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Press Release – August 2025
Sydney. 26 August 2025
Introduction
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Australia has announced a nationwide call for stories from members who have experienced incarceration or have been involved in carrying the AA message into correctional facilities. This initiative supports the creation of a powerful new publication: “AA On the Inside” – an anthology aimed at reaching thousands of incarcerated individuals struggling with alcohol dependency.
The Need for Connection and Hope
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, as of June 2024, more than 44,000 adults were held across 116 correctional facilities nationwide. Among them, a significant 44% reported alcohol-related harm in the 12 months leading up to their imprisonment. These staggering figures highlight the urgent need for meaningful resources and connection for those behind bars.
The upcoming book, inspired by the success of AA’s Message Stick and the American AA publication Free on the Inside, will feature personal stories of recovery from AA members who have been incarcerated or supported AA outreach within prisons. The goal is to extend hope and recovery to prisoners, especially in facilities where direct access to AA groups remains difficult due to limited personnel or administrative barriers.
“This anthology could become a lifeline for someone on the inside,” said a spokesperson for the AA On the Inside Working Group. “Even if we can’t physically reach every inmate, our stories can.”
How to Participate
AA is seeking submissions that follow the traditional AA story structure:
- What it was like
- What happened
- What it’s like now
Submissions should be around 2,000 words (flexible) and may be edited for clarity and length. Audio recordings are also welcome but must be transcribed. All accepted submissions will require a signed release and will become the property of the General Service Board of Alcoholics Anonymous, in accordance with standard AA practice.
“But for the grace of God,” AA reminds members, “any one of us could be on the inside. Sharing your experience may help save a life.”
Deadline and Submission
Members are encouraged to send their stories or express interest by contacting: [email protected]
About Message Stick
Message Stick is a book that contains stories of recovery from 15 First Nations people who are AA members. Some are now Elders who found AA in their youth, got sober by using the 12 Steps of AA in their lives, and kept coming back for their own recovery and for newcomers.
These are stories of action, to be shared with people who think, “It’s not that bad,” or “I’m not an alcoholic,” or “I know I have a problem but don’t know what to do.”
If this is you, we believe AA could work for you too.
About Free on the Inside
Free on the Inside, published by AA in the USA, features more than 50 essays and letters from members of Alcoholics Anonymous who have experienced AA behind bars—either while serving time, as former inmates, or as outside AA members carrying the message inside through prison groups.
Motivation and inspiration can be found in chapters such as Finding AA in Prison, Staying Sober in Prison, Women Helping One Another in Prison, Working the Twelve Steps, Sponsoring Members in Prison, and Carrying the AA Message into Prisons—which has long been an important and fulfilling aspect of service in the Fellowship of AA.
Getting and staying sober in prison can be tough, but it is possible. This collection of personal accounts of struggle and triumph, breakdowns and breakthroughs, is a comforting read for incarcerated men and women—and for those who want to help them in their rehabilitation and recovery.
