Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a community of people who share their experience, strength and hope with each other so they can recover from alcoholism and help others do the same.
If you’re wondering whether your drinking might be a problem, or you’ve tried to stop and found it harder than expected, you’re not alone. Many of us came to A.A. feeling unsure, hesitant, or not even convinced we belonged here.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no fees or dues, and no commitment required to attend.
What happens at a meeting?
Walking into your first meeting can feel like a big step. Most people feel unsure about what to expect.
AA meetings are usually small to larger groups of people sitting together and sharing their experiences. Some meetings have a speaker, some are topic focussed, and at others people just share whatever’s on their mind.
You won’t be asked to do anything you’re not comfortable with. You can just sit and listen if you prefer. Many people do that for their first few meetings.
People typically introduce themselves by first name only. What’s shared in the meeting stays in the meeting and not shared elsewhere.
There’s no judgement, no pressure, and no expectation that you have everything figured out. Even the ones of us who’ve been around for years still don’t have it all figured out.
You’re welcome to arrive early or leave early if that feels more comfortable.
Common questions
Do I have to talk?
No. You can just sit and listen.
Does it cost anything?
No. AA is free. Some meetings pass around a voluntary contribution to help cover room costs, but there is no obligation.
Is AA religious?
AA is not religious but is a spiritual based program. Some members use the idea of a “Higher Power” in their recovery, but what that means is entirely up to you and your own understanding of spirituality.
Do I have to stop drinking before I come?
No. Many people come to AA while they are still drinking.
Is it confidential?
Yes. Anonymity is a core principle of AA. Members use first names only, and what is shared in meetings is not shared by anyone else outside of the meeting.
Is A.A. right for you?
Only you can decide that. But you might find AA helpful if:
- You’ve tried to cut down or stop drinking and struggled doing so
- You drink more than you intend to (i.e. you find it difficult to control how much you drink after having the first.)
- Drinking is affecting your work, relationships, or health
- You feel stuck in a cycle you can’t seem to break
- You’re wondering if your drinking is becoming a problem
You don’t need to have all the answers. Many of us started by just asking the same questions.
How AA works
AA works through people helping each other. Members share their own experiences of their drinking and recovery, and support each other in staying sober.
It is generally suggested for newcomers to find a sponsor to work with in completing the Twelve Steps, which are a set of principles that guide your recovery from alcoholism. It is also suggested to stick to your own gender where possible.
There is no single way to do AA. People take what works for them and leave the rest.
Types of meetings
Open meetings are available to anyone who wants to learn more about AA, including family, friends, and professionals.
Closed meetings are for people who have a desire to stop drinking.
Some meetings focus on discussion, where members share on a topic. Others are speaker meetings, where one person shares their story. There are also beginner meetings designed for those new to AA.
Getting started
The easiest way to begin is by attending a meeting.
You don’t need to commit to anything. Just come along and see what it’s like. No registration or booking required.
You can find meetings near you using our meeting list.
If you’re unsure, try a few different meetings to see what feels right. We currently have about 60 weekly meetings in the ACT and surrounding Districts; all are different in how they’re run and the people who attend.
Anonymity & Privacy
Anonymity is one of the main foundations of AA.
Members use first names only, and personal details are not shared outside the meeting. This helps create a safe and supportive environment where people can speak openly.
For Family & Friends
If you’re concerned about someone else’s drinking, support is available for you as well. Organisations such as Al-Anon provide help for people affected by someone else’s alcohol use.
You can find further detail about Al-Anon at https://al-anon.org.au/ or call them via 1300 252 666