About Alcoholics Anonymous

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 Alcoholics Anonymous is an international fellowship  of men and women who have had a drinking problem. It is nonprofessional,  self-supporting, multiracial, apolitical, and available almost  everywhere. There are no age or education requirements. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about his or her drinking problem. 

 Singleness of Purpose and Problems Other Than Alcohol
Some professionals refer to alcoholism and drug addiction as  “substance abuse” or “chemical dependency.” Nonalcoholics are,  therefore, sometimes introduced to A.A. and encouraged to attend A.A.  meetings. Anyone may attend open A.A. meetings, but only those with a  drinking problem may attend closed meetings. A renowned psychiatrist, who served as a nonalcoholic trustee of the  A.A. General Service Board, made the following statement: “Singleness of  purpose is essential to the effective treatment of alcoholism. The  reason for such exaggerated focus is to overcome denial. The denial  associated with alcoholism is cunning, baffling, and powerful and  affects the patient, helper, and the community. Unless alcoholism is  kept relentlessly in the foreground, other issues will usurp everybody’s  attention.” 

 A.A. members share their experience with anyone seeking help with a  drinking problem; they give person-to-person service or “sponsorship” to  the alcoholic coming to A.A. from any source. 

The A.A. program, set forth in our Twelve Steps, offers the alcoholic a way to develop a satisfying life without alcohol. This program is discussed at A.A. group meetings.