Ordered to Attend A.A.?

You’re Not Alone — and You’re Not the First

Many of us first came to Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) because a judge, probation officer, or employer ordered us to attend. Some were arrested for drunk driving or other alcohol-related offenses; others faced trouble at work or at home because of drinking.

If that’s how you found your way here, you’re not alone—and you probably have questions. We hope this information helps explain what A.A. is (and isn’t), and how it might help you.

What A.A. Is

Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. Alcoholics Anonymous is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, or institution. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and to help other alcoholics achieve sobriety.

Millions of men and women around the world—many of whom were first ordered/sent by the courts or their employers—have found freedom from alcohol through A.A.

Some attend only long enough to meet their legal requirements. Others discover something that helps them live without alcohol and keep coming back by choice.

What A.A. Is Not

A.A. is not part of the court system, probation, or law enforcement. We do not report to judges, probation officers, or employers, and we are not responsible for ensuring anyone’s sobriety or attendance.

A.A. groups do not request that people be ordered to attend meetings. However, we do provide open meetings that anyone may attend, including those referred by outside organizations who believe A.A. might be helpful.

If You’re Ordered to Attend A.A. Meetings for Court or Probation

• You are welcome here. A.A. members understand what it’s like to be new and uncertain. Many of us were also ordered to attend, but have ultimately found a home in A.A.

• Proof of Attendance: Most meetings are happy to sign attendance cards, though it’s up to each individual group. A.A. is not affiliated with the courts, or any outside organization, so no group is required to do so. If you need your card signed, please ask the meeting secretary or chairperson before or after the meeting.

• Anonymity: If someone signs your card, they will usually use only their first name or initials. A.A. members are anonymous, and we protect that anonymity at all times.

• Open vs. closed meetings: Some meetings are open (anyone may attend), while closed meetings are for those who have a desire to stop drinking. All meetings on our website indicate whether they are Open or Closed.

• Questions: Feel free to ask questions before or after the meeting. Members are usually glad to share their experience or explain how A.A. works.

• Respect for others: What you hear at a meeting should stay in the meeting. You are welcome to take ideas that help you, but please do not identify or share personal details about others you meet there.

About Membership and Contributions

• The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking.

• There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership. We are fully self-supporting through our own contributions.

• If you’re only attending to fulfill legal requirements, please don’t contribute when the basket is passed. If you decide you want what A.A. offers and begin to see yourself as a member, your contributions are welcome.

A Final Word

No one in A.A. will tell you that you are an alcoholic. Only you can decide that for yourself. Many of us found that when we were honest about our drinking, we discovered that A.A. offered a new way to live—one that didn’t depend on alcohol.

Whatever your reason for being here, we hope you’ll keep an open mind. You are welcome among us.