A fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope to solve their common problem and help others recover from alcoholism.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a worldwide fellowship founded in 1935 by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith in Akron, Ohio. It is a voluntary program with no dues or fees — supported entirely by members' own contributions. AA's primary purpose is to help members stay sober and help other alcoholics achieve sobriety.
AA has grown to include more than 2 million members in over 180 countries, with approximately 123,000 groups meeting regularly worldwide. The program is spiritual but not religious — members are encouraged to develop their own understanding of a "Higher Power."
The heart of AA is the meeting. Members gather — in person or online — to share their stories and support one another. There are several common meeting formats:
Anyone is welcome — members, family, friends, or those just curious about AA.
For those who have a desire to stop drinking only. A safer space for personal sharing.
One or more members share their full story — what it was like, what happened, and what it's like now.
A topic is introduced and members share their experience relating to it.
The group works through one of the 12 Steps together using AA literature.
Readings and discussion centered on "Alcoholics Anonymous," AA's foundational text.
A sponsor is a more experienced AA member who guides a newcomer through the 12 Steps on a one-to-one basis. Sponsorship is a cornerstone of AA's success — sharing personal experience with someone newer in recovery creates a powerful bond and deepens the sponsor's own sobriety as well.
Finding a sponsor is simple: attend a few meetings, listen for someone whose sobriety and character you admire, and ask if they are available to sponsor you.
AA is spiritual but not affiliated with any religion or denomination. The Steps reference "God as we understood Him," intentionally leaving each member free to define their own Higher Power — whether that's a traditional God, nature, the group itself, or any other concept of a power greater than oneself.
AA has secular and agnostic/atheist groups for those who prefer a non-theistic approach while still working the 12 Steps.
No. You may introduce yourself however you feel comfortable, or simply by your first name. The phrase "Hi, I'm [name], and I'm an alcoholic" is common but never required.
Many people come to AA with that exact uncertainty. Attending open meetings lets you listen and decide for yourself without any obligation. AA simply asks: do you think you might have a problem with alcohol?
Yes. One of AA's Traditions states, "Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions." What is shared in a meeting stays in the meeting.
Nothing. AA has no dues or fees. A small voluntary collection is sometimes taken to cover coffee and meeting space costs, but participation is never dependent on contributing.
Absolutely. AA is not opposed to medicine or professional treatment. Members are encouraged to seek whatever medical or psychological help they need alongside their AA program.
Finding a meeting is the best way to experience AA firsthand. Meetings are free, welcoming, and available around the world — including online.
Find an AA Meeting →Uncharted · Unnamed · Unchained