthat his desire to drink lessened when he tried tohelp other drunks to get sober. In Akron, he wasdirected to a local doctor with a drinking problem.Working together, the businessman and the doctorfound that their ability to stay sober seemed closelyrelated to the amount of help and encouragementthey were able to give other alcoholics.

For four years, the new movement, nameless andwithout any organization or descriptive literature,grew slowly. Groups were established in Akron,New York, Cleveland, and a few other centers.

In 1939, with the publication of the bookAlcoholics Anonymous, from which the Fellowshipderived its name, and as the result of the help of anumber of nonalcoholic friends, the Society beganto attract national and international attention.

A service office was opened in New York Cityto handle the thousands of inquiries and requestsfor literature that pour in each year.

Are there any rules in A.A.?

The absence of rules, regulations, or musts is oneof the unique features of A.A. as a local group andas a worldwide fellowship. There are no bylawsthat say a member has to attend a certain numberof meetings within a given period.

16


Understandably, most groups have an unwrit-ten tradition that anyone who is still drinking, andboisterous enough to disturb a meeting, may beasked to leave; the same person will be welcomedback at any time when not likely to disrupt a meet-ing. Meanwhile, members of the group will dotheir best to help bring sobriety to the person ifthere is a sincere desire to stop drinking.

What does membership in A.A. cost?

Membership in A.A. involves no financial obliga-tions of any kind. The A.A. program of recoveryfrom alcoholism is available to anyone who has adesire to stop drinking, whether he or she is flatbroke or the possessor of millions.

Most local groups “pass the hat” at meetings todefray the cost of renting a meeting place andother meeting expenses, including coffee, sand-wiches, cakes, or whatever else may be served. Ina large majority of the groups, part of the moneythus collected is voluntarily contributed to A.A.’snational and international services. These groupfunds are used exclusively for services designedto help new and established groups and to spreadthe word of the A.A. recovery program to “themany alcoholics who still don’t know.”

The important consideration is that member-ship in A.A. is in no way contingent upon financialsupport of the Fellowship. Many A.A. groupshave, in fact, placed strict limitations on theamount that can be contributed by any member.A.A. is entirely self-supporting, and no outsidecontributions are accepted.

Who runs A.A.?

A.A. has no officers or executives who wield poweror authority over the Fellowship. There is no “gov-ernment” in A.A. It is obvious, however, that evenin an informal organization, certain jobs have to bedone. In the local group, for example, someonehas to arrange for a suitable meeting place; meet-ings have to be scheduled and programmed; provi-sion has to be made for serving the coffee andsnacks that contribute so much to the informalcomradeship of A.A. gatherings; many groups also consider it wise to assign to someone theresponsibility of keeping in touch with the national

17

areas, there may ps, each holding A.A. meetings are

oups also hold bers are encour-

might not be fully

ore of the A.A. elcome alcoholics

re of friendliness more than 114,000

cluding hundreds stitutions.

ginnings in Akron, ker on business the first time in c. During his few

rker had noticed when he tried to In Akron, he was

drinking problem. an and the doctor

er seemed closely d encouragement

olics. ent, nameless and criptive literature,

lished in Akron, her centers. on of the book

h the Fellowship lt of the help of a he Society began

al attention. n New York City

ries and requests ar.

, or musts is one a local group and re are no bylaws a certain number


Is A.A. a religi

A.A. is not a rel no definite religio bership. Althou approved by man with any organi membership are members of othe tics, and atheists.

The A.A. prog is undeniably bas tual values. The i pret those values to think about the

Most membe already admitted drinking. Alcoho than themselves those terms. A.A maintain sobriety depend upon ano than themselves. sider the A.A. gr than themselves God — as they, i others rely upon a Higher Power.

Some alcoholi have definite re concept of a Po Experience show mind on the su meetings, they ar time in working distinctly persona

Is A.A. a tempe

No. A.A. has no ments. A.A. “nei causes.” This ph outline of the pu applies to the qu movements. The and is attempting gram has an attit likened to the a toward goldenrod

and international development of A.A.When a local group is first formed, self-appointed

workers may take over responsibility for these tasks,acting informally as servants of the group. As soonas possible, however, these responsibilities are, byelection, rotated to others in the group for limitedperiods of service. A typical A.A. group may have achairperson, a secretary, a program committee, afood committee, a treasurer, and a general servicerepresentative who acts for the group at regional orarea meetings. Newcomers who have a reasonableperiod of sobriety behind them are urged to takepart in handling group responsibilities.

At the national and international levels, thereare also specific jobs to be done. Literature has tobe written, printed, and distributed to groups andindividuals who ask for it. Inquiries from both newand established groups have to be answered.Individual requests for information about A.A. andits program of recovery from alcoholism have to befilled. Assistance and information have to be pro-vided for doctors, members of the clergy, businesspeople, and directors of institutions. Sound publicrelations must be established and maintained indealing with press, radio, television, motion pic-tures, and other communications media.

To provide for the sound growth of A.A., earlymembers of the Society, together with nonalco-holic friends, established a custodial board — nowknown as the General Service Board of AlcoholicsAnonymous. The board serves as the custodian ofA.A. Traditions and overall service, and it assumesresponsibility for the service standards of A.A.’sGeneral Service Office at New York.

The link between the board and the A.A.groups of the U.S. and Canada is the A.A. GeneralService Conference. The Conference, comprisingabout 93 delegates from A.A. areas, the 21 trusteeson the board, General Service Office staff mem-bers, and others, meets for several days each year.The Conference is exclusively a consultative ser-vice agency. It has no authority to regulate or gov-ern the Fellowship.

Thus the answer to “Who runs A.A.?” is that theSociety is a uniquely democratic movement, withno central government and only a minimum of formal organization.

18


Is A.A. a religious society?

A.A. is not a religious society, since it requires no definite religious belief as a condition of mem-bership. Although it has been endorsed andapproved by many religious leaders, it is not alliedwith any organization or sect. Included in its membership are Catholics, Protestants, Jews,members of other major religious bodies, agnos-tics, and atheists.

The A.A. program of recovery from alcoholismis undeniably based on acceptance of certain spiri-tual values. The individual member is free to inter-pret those values as he or she thinks best, or notto think about them at all.

Most members, before turning to A.A., hadalready admitted that they could not control theirdrinking. Alcohol had become a power greaterthan themselves, and it had been accepted onthose terms. A.A. suggests that to achieve andmaintain sobriety, alcoholics need to accept anddepend upon another Power recognized as greaterthan themselves. Some alcoholics choose to con-sider the A.A. group itself as the power greaterthan themselves; for many others, this Power isGod — as they, individually, understand Him; stillothers rely upon entirely different concepts of a Higher Power.

Some alcoholics, when they first turn to A.A.,have definite reservations about accepting anyconcept of a Power greater than themselves.Experience shows that, if they will keep an openmind on the subject and keep coming to A.A.meetings, they are not likely to have too difficult atime in working out an acceptable solution to thisdistinctly personal problem.

Is A.A. a temperance movement?

No. A.A. has no relation to temperance move-ments. A.A. “neither endorses nor opposes anycauses.” This phrase, from the widely acceptedoutline of the purpose of the Society, naturallyapplies to the question of so-called temperancemovements. The alcoholic who has become soberand is attempting to follow the A.A. recovery pro-gram has an attitude toward alcohol that might belikened to the attitude of a hayfever sufferertoward goldenrod.

19

A.A. med, self-appointed ity for these tasks,

he group. As soon nsibilities are, by

group for limited group may have a

am committee, a a general service

oup at regional or have a reasonable

are urged to take ties. onal levels, there

Literature has to ed to groups and

es from both new to be answered.

n about A.A. and holism have to be

n have to be pro- e clergy, business ns. Sound public nd maintained in

sion, motion pic- media. wth of A.A., early

er with nonalco- dial board — now

ard of Alcoholics s the custodian of

e, and it assumes andards of A.A.’s

rk. rd and the A.A. the A.A. General ence, comprising

as, the 21 trustees Office staff mem-

al days each year. consultative ser- o regulate or gov-

A.A.?” is that the movement, with

y a minimum of


teens. The majori lies. Many have n institutions. But t the wall. They re and they see no inevitable disastro

Their need for that of the olde opportunity to tu they are in A.A., t are rarely consci A.A., both group milestone — thei

The local group m the A.A. Fellowsh type of gathering strange to the new that follow sugges and how the newc

How does a per

No one “joins” A. No application for In fact, many gro ship records. The no assessments o

Most people b ply by attending group. Their intr about in one of s point in their drin ed to stop, they m voluntarily. They office listed in th written to the G Grand Central Sta

Others may h group by a frien adviser.

Usually, a new tunity to talk to o attending the an opportunity to

While many A.A.s appreciate that alcohol may beall right for most people, they know it to be poisonfor them. The average A.A. has no desire to depriveanyone of something that, properly handled, is asource of pleasure. The A.A. merely acknowledgesbeing personally unable to handle the stuff.

Are there many women alcoholics in A.A.?

The number of women who are finding help inA.A. for their drinking problem increases daily.Approximately one-third of present-day membersare women; among newcomers, the proportionhas been rising steadily. Like the men in theFellowship, they represent every conceivablesocial background and pattern of drinking.

The general feeling seems to be that a womanalcoholic faces special problems. Because societyhas tended to apply different standards to thebehavior of women, some women may feel that agreater stigma is attached to their uncontrolleduse of alcohol.

A.A. makes no distinctions of this type.Whatever her age, social standing, financial status,or education, the woman alcoholic, like her malecounterpart, can find understanding and help inA.A. Within the local group setup, women A.A.splay the same significant roles that men do.

Are there many young people in A.A.?

One of the most heartening trends in the growthof A.A. is the fact that more and more young menand women are being attracted to the programbefore their problem drinking results in completedisaster. Now that the progressive nature of alco-holism is better appreciated, these young peoplerecognize that, if one is an alcoholic, the best timeto arrest the illness is in its early stages.

In the first days of the movement, it was com-monly thought that the only logical candidates forA.A. were those men and women who had losttheir jobs, had hit skid row, had completely dis-rupted their family lives, or had otherwise isolatedthemselves from normal social relationships over aperiod of years.

Today, many of the young people turning toA.A. are in their twenties. Some are still in their

20


teens. The majority of them still have jobs and fami-lies. Many have never been jailed or committed toinstitutions. But they have seen the handwriting onthe wall. They recognize that they are alcoholics,and they see no point in letting alcoholism run itsinevitable disastrous course with them.

Their need for recovery is just as compelling asthat of the older men and women who had noopportunity to turn to A.A. in their youth. Oncethey are in A.A., the young people and the oldstersare rarely conscious of their age differentials. InA.A., both groups start a new life from the samemilestone — their last drink.

Group Meetings

The local group meeting is the center and heart ofthe A.A. Fellowship. It is, in many ways, a uniquetype of gathering and one that is likely to seemstrange to the newcomer. The questions and an swersthat follow suggest how the A.A. meeting functionsand how the newcomer fits into the group picture.

How does a person join A.A.?

No one “joins” A.A. in the usual sense of the term.No application for membership has to be filled out.In fact, many groups do not even keep member-ship records. There are no initiation fees, no dues,no assessments of any kind.

Most people become associated with A.A. sim-ply by attending the meetings of a particular localgroup. Their introduction to A.A. may have comeabout in one of several ways. Having come to thepoint in their drinking where they sincerely want-ed to stop, they may have gotten in touch with A.A.voluntarily. They may have called the local A.A.office listed in the phone book, or they may havewritten to the General Service Office, Box 459,Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10163.

Others may have been guided to a local A.A.group by a friend, relative, doctor, or spiritualadviser.

Usually, a newcomer to A.A. has had an oppor-tunity to talk to one or more local members beforeattending the first meeting. This provides an opportunity to learn how A.A. has helped these

21

at alcohol may be ow it to be poison desire to deprive

erly handled, is a ely acknowledges

the stuff.

holics in A.A.?

e finding help in increases daily.

ent-day members , the proportion the men in the

ery conceivable drinking. be that a woman

Because society standards to the

n may feel that a heir uncontrolled

ns of this type. g, financial status,

lic, like her male ding and help in

up, women A.A.s at men do.

e in A.A.?

ds in the growth more young men

to the program sults in complete

ve nature of alco- se young people

olic, the best time stages.

ment, it was com- cal candidates for

en who had lost d completely dis- therwise isolated

lationships over a

eople turning to are still in their


closed meetings comer, since the questions that m the benefit of “o the recovery prog

May I bring re to an A.A. mee

In most places, an a member or not A.A. groups.* Ne ed to bring wive meetings, since t ery program may the alcoholic to Many wives and their spouses and activities of the lo

(It will be rec traditionally limit

How often do A have to attend

Abraham Linco man’s legs shou “Long enough to

A.A. members ber of meetings matter of individ members arrange week. They feel t sonal need for co local group. Othe night, in areas wh able. Still others m without meetings

The friendly in ings,” so freque based on the exp A.A.s, who find t suffers when they long. Many know not come to me that if they are re have no trouble s

*Consult the grou

people. The beginner gets facts about alcoholismand A.A. that help to determine whether he or sheis honestly prepared to give up alcohol. The onlyrequirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.

There are no membership drives in A.A. If,after attending several meetings, the newcomerdecides A.A. is not for him or for her, no one willurge continuation in the association. There may besuggestions about keeping an open mind on thesubject, but no one in A.A. will try to make up new-comers’ minds for them. Only the alcoholic con-cerned can answer the question “Do I needAlcoholics Anonymous?”

What is an ‘open’ meeting?

An open meeting of A.A. is a group meeting thatany member of the community, alcoholic or nonal-coholic, may attend. The only obligation is that of not disclosing the names of A.A. members out-side the meeting.

A typical open meeting will usually have a“leader” and other speakers. The leader opens andcloses the meeting and introduces each speaker.With rare exceptions, the speakers at an openmeeting are A.A. members. Each, in turn, mayreview some individual drinking experiences thatled to joining A.A. The speaker may also give hisor her interpretation of the recovery program andsuggest what sobriety has meant personally. Allviews expressed are purely personal, since allmembers of A.A. speak only for themselves.

Most open meetings conclude with a socialperiod during which coffee, soft drinks, and cakesor cookies are served.

What is a ‘closed’ meeting?

A closed meeting is for A.A. members only, or forthose who have a drinking problem and have adesire to stop drinking. Closed meetings givemembers an opportunity to discuss particularphases of their alcoholic problem that can beunderstood best only by other alcoholics.

These meetings are usually conducted withmaximum informality, and all members areencouraged to participate in the discussions. The

22


closed meetings are of particular value to the new-comer, since they provide an opportunity to askquestions that may trouble a beginner, and to getthe benefit of “older” members’ experience withthe recovery program.

May I bring relatives or friends to an A.A. meeting?

In most places, anyone interested in A.A., whethera member or not, is welcome at open meetings ofA.A. groups.* Newcomers, in particular, are invit-ed to bring wives, husbands, or friends to thesemeetings, since their understanding of the recov-ery program may be an important factor in helpingthe alcoholic to achieve and maintain sobriety.Many wives and husbands attend as frequently astheir spouses and take an active part in the socialactivities of the local group.

(It will be recalled that “closed” meetings aretraditionally limited to alcoholics.)

How often do A.A. members have to attend meetings?

Abraham Lincoln was once asked how long aman’s legs should be. The classic answer was:“Long enough to reach the ground.”

A.A. members don’t have to attend any set num-ber of meetings in a given period. It is purely amatter of individual preference and need. Mostmembers arrange to attend at least one meeting aweek. They feel that is enough to satisfy their per-sonal need for contact with the program through alocal group. Others attend a meeting nearly everynight, in areas where such opportunities are avail-able. Still others may go for relatively long periodswithout meetings.

The friendly injunction “Keep coming to meet-ings,” so frequently heard by the newcomer, isbased on the experience of the great majority ofA.A.s, who find that the quality of their sobrietysuffers when they stay away from meetings for toolong. Many know from experience that if they donot come to meetings, they may get drunk andthat if they are regular in attendance, they seem tohave no trouble staying sober.

*Consult the group for local custom.

23

about alcoholism whether he or she

alcohol. The only p is a desire to

drives in A.A. If,

s, the newcomer r her, no one will

on. There may be pen mind on the

y to make up new- he alcoholic con- ion “Do I need

oup meeting that lcoholic or nonal-

obligation is that A. members out-

l usually have a

leader opens and es each speaker.

kers at an open ch, in turn, may

experiences that may also give his ery program and

nt personally. All rsonal, since all

hemselves. de with a social

drinks, and cakes

mbers only, or for blem and have a d meetings give

scuss particular lem that can be

oholics. conducted with l members are discussions. The


How will I be a A.A. meetings, and other A.A.

During our drin managed to minim there was alcoho comer to A.A. is that sobriety wil too. If the beginn be an urge to ma work diligently at of a homelife too church or civic a the new member mal life, great chu

A.A., howeve taken like a pill. T been successful i considering. Alm and women who are those who a hesitate to work help, and take m other activities of women who rec aimless hours sp work, the decrea that accompanied

Balanced agai few hours spent ing their sobriety

Can newcomer outside their o

This question is s seem to have per ing to risk ident their neighbors employers who a program and po admits the existe may wish desper as a means of ga But they may he own community.

The answer to free to join an A.A

Newcomers particularly seem to benefit fromexposure to a relatively large number of meetings(or other A.A. contacts) during their first weeksand months in a group. By multiplying their oppor-tunities to meet and hear other A.A.s whose drink-ing experience parallels their own, they seem to beable to strengthen their own understanding of theprogram and what it can give them.

Nearly all alcoholics, at one time or another,have tried to stay sober on their own. For most,the experience has not been particularly enjoyable— or successful. So long as attendance at meet-ings helps the alcoholic to maintain sobriety, andto have fun at the same time, it seems to be goodsense to be guided by the experience of those who“keep coming to meetings.”

Do A.A.s have to attend meetings for the rest of their lives?

Not necessarily, but — as one member has sug-gested — “Most of us want to, and some of us may need to.”

Most alcoholics don’t like to be told that theyhave to do anything for any extended period oftime. At first glance, the prospect of having toattend A.A. meetings for all the years of the fore-seeable future may seem a heavy load.

The answer, again, is that no one has to do any-thing in A.A. There is always a choice between doingand not doing a thing — including the crucial choiceof whether or not to seek sobriety through A.A.

The primary reason an alcoholic has for attend-ing meetings of an A.A. group is to get help in stay-ing sober today — not tomorrow or next week orten years from now. Today, the immediate present,is the only period in life that the A.A. can do some-thing about. A.A.s do not worry about tomorrow, orabout “the rest of their lives.” The important thingfor them is to maintain their sobriety now. Theywill take care of the future when it arrives.

So the A.A. who wants to do everything possi-ble to insure sobriety today will probably keepgoing to meetings. But attendance will always beon the basis of taking care of present sobriety. Aslong as the approach to A.A. is on this basis, noactivity, including attendance at meetings, canever resemble a long-term obligation.

24


How will I be able to find the time for A.A. meetings, work with other alcoholics,and other A.A. activities?

During our drinking days, most of us somehowmanaged to minimize the importance of time whenthere was alcohol to be consumed. Yet the new-comer to A.A. is occasionally dismayed to learnthat sobriety will make some demands on time,too. If the beginner is a typical alcoholic, there willbe an urge to make up “lost time” in a hurry — towork diligently at a job, to indulge in the pleasuresof a homelife too long neglected, to devote time tochurch or civic affairs. What else is sobriety for,the new member may ask, but to lead a full, nor-mal life, great chunks of it at a time?

A.A., however, is not something that can betaken like a pill. The experience of those who havebeen successful in the recovery program is worthconsidering. Almost without exception, the menand women who find their sobriety most satisfyingare those who attend meetings regularly, neverhesitate to work with other alcoholics seekinghelp, and take more than a casual interest in theother activities of their groups. They are men andwomen who recall realistically and honestly theaimless hours spent in bars, the days lost fromwork, the decreased efficiency, and the remorsethat accompanied hangovers on the morning after.

Balanced against such memories as these, thefew hours spent in underwriting and strengthen-ing their sobriety add up to a small price indeed.

Can newcomers join A.A. outside their own community?

This question is sometimes raised by persons whoseem to have perfectly valid reasons for not want -ing to risk identification as alcoholics by any oftheir neighbors. They may, for example, haveemployers who are totally unfamiliar with the A.A.program and potentially hostile to anyone whoadmits the existence of a drinking problem. Theymay wish desperately to be associated with A.A. as a means of gaining and maintaining sobriety.But they may hesitate to turn to a group in theirown community.

The answer to the question is that a person isfree to join an A.A. group anywhere he or she may

25

m to benefit from mber of meetings

their first weeks lying their oppor-

.A.s whose drink- , they seem to be erstanding of the

m. time or another,

r own. For most, icularly enjoyable endance at meet- ain sobriety, and

eems to be good ence of those who

tings

member has sug- and some of us

be told that they

tended period of ect of having to years of the fore- load. ne has to do any-

ice between doing the crucial choice

hrough A.A. lic has for attend-

o get help in stay- or next week or mmediate present,

A.A. can do some- bout tomorrow, or e important thing

briety now. They arrives.

everything possi- ll probably keep

ce will always be esent sobriety. As

on this basis, no at meetings, can

ion.


Upon attending o is sure to hear r Twelve Steps,” “th Big Book,” and o A.A. The followin and suggest why A.A. speakers.

What are the ‘T

The “Twelve Ste gram of personal are not abstract trial-and-error exp They describe t these early mem helping them to the “Twelve Steps

Experience su who make an ea and to apply the more out of A.A seem to regard th that it is virtually literally, day in a true, in the sense an approach to li alcoholics, many are a practical n their sobriety.

Here is the tex appeared in Alco of experience:

1. We admitte — that our lives h

2. Came to be ourselves could r

3. Made a dec over to the care o

4. Made a sear ry of ourselves.

5. Admitted to human being the

choose. Obviously, it is more convenient to jointhe nearest group. It may also be the moststraightforward approach to the individual’s prob-lem. The person who turns to A.A. for help is usu-ally, but not always, pretty well identified as adrunk. Inevitably, the good news of this person’ssobriety is bound to spread, too. Few employers orneighbors are likely to resent the source of theirworker’s or friend’s continued sobriety, whether itcenters in a local A.A. group or one located fiftymiles away.

Few people these days are fired from their jobsor ostracized socially because they are sober. Ifthe experience of many thousands of A.A.s is areliable guide, the best approach for the newcom-er is to seek help in the nearest group beforebeginning to worry about the reactions of others.

If I come into A.A., won’t I miss a lot of friends and a lot of fun?

The best answer to this is the experience of thehundreds of thousands of men and women whohave already come into A.A. In general, their atti-tude is that they did not enjoy real friendships orreal fun until they joined A.A. Their point of viewon both has changed.

Many alcoholics discover that their best friendsare delighted to see them face up to the fact thatthey cannot handle alcohol. No one wants to see afriend continue to hurt.

Naturally, it is important to distinguish betweenfriendships and casual barroom acquaintanceships.The alcoholic is likely to have many acquaintanceswhose conviviality may be missed for a while. Buttheir place will be taken by the hundreds of A.A.sthe newcomer will meet — men and women whooffer understanding acceptance, and help in sus-taining sobriety at all times.

Few members of A.A. would trade the fun thatcomes with sobriety for what seemed to be funwhile they were drinking.

26


The Recovery Program

Upon attending only a few meetings, the newcomeris sure to hear references to such things as “theTwelve Steps,” “the Twelve Traditions,” “slips,” “theBig Book,” and other expressions characteristic ofA.A. The following paragraphs describe these factorsand suggest why they are mentioned frequently byA.A. speakers.

What are the ‘Twelve Steps’?

The “Twelve Steps” are the core of the A.A. pro-gram of personal recovery from alcoholism. Theyare not abstract theories; they are based on thetrial-and-error experience of early members of A.A.They describe the attitudes and activities thatthese early members believe were important inhelping them to achieve sobriety. Acceptance ofthe “Twelve Steps” is not mandatory in any sense.

Experience suggests, however, that memberswho make an earnest effort to follow these Stepsand to apply them in daily living seem to get farmore out of A.A. than do those members whoseem to regard the Steps casually. It has been saidthat it is virtually impossible to follow all the Stepsliterally, day in and day out. While this may betrue, in the sense that the Twelve Steps representan approach to living that is totally new for mostalcoholics, many A.A. members feel that the Stepsare a practical necessity if they are to maintaintheir sobriety.

Here is the text of the Twelve Steps, which firstappeared in Alcoholics Anonymous, the A.A. bookof experience:

1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol— that our lives had become unmanageable

2. Came to believe that a Power greater thanourselves could restore us to sanity.

3. Made a decision to turn our will and our livesover to the care of God as we understood Him.

4. Made a searching and fearless moral invento-ry of ourselves.

5. Admitted to God, to ourselves and to anotherhuman being the exact nature of our wrongs.

27

onvenient to join so be the most

individual’s prob- A. for help is usu- l identified as a

s of this person’s Few employers or

e source of their briety, whether it

one located fifty ed from their jobs

hey are sober. If nds of A.A.s is a

for the newcom- st group before

ctions of others.

miss fun?

xperience of the and women who

general, their atti- eal friendships or heir point of view

their best friends

p to the fact that ne wants to see a

tinguish between cquaintanceships.

ny acquaintances d for a while. But

hundreds of A.A.s and women who and help in sus-

rade the fun that eemed to be fun


5. Each group carry its message

6. An A.A. gro or lend the A.A. n side enterprise, l and prestige dive

7. Every A.A. porting, declining

8. Alcoholics A er non-profession employ special w

9. A.A., as suc we may create directly responsib

10. Alcoholics outside issues; h be drawn into pub

11. Our publ attraction rather maintain persona radio, and films.

12. Anonymity our traditions, ev ples before perso

What are ‘slips

Occasionally a m through A.A. wil this type is comm occur during th sobriety or after t ber of years.

Nearly all A.A experience say th causes. They de admitted they we dent about their stayed away from association with selves become to affairs to remem sober. Or they l were caught wi defenses down.

In other words

6. Were entirely ready to have God remove allthese defects of character.

7. Humbly asked Him to remove our short-comings.

8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed,and became willing to make amends to them all.

9. Made direct amends to such people wherev-er possible, except when to do so would injurethem or others.

10. Continued to take personal inventory andwhen we were wrong promptly admitted it.

11. Sought through prayer and meditation toimprove our conscious contact with God, as weunderstood Him, praying only for knowledge of Hiswill for us and the power to carry that out.

12. Having had a spiritual awakening as theresult of these steps, we tried to carry this mes-sage to alcoholics, and to practice these principlesin all our affairs.

What are the ‘Twelve Traditions’?

The “Twelve Traditions” of A.A. are suggestedprinciples to insure the survival and growth of thethousands of groups that make up the Fellowship.They are based on the experience of the groupsthemselves during the critical early years of themovement.

The Traditions are important to both oldtimersand newcomers as reminders of the true founda-tions of A.A. as a society of men and women whoseprimary concern is to maintain their own sobrietyand help others to achieve sobriety:

1. Our common welfare should come first; per-sonal recovery depends upon A.A. unity.

2. For our group purpose there is but one ulti-mate authority — a loving God as He may expressHimself in our group conscience. Our leaders arebut trusted servants; they do not govern.

3. The only requirement for A.A. membershipis a desire to stop drinking.

4. Each group should be autonomous except inmatters affecting other groups or A.A. as a whole.

28


5. Each group has but one primary purpose – tocarry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers.

6. An A.A. group ought never endorse, finance,or lend the A.A. name to any related facility or out-side enterprise, lest problems of money, property,and prestige divert us from our primary purpose.

7. Every A.A. group ought to be fully self-sup-porting, declining outside contributions.

8. Alcoholics Anonymous should remain forev-er non-professional, but our service centers mayemploy special workers.

9. A.A., as such, ought never be organized; butwe may create service boards or committeesdirectly responsible to those they serve.

10. Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion onoutside issues; hence the A.A. name ought neverbe drawn into public controversy.

11. Our public relations policy is based onattraction rather than promotion; we need alwaysmaintain personal anonymity at the level of press,radio, and films.

12. Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of allour traditions, ever reminding us to place princi-ples before personalities.

What are ‘slips’?

Occasionally a man or woman who has been soberthrough A.A. will get drunk. In A.A. a relapse ofthis type is commonly known as a “slip.” It mayoccur during the first few weeks or months ofsobriety or after the alcoholic has been dry a num-ber of years.

Nearly all A.A.s who have been through thisexperience say that slips can be traced to specificcauses. They deliberately forgot that they hadadmitted they were alcoholics and got overconfi-dent about their ability to handle alcohol. Or theystayed away from A.A. meetings or from informalassociation with other A.A.s. Or they let them-selves become too involved with business or socialaffairs to remember the importance of beingsober. Or they let themselves become tired andwere caught with their mental and emotionaldefenses down.

In other words, most “slips” don’t just happen.

29

e God remove all

move our short-

we had harmed, nds to them all.

h people wherev- so would injure

al inventory and dmitted it.

nd meditation to with God, as we knowledge of His

that out.

wakening as the o carry this mes-

e these principles

ions’?

A. are suggested and growth of the p the Fellowship.

ce of the groups arly years of the

to both oldtimers the true founda- nd women whose

heir own sobriety ty:

d come first; per- . unity.

re is but one ulti- s He may express

. Our leaders are govern.

A.A. membership

nomous except in A.A. as a whole.


when it comes. M drink during this

Along with th sizes the import probably been he before joining A.A It,” “Live and Le By making these tude toward prob A.A. is usually he to live successfull

What is the A.A

The Grapevine is published for me ther sharing of A tional journal of t ed by a staff made

Single copies able each month most readers pre regular subscript annual subscrip Canada; single co

Why doesn’t A. for some peopl

The answer is th who admit that t want to stop drin those facts upper

A.A. usually woman who has r he or she is an al of being able to d

Most medical alcoholic can eve holic must adm Coupled with thi be the desire to s

After they ha some people ten holics, with all th sobriety makes decide to exper results of such ex completely predi becomes progres

Does A.A. have a basic ‘textbook’?

The Fellowship has four books that are generallyaccepted as “textbooks.” The first is AlcoholicsAnonymous, also known as “the Big Book,” origi-nally published in 1939, revised in 1955, 1976 and2001. It records the personal stories of 42 repre-sentative problem drinkers who achieved stablesobriety for the first time through A.A. It alsorecords the suggested steps and principles thatearly members believed were responsible for theirability to overcome the compulsion to drink.

The second book is Twelve Steps and TwelveTraditions, published in 1953. It is an interpreta-tion, by Bill W., a co-founder, of the principles thathave thus far assured the continuing survival ofindividuals and groups within A.A.

A third book, Alcoholics Anonymous Comes ofAge, published in 1957, is a brief history of the firsttwo decades of the Fellowship.

The fourth is As Bill Sees It (formerly titled TheA.A. Way of Life, a reader by Bill). This is a selec-tion of Bill W.’s writings.

These books may be purchased through localA.A. groups or ordered direct from AlcoholicsAnonymous, Box 459, Grand Central Station, NewYork, NY 10163.

What is ‘the 24-hour program’?

“The 24-hour program” is a phrase used todescribe a basic A.A. approach to the problem ofstaying sober. A.A.s never swear off alcohol for life,never take pledges committing themselves not totake a drink “tomorrow.” By the time they turnedto A.A. for help, they had discovered that, no mat-ter how sincere they may have been in promisingthemselves to abstain from alcohol “in the future,”somehow they forgot the pledge and got drunk.The compulsion to drink proved more powerfulthan the best intentions not to drink.

The A.A. member recognizes that the biggestproblem is to stay sober now! The current 24hours is the only period the A.A. can do anythingabout as far as drinking is concerned. Yesterday isgone. Tomorrow never comes. “But today,” theA.A. says, “today, I will not take a drink. I may betempted to take a drink tomorrow — and perhapsI will. But tomorrow is something to worry about

30


when it comes. My big problem is not to take adrink during this 24 hours.

Along with the 24-hour program, A.A. empha-sizes the importance of three slogans that haveprobably been heard many times by the newcomerbefore joining A.A. These slogans are: “Easy DoesIt,” “Live and Let Live,” and “First Things First.”By making these slogans a basic part of the atti-tude toward problems of daily living, the averageA.A. is usually helped substantially in the attemptto live successfully without alcohol.

What is the A.A. Grapevine?

The Grapevine is a monthly pocket-size magazinepublished for members and friends who seek fur-ther sharing of A.A. experience. The only interna-tional journal of the Society, the Grapevine is edit-ed by a staff made up entirely of A.A.s.

Single copies of the magazine are usually avail-able each month at meetings of local groups, butmost readers prefer to receive their copies on aregular subscription basis. In the U.S. the cost ofannual subscription is $27.00, slightly more inCanada; single copies are $2.50.

Why doesn’t A.A. seem to workfor some people?

The answer is that A.A. will work only for thosewho admit that they are alcoholics, who honestlywant to stop drinking — and who are able to keepthose facts uppermost in their minds at all times.

A.A. usually will not work for the man orwoman who has reservations about whether or nothe or she is an alcoholic, or who clings to the hopeof being able to drink normally again.

Most medical authorities say no one who is analcoholic can ever drink normally again. The alco-holic must admit and accept this cardinal fact.Coupled with this admission and acceptance mustbe the desire to stop drinking.

After they have been sober a while in A.A.,some people tend to forget that they are alco-holics, with all that this diagnosis implies. Theirsobriety makes them overconfident, and theydecide to experiment with alcohol again. Theresults of such experiments are, for the alcoholic,completely predictable. Their drinking invariablybecomes progressively worse.

31

book’?

hat are generally irst is Alcoholics

Big Book,” origi- n 1955, 1976 and ories of 42 repre-

achieved stable ugh A.A. It also d principles that

ponsible for their n to drink. Steps and Twelve

is an interpreta- he principles that nuing survival of

. nymous Comes of history of the first

ormerly titled The ). This is a selec-

ed through local from Alcoholics

ntral Station, New

m’?

phrase used to o the problem of

off alcohol for life, hemselves not to

time they turned ered that, no mat- een in promising

ol “in the future,” e and got drunk.

d more powerful nk.

that the biggest The current 24

can do anything ned. Yesterday is “But today,” the

a drink. I may be w — and perhaps

g to worry about


turn to A.A., hav mess of their fam

Some newcom their own contri enthusiastic abou normal patterns them. Others, wi feel bitter resentm

Almost withou sincere in their a gram are succes lives. The bonds with family mem before. Sometime has been done, an ly life has to be d is one with a happ

Experience s comes to A.A. so and not because ing, may have d sincere desire for sober, the alcoho problems of daily cally and with ver

Does A.A. oper or rest homes f

There are no “A Traditionally, no are ever offered o ship. By adhering vices that others avoids any possib ry purpose, whic for a way of life w

In some areas individual A.A. m with local hospita who are sponsor representatives of

In other area A.A.s have estab marily to newco Because of their lems confronting agers of these h

Newcomers’ Questions

A.A. has but one primary purpose, although it mayindirectly be responsible for other benefits. The fol-lowing are questions that are occasionally asked bynewcomers to the Fellowship.

Will A.A. help me financially?

Many alcoholics, by the time they turn to A.A. forhelp with their drinking problems, have also accu-mulated substantial financial problems. Not unnat-urally, some may cherish the hope that A.A. mayin some way be able to help them with more press-ing financial obligations.

Very early in A.A. experience as a society, itwas discovered that money or the lack of it hadnothing to do with the newcomer’s ability toachieve sobriety and work his or her way out ofthe many problems that had been complicated byexcessive use of alcohol.

The absence of money — even with a heavy bur-den of debts — seemed to prove no hindrance tothe alcoholic who honestly and sincerely wantedto face up to the realities of a life without alcohol.Once the big problem of alcohol had been clearedaway, the other problems, including those relatedto finances, seemed to work out, too. Some A.A.shave made sensational financial comebacks in rela-tively brief periods. For others, the road has beenhard and long. The basic answer to this question isthat A.A. exists for just one purpose, and that pur-pose is in no way related to material prosperity orthe lack thereof.

There is nothing to prevent any member of agroup from staking a newcomer to a meal, a suit ofclothes, or even a cash loan. That is a matter for indi-vidual decision and discretion. It would, however, bemisleading if an alcoholic gets the impression thatA.A. is any sort of moneyed charity organization.

Will A.A. help me straighten out my family troubles?

Alcohol is frequently a complicating factor in fami-ly life, magnifying petty irritations, exposing char-acter defects, and contributing to financial prob-lems. Many men and women, by the time they

32


turn to A.A., have managed to make a completemess of their family lives.

Some newcomers to A.A., suddenly aware oftheir own contributions to chaos, are eager andenthusiastic about making amends and resumingnormal patterns of living with those closest tothem. Others, with or without cause, continue tofeel bitter resentments toward their families.

Almost without exception, newcomers who aresincere in their approach to the A.A. recovery pro-gram are successful in mending broken familylives. The bonds that reunite the honest alcoholicwith family members are often stronger than everbefore. Sometimes, of course, irreparable damagehas been done, and a totally new approach to fami-ly life has to be developed. But generally, the storyis one with a happy ending.

Experience suggests that the alcoholic whocomes to A.A. solely to keep peace in the family,and not because of an honest desire to stop drink-ing, may have difficulty achieving sobriety. Thesincere desire for sobriety should come first. Oncesober, the alcoholic will find that many of the otherproblems of daily living can be approached realisti-cally and with very good chance of success.

Does A.A. operate hospitals or rest homes for alcoholics?

There are no “A.A. rest homes or hospitals.”Traditionally, no professional services or facilitiesare ever offered or performed under A.A. sponsor-ship. By adhering to the tradition of avoiding ser-vices that others are prepared to render, A.A. thusavoids any possible misunderstanding of its prima-ry purpose, which is to help alcoholics searchingfor a way of life without alcohol.

In some areas, service committees made up ofindividual A.A. members have made arrangementswith local hospitals for the admission of alcoholicswho are sponsored by A.A.s as individuals, not asrepresentatives of the Fellowship as a whole.

In other areas, individual A.A.s or groups ofA.A.s have established rest homes that cater pri-marily to newcomers to the recovery program.Because of their special understanding of prob-lems confronting the alcoholic, the owners or man-agers of these homes are often able to help the

33

rs’ Questions

, although it may benefits. The fol-

asionally asked by

y?

y turn to A.A. for s, have also accu-

blems. Not unnat- pe that A.A. may

with more press-

e as a society, it he lack of it had

mer’s ability to r her way out of

n complicated by

with a heavy bur- no hindrance to sincerely wanted

e without alcohol. had been cleared ing those related

too. Some A.A.s omebacks in rela- he road has been to this question is ose, and that pur- rial prosperity or

any member of a

o a meal, a suit of s a matter for indi-

ould, however, be e impression that

organization.

out

ng factor in fami- s, exposing char-

to financial prob- by the time they


American Publ Alcoholics Anony the famed Lasker A.A.’s success in and in blotting ou

A.A. is still new nities, and not a recovery progra comments on A.A

In 1967, the A ed that memb effective mean ed Dr. Ruth F holism and the Council on Al groups and it [now upwards edly reached m together. For p A.A. may be th “I have the utm doing, for its s of mutual help express my en where it is of a

“Perhaps th rehabilitation living which i and his family which comes understand h with others w own. The p Alcoholics An these things fo

Mar American

on

What do religi

Al “Members of

Probably no lay been more richly

newcomer during the first crucial period of sobri-ety. But these homes have no connection withA.A. beyond the fact that they may be operated bypersons who achieved their own sobriety throughA.A. As a movement, A.A. is never affiliated withbusiness enterprises of any description.

Does A.A. sponsor any social activity for members?

Most A.A.s are sociable people, a factor that may have been partially responsible for theirbecoming alcoholics in the first place. As a conse-quence, meetings of local A.A. groups tend to belively affairs.

A.A. as a fellowship has never developed any for-mal program of social activities for members, sincethe sole purpose of the movement is to help alco-holics get sober. In some areas, members, entirelyon their own individual responsibility, have openedclubrooms or other facilities for members of thelocal group. These clubs are traditionally indepen-dent of A.A., and great care is usually taken to avoiddirect identification with the movement.

Even where no club exists, it is not uncommonfor local groups to arrange anniversary dinners,picnics, parties on New Year’s Eve and other spe-cial occasions, and similar affairs. In some largecities, A.A.s meet regularly for lunch and sponsorinformal get-togethers over weekends.

What do medical authorities think of A.A.?Also see pamphlet: “A.A. as a Resourcefor the Health Care Professional”

From its earliest days, A.A. has enjoyed the friend-ship and support of doctors who were familiarwith its program of recovery from alcoholism.Doctors, perhaps better than any other group, arein a position to appreciate how unreliable otherapproaches to the problem of alcoholism havebeen in the past. A.A. has never been advanced asthe only answer to the problem, but the A.A.recovery program has worked so often, after othermethods have failed, that doctors today are fre-quently the most outspoken boosters for the pro-gram in their communities.

Some measure of the medical profession’s atti-tude toward A.A. was suggested in 1951 when the

34


American Public Health Association namedAlcoholics Anonymous as one of the recipients ofthe famed Lasker Awards in “formal recognition ofA.A.’s success in treating alcoholism as an illnessand in blotting out its social stigma.”

A.A. is still new (or unknown) in some commu-nities, and not all doctors are familiar with therecovery program. But here are excerpts fromcomments on A.A. by leading medical authorities:

In 1967, the American Medical Association stat-ed that membership in A.A. was still the mosteffective means of treating alcoholism and quot-ed Dr. Ruth Fox, an eminent authority on alco-holism and then medical director of the NationalCouncil on Alcoholism: “With its thousands ofgroups and its 300,000 recovered alcoholics[now upwards of 2,000,000], A.A. has undoubt-edly reached more cases than all the rest of ustogether. For patients who can and will accept it,A.A. may be the only form of therapy needed.”“I have the utmost respect for the work A.A. isdoing, for its spirit, for its essential philosophyof mutual helpfulness. I lose no opportunity toexpress my endorsement publicly and privatelywhere it is of any concern.”

Karl Menninger, M.D.Menninger Foundation

“Perhaps the most effective treatment in therehabilitation of the alcoholic is a philosophy ofliving which is compatible with the individualand his family, an absorbing faith in himselfwhich comes only after he has learned tounderstand himself, and a close associationwith others whose experiences parallel hisown. The physician’s cooperation withAlcoholics Anonymous is one way of obtainingthese things for his patient.”

Marvin A. Block, M.D., member of theAmerican Medical Association’s Committee

on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence

What do religious leaders think of A.A.?

Also see pamphlet:“Members of the Clergy Ask About A.A.”

Probably no lay movement of modern times hasbeen more richly endowed than A.A. with the sup-

35

al period of sobri- connection with ay be operated by

sobriety through ver affiliated with

iption.

l activity

le, a factor that onsible for their

place. As a conse- roups tend to be

developed any for-

r members, since nt is to help alco-

members, entirely ility, have opened

members of the ditionally indepen- ally taken to avoid ment.

s not uncommon iversary dinners,

ve and other spe- s. In some large

unch and sponsor ends.

s think of A.A.? s a Resource fessional”

njoyed the friend- ho were familiar rom alcoholism.

other group, are unreliable other

alcoholism have been advanced as

m, but the A.A. often, after other rs today are fre-

sters for the pro-

profession’s atti- in 1951 when the


been keyed to a A.A. never seeks fully with respon radio, television, that seek informa

At national an A.A. is made ava Committee of th committees have the media with fa alcoholics in their

A.A. is deeply have been respon ed the movemen fact that the anon the program is so so faithfully by all

It should also meetings and am are not anonymou

A way of life cann lived. Descripti broad, inspiration many questions not fully satisfied thing they need a catalog of the me for living can po such a program.

A.A. is a progr alcohol, a program hundreds of tho approach it and a ty. It is working t and women in all

Perhaps this p questions, spoke have concerning questions that ca pamphlet have b experience with t have such questi an A.A. group in o to General Servic Station, New York

port of the clergy of all the great faiths. Like thedoctors, mankind’s spiritual advisers have longbeen troubled by the problem of alcoholism. Manyof these advisers have heard honest people makesincere pledges to abstain from alcohol they couldnot control — only to see them break thosepledges within hours, days, or weeks. Sympathy,understanding, and appeals to conscience havebeen of little avail to the clergy in their attempts tohelp the alcoholic.

Thus it is perhaps not surprising that A.A. —although it offers a way of life rather than a way offormal religion — should be embraced so warmlyby representatives of many different denomina-tions. Here is how some of them have referred toA.A. in the past:

The Directors Bulletin, a Jesuit periodicalpublished at St. Louis, Mo.

“Father Dowling of The Queen’s Work staffhad exceptional opportunity to observe theAlcoholics Anonymous movement.

“He found that the keystone of the A.A. ther-apy includes self-denial, humility, charity, goodexample, and opportunities for a new pattern ofsocial recreation. All denominations are repre-sented in the movement. Readers can beassured that no article or book on the move-ment is one-tenth as convincing as is personalcontact with an individual or group of A.A.swhose personalities and homes and businesseshave been transformed from chaos into soundachievement.”

The Living Church (Episcopal)“Basis of the technique of Alcoholics

Anonymous is the truly Christian principle thata man cannot help himself except by helpingothers. The A.A. plan is described by the mem-bers themselves as ‘self-insurance.’ Thisself-insurance has resulted in the restoration ofphysical, mental, and spiritual health andself-respect to hundreds of men and womenwho would be hopelessly down-and-out withoutits unique but effective therapy.”

Who is responsible for the publicity about A.A.?

The A.A. tradition of public relations has always

36


been keyed to attraction rather than promotion.A.A. never seeks publicity but always cooperatesfully with responsible representatives of press,radio, television, motion pictures, and other mediathat seek information about the recovery program.

At national and international levels, news ofA.A. is made available by the Public InformationCommittee of the General Service Board. Localcommittees have also been organized to providethe media with facts about A.A. as a resource foralcoholics in their communities.

A.A. is deeply grateful to all its friends whohave been responsible for the recognition accord-ed the movement. It is also deeply aware of thefact that the anonymity of members, upon whichthe program is so dependent, has been respectedso faithfully by all media.

It should also be noted that within A.A., at A.A.meetings and among themselves, A.A. membersare not anonymous.

A New Way of Life

A way of life cannot truly be described; it must belived. Descriptive literature that relies uponbroad, inspirational generalities is bound to leavemany questions unanswered and many readersnot fully satisfied that they have come upon thething they need and seek. At the other extreme, acatalog of the mechanics and details of a programfor living can portray only part of the value ofsuch a program.

A.A. is a program for a new way of life withoutalcohol, a program that is working successfully forhundreds of thousands of men and women whoapproach it and apply it with honesty and sinceri-ty. It is working throughout the world and for menand women in all stations and walks of life.

Perhaps this pamphlet has answered the mainquestions, spoken and unspoken, that you mayhave concerning A.A. Perhaps there are otherquestions that can be answered, as those in thispamphlet have been, solely on the basis of A.A.experience with the problem of alcoholism. If youhave such questions, feel free to get in touch withan A.A. group in or near your community. Or writeto General Service Office, Box 459, Grand CentralStation, New York, NY 10163.

37

t faiths. Like the visers have long

alcoholism. Many nest people make

lcohol they could em break those

weeks. Sympathy, conscience have

their attempts to

sing that A.A. — her than a way of

braced so warmly erent denomina-

have referred to

esuit periodical is, Mo.

ueen’s Work staff y to observe the

ment. e of the A.A. ther-

ity, charity, good r a new pattern of

nations are repre- Readers can be ok on the move-

ng as is personal r group of A.A.s

s and businesses chaos into sound

piscopal) e of Alcoholics tian principle that

xcept by helping bed by the mem-

nsurance.’ This the restoration of

tual health and men and women

n-and-out without y.”

tions has always


A.A. PUBLICATIONS Complete order forms available fromGeneral Service Office of ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS,Box 459, Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10163

BOOKS ___________________________________________________________________

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS (regular, portable, large-print and abridged pocket editions) ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS COMES OF AGETWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS

(regular, soft-cover, large-print, pocket and gift editions) EXPERIENCE, STRENGTH AND HOPEAS BILL SEES IT (regular & soft cover editions)DR. BOB AND THE GOOD OLDTIMERS“PASS IT ON”DAILY REFLECTIONS

BOOKLETS ___________________________________________________________________

CAME TO BELIEVELIVING SOBERA.A. IN PRISON: INMATE TO INMATE

PAMPHLETS ___________________________________________________________________

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT A.A.A.A. TRADITION—HOW IT DEVELOPEDMEMBERS OF THE CLERGY ASK ABOUT A.A.THREE TALKS TO MEDICAL SOCIETIES BY BILL W.ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS AS A RESOURCE FORTHE HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL

A.A. IN YOUR COMMUNITYIS A.A. FOR YOU?IS A.A. FOR ME?THIS IS A.A.A NEWCOMER ASKSIS THERE AN ALCOHOLIC IN THE WORKPLACE?DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DIFFERENT?A.A. FOR THE BLACK AND AFRICAN AMERICAN ALCOHOLICQUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON SPONSORSHIPA.A. FOR THE WOMANA.A. FOR THE NATIVE NORTH AMERICANA.A. AND THE GAY/LESBIAN ALCOHOLICA.A. FOR THE OLDER ALCOHOLIC—NEVER TOO LATETHE JACK ALEXANDER ARTICLEYOUNG PEOPLE AND A.A.A.A. AND THE ARMED SERVICESTHE A.A. MEMBER—MEDICATIONS AND OTHER DRUGSIS THERE AN ALCOHOLIC IN YOUR LIFE?INSIDE A.A.THE A.A. GROUPG.S.R.MEMO TO AN INMATETWELVE STEPS ILLUSTRATEDTHE TWELVE CONCEPTS ILLUSTRATEDTHE TWELVE TRADITIONS ILLUSTRATEDLET'S BE FRIENDLY WITH OUR FRIENDSHOW A.A. MEMBERS COOPERATEA.A. IN CORRECTIONAL FACILITIESA MESSAGE TO CORRECTIONS PROFESSIONALSA.A. IN TREATMENT SETTINGSBRIDGING THE GAPIF YOU ARE A PROFESSIONALA.A. MEMBERSHIP SURVEYA MEMBER'S-EYE VIEW OF ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUSPROBLEMS OTHER THAN ALCOHOLUNDERSTANDING ANONYMITYTHE CO-FOUNDERS OF ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUSSPEAKING AT NON-A.A. MEETINGSA BRIEF GUIDE TO A.A.A NEWCOMER ASKSWHAT HAPPENED TO JOE; IT HAPPENED TO ALICE

(Two full-color, comic-book style pamphlets)TOO YOUNG? (A cartoon pamphlet for teenagers)IT SURE BEATS SITTING IN A CELL

(An Illustrated pamphlet for inmates)

VIDEOS ___________________________________________________________

A.A.—AN INSIDE VIEWA.A. VIDEOS FOR YOUNG PEOPLEHOPE: ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUSIT SURE BEATS SITTING IN A CELLCARRYING THE MESSAGE BEHIND THESE WALLSYOUR A.A. GENERAL SERVICE OFFICE,THE GRAPEVINE AND THE GENERAL SERVICE STRUCTURE

PERIODICALS__________________________________________________________

A.A. GRAPEVINE (monthly)LA VIÑA (bimonthly) JULY 11


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