Just show up. If you have a drinking problem, you are welcome to attend any meeting of alcoholics anonymous held anywhere in the world! You don’t need to have a doctor’s note, court order, or bring a drinking resume with you. In order to attend an AA meeting all you have to do is show up.
There are no dues or fees for AA membership or attendance at meetings. However, a collection basket is usually passed to give AA members an opportunity to contribute towards the expenses of the group (e.g. room rent, coffee, literature supplies, etc). No one, not even an AA member, is obliged to contribute.
No. AA is not allied or affiliated with any religious organization.
Take the 12 question test here. Answer them as honestly as you can. If you are still unconvinced, you are welcome to attend any AA meeting to see if you identify with us.
You are welcome to any AA meeting listed as an “open” format. Open meetings are noted as such in the online meeting directory.
They will be there for the same reason you are. They will not disclose your identity to outsiders. At AA you retain as much anonymity as you wish. That is why it is called alcoholics anonymous.
AA does not keep membership files or attendance records. You don’t have to reveal anything about yourself. No one will bother you if you choose to not come back.
You are a member if and when you say you are a member. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking… and many of us were not even very sure of that when we first approached AA!
When you attend your first AA meeting it is likely that you will be nervous. Don’t worry. Everyone there attended their first meeting at one time in their life. Try to arrive early so you can meet some people and become a bit more comfortable in the group. Stick out your hand and introduce yourself as a newcomer. Everyone will be happy to see you there. When the meeting begins you will hear people telling the story of their recovery from alcoholism, you will likely hear stories similar to yours. Don’t worry, you may be asked to introduce yourself or to share, but you are not required to. If you are too nervous just say so when asked. Try to listen, and avoid interrupting someone while they are speaking or giving direct advice to someone else in the meeting. If you are asked to share, speak about your own experience, and hope. When the meeting is over, don’t rush off. If you heard someone speaking at the meeting that really was relevant to you, ask them for their phone number – AA members are generally more than happy to speak with a newcomer and help them find their way to their first few meetings.
Ask yourself the following questions, and answer them as honestly as you can. Read Questions
Only you can decide whether you want to give AA a try – to ascertain whether or not you think it can help you. Read More