So You’vebBeen Told to Go to A.A. . . .

And You Hate
the Idea . . .

You’re
not alone
And
You’re not the first

Don’t
worry . . .
it’s not that bad . . .

If a judge, school, or employer has sent
you to meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous, it is because they believe
there is evidence that you may have a drinking problem. We had
nothing to do with their decision. This pamphlet was written to
shed light on A.A. for those who don’t know anything about
our fellowship.

You don’t have to give
your name:
At A.A. meetings the secretary or chair may ask for
newcomers to introduce themselves, but you are not required to
do so. Even if you do, no one keeps attendance records. If a court
wants you to have a card signed, most meeting secretaries will
do this for you and probably will not even notice your name. You
will hear some A.A. members introduce themselves, but that is their
choice. You don’t have to give your name.

You don’t have to speak:
Many members will share, but no one will think it
strange if you remain silent. There are A.A. members who prefer
to sit and listen.

You don’t
have to tell anyone why you are there:

At
open
A.A.
meetings,
it
is
not
uncommon
to
see
non-alcoholics
like
family,
friends,
spouses,
and
other
visitors
like
yourself.
Why
you’re
there
is
nobody’s
business
but
your
own.

There are no dues or fees
for A.A. membership:

During the meeting, a basket is passed to pay the cost of renting
the room, the coffee, other expenses, and in support of the AA
program. This is called the 7th Tradition, but there is no obligation
to contribute and in the spirit of self-support, contributions
are only from alcoholics.

No one will tell anyone you
were here:

Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions. Please
respect this and treat in confidence who you see and what you hear.
That’s the anonymity part of the A.A. program.

It is not a religious meeting:

Most members have a program based upon a belief in a Higher Power
of their own understanding, but there is no religious affiliation.

About those
meetings…

Meetings are not what you might expect:
You won’t find a bunch of derelicts or religious
fanatics. But you will find a bunch of friendly, sober people enjoying
life. The meetings are short, usually about an hour. They are easy
to find using the meeting directories found at most meetings. They
are all over town, mornings, afternoons and evenings.

Take a look at the meeting
list:

You’ll see the days, times and places. The meetings marked
(o) are open meetings you can attend. Meetings marked (c) are closed
meetings for alcoholics only.

If you have a minute, take a look at
the pamphlet, “This is A.A.”. It will
answer many of the questions you may have. When you are alone sometime,
try the little quiz, “
Is A.A. For You?” Sometimes it’s hard
to know if alcohol is becoming a problem

Here is what A.A. says about A.A.:
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 A.A. membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions.
Alcoholics Anonymous 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 achieve sobriety. *

“I am responsible . . . When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I
want the hand of A.A. always to be there. And for that: I am responsible.”*

*Reprinted with permission
of the A.A. Grapevine, Inc.