New to AA
You don’t need to know anything about AA before you come.
Most people remember their first meeting. Not because they understood the programme immediately, but because, perhaps for the first time, they found themselves in a room with people who understood what drinking had become for them.
If you think alcohol may be causing a problem in your life and you have a desire to stop drinking, you are welcome.
Common questions
The questions most people arrive with.
None of them are unusual. Nobody will ask you to explain yourself.
No one has to make a declaration before entering a meeting. You can attend, listen and decide for yourself whether AA may be useful to you.
No. If you prefer to listen at your first meeting, you can.
There is no fee or membership charge to attend AA. AA is paying its own way through voluntary contributions from its members.
Anonymity is a fundamental principle of AA. Members are expected to respect the privacy and anonymity of others.
No. AA is not a religious organisation and is not affiliated with any religion. The AA programme contains spiritual principles, but members come from many different beliefs and backgrounds.
No. You do not need a doctor’s prescription, referral or membership card. You can simply find an appropriate meeting and attend.
They are there for the same reason you are. Respect for one another’s anonymity is an important part of AA.
Meeting types
Open and closed meetings
For people with a desire to stop drinking.
For people who identify as having a drinking problem or have a desire to stop drinking.
Anyone who wants to learn about AA.
May also be attended by people who are not alcoholics but want to learn about AA.
Each meeting listing clearly indicates its type.