You’re not alone, and you’re not the first!

Although the strength of our program lies in the voluntary nature of membership in AA, many of us first attended meetings because we were forced to. You probably have many questions about Alcoholics Anonymous, just as we did. We hope this page answers some of them.

Singleness of Purpose:

Some professionals refer to alcoholism and drug addiction as “substance abuse” or “chemical dependency.” Non-alcoholics 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.”

Here is what AA says about AA:

“Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women 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.”

The Alcoholics Anonymous Preamble – Printed with permission of The AA Grapevine®, Inc

Millions of people have found recovery through AA, including many who were sent by courts or their employers. There are AA meetings in virtually every country in the world, from Australia to Zambia, and from Ireland to Russia. While some who are sent to AA attend the required number of meetings and never return, others keep coming back because they find that AA helps them live comfortably without alcohol.

What is AA’s role in the process?

Alcoholics Anonymous is not part of the judicial system. We do not work with the courts or the police department. We do not ask the courts to send people to us. When people do show up with court papers, we are not responsible for making sure the people are sober.

If a judge, court, school, or employer has sent you to AA meetings, it is because they believe there is evidence that you have a drinking problem. We had nothing to do with their decision-in fact, AA has no opinion as to whether you have a drinking problem or not.

If, however, you want to stop drinking, AA has a solution.

Here are a few points to remember:

And finally…

We are here to help anyone who wants to get sober and stay sober, regardless of how they got here. It is a part of what we call our Twelfth Step work in AA. If you have decided you want what we have, please keep coming back.

More questions? Write or call us!

Dallas AA Central Office
6162 E. Mockingbird Lane, Ste 213
Dallas, TX 75214
Tel: 214-887-6699

This material has been approved by the Dallas Intergroup Association Board of Trustees, but not by AA World Services, Inc., except for specific excerpts from AA publications, which are reprinted with permission.