Alcoholics Anonymous FAQs

Welcome to the Alcoholics Anonymous Frequently Asked Questions page, where you’ll find answers to common questions about AA’s purpose, meetings and recovery resources. This page is designed to provide information for those new to AA, addressing the questions many of us had when we first looked to AA for help. Here, you’ll gain clarity on how AA supports individuals on their path to sobriety.

Am I an alcoholic?

If you repeatedly drink more than you intend or want to, if you get into trouble, or if you have memory lapses when you drink, you may be an alcoholic. It’s a matter of whether your drinking is stopping you from leading the sort of life you want to lead. If you want to control your drinking but can’t, then alcoholism is a definite possibility. But as far as AA is concerned, whether you’re an alcoholic is for you to decide. It’s not up to anyone in AA to tell you whether you are or not.

If you’re unsure, take our quiz Am I an Alcoholic? to explore your drinking patterns and find out more.

What can I do if I am worried about my drinking?

We recommend attending some AA meetings or speak with someone in AA to discuss your concerns. You can also connect with us directly through our Chat for confidential support and guidance.

What is Alcoholics Anonymous?

We are a Fellowship of people who have lost the ability to control our drinking and have found ourselves in various kinds of trouble as a result of drinking. We attempt—most of us successfully—to create a satisfying way of life without alcohol. For this, we find we need the help and support of other alcoholics in AA.

If I attend an AA meeting, does that commit me to anything?

No. AA does not keep membership files or attendance records. You do not have to reveal anything about yourself. No one will bother you if you don’t want to come back.

What happens if I meet people I know?

They will be there for the same reason you are. AA does not disclose your identity even to outsiders or even others inside our fellowship. You retain as much anonymity as you wish. That is one of the reasons we call ourselves Alcoholics Anonymous.

What happens at an AA meeting?

An AA meeting may take one of several forms, but at any meeting, you will find alcoholics talking about what drinking did to their lives and personalities, what actions they took to help themselves, and how they are living their lives today.

How does going to a meeting help me with my drinking problem?

We in AA know what it is like to be addicted to alcohol and to be unable to keep promises made to others and ourselves that we will stop drinking. We are not professional therapists. Our only qualification for helping others to recover from alcoholism is that we have stopped drinking ourselves. We have the ability to help problem drinkers because we are living proof that recovery is possible – we’ve done it.

Why do AAs keep going to meetings after they are cured?

We in AA believe there is no such thing as a cure for alcoholism. We can never return to normal drinking, and our ability to stay away from alcohol depends on maintaining our physical, mental, and spiritual health. This we can achieve by going to meetings regularly and putting into practice what we learn there. In addition, we find it helps us to stay sober if we help other alcoholics.

How do I join AA?

You are an AA member if and when you say you are. The only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking (and many of us were not very wholehearted about that when we first approached AA).

How much does AA membership cost?

There are no dues or fees for AA membership. An AA group will usually have a collection during the meeting to cover expenses, such as rent, coffee etc, Members are free to contribute as much or as little as they wish.

Is AA a religious organisation?

No. Nor is it affiliated with any religious or other organisation.

There’s a lot of talk about God, though, isn’t there?

The majority of AA members believe that we have found the solution to our drinking problem not through individual willpower, but through a power greater than ourselves. However, everyone defines this power as he or she wishes. Many people call it God, others think it is the AA group, but still, others don’t believe in it at all. There is room in AA for people of all shades of belief and non-belief.

Can I bring a family member or friend to an AA meeting?

Family members or close friends are welcome at “open” AA meetings.

What advice do you give new members?

In our experience, the people who recover in AA are those who:

• attend AA meetings regularly

• seek out the people in AA they like who have successfully stayed sober for some time

• put into practice the simple principles of AA’s program of recovery

• stay away from the first drink one day at a time.

How can I contact AA?

You can reach Alcoholics Anonymous quickly and confidentially through [Chat](chat function) or by phone. Dedicated AA volunteers are available to answer your questions, provide guidance, and connect you with further support. For direct assistance, explore local meeting details on our Meetings page, where you’ll find a welcoming community ready to support your journey.

Can I find more information about AA?

Absolutely! A variety of AA books and pamphlets are available to deepen your understanding of recovery. Many AA meetings offer these resources—pamphlets are often free, and books are provided at an affordable price. For direct access, you can explore and order materials through literature.aa.org.au.

For real-life experiences and fresh perspectives, visit our blog, where you’ll find personal stories and reflections on sobriety from people in recovery. Dive into these stories to gain inspiration and insight from others on the journey.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re seeking answers, support, or a welcoming community to help you on your journey, AA is here for you. Reach out through our Chat, phone, or join us at a meeting to connect with others who understand. Explore our resources, read inspiring stories, and find the guidance you need to make positive changes today. Don’t wait—find your local Meeting and start your path to recovery now.