Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

For many, "12-step meetings" are one of the primary tools of recovery.  12-step programs are comprised of groups that meet at designated times and days of the week.  Some groups meet more than once per week.  The more widely-known programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) have hundreds of thousands of groups meeting nationally and internationally.

Function

Meetings have various formats.  Generally, meetings open with the reading of the twelve-step program's preamble, a description of the common problem, as well as the proposed solution.  Here is the preamble of Alcoholics Anonymous:

"Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of women and men who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.

The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.  There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions.

AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes.  Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety."