Glossary of AA Terms

Over the years, AA members have developed a set of words and phrases that can sometimes be confusing to newcomers. This glossary explains some of the most common terms you might hear at meetings or in AA literature.

So What Do These AA Terms Mean?

Big Book

A nickname for Alcoholics Anonymous, the main text of AA. When it was first published in 1939, the fellowship had very few resources, so the book was printed on thick paper and in large type to make it look more substantial and good value.

Bill W.

Bill Wilson, one of the co-founders of Alcoholics Anonymous in Akron, Ohio, in 1935. The other co-founder was Dr. Robert Smith, known in AA as Dr. Bob.

Clichés

Many AA meeting rooms display posters with short sayings such as First things first or Easy does it. Members sometimes call these “clichés”, though they are often seen as simple and helpful reminders.

Denial

When a person refuses to admit or accept that they are an alcoholic. Denial is one of the symptoms that makes recovery difficult. In AA there is a saying: Alcoholism is a disease which convinces you that you do not have it.

Detox

Short for “detoxification”. A detox is usually a short-term treatment centre, often government-run, that helps people manage the physical withdrawal from alcohol.

Fellowship

A term for the community of AA — the shared bond of people who come together to support one another in recovery.

Geographical

The belief that moving to a new place will solve our drinking problem or personal struggles. AA experience shows that simply changing location does not bring recovery. A common saying is: Wherever you go, there you are.

Preamble

A short description of AA, often read at the beginning of meetings. It begins: AA is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength and hope with each other…

Program

AA’s system of recovery, based on the Twelve Steps. It provides a practical and spiritual framework for living sober.

Recovery

AA teaches that there is no cure for alcoholism. Once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic — we cannot return to drinking safely. But recovery is possible. The Big Book explains: We… have recovered from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body.

Some members describe themselves as “recovered” to show they no longer suffer the main problems caused by drinking. Others say they are “recovering” to highlight that sobriety is an ongoing process.

Rehab

Short for “rehabilitation centre”. A rehab is a treatment facility that specialises in recovery from alcohol or drug use.

Sponsor

An AA member who supports and guides a newcomer. A sponsor shares their own experience, helps the newcomer work through the Twelve Steps, and provides encouragement along the way. While not directly described in the Big Book, sponsorship has become a central part of AA’s recovery approach.

Terminally Unique

The belief that one’s situation is so different or special that AA’s program will not work for them. While everyone is unique, AA experience shows we share far more similarities than differences. A reminder often heard in meetings is: Always remember that you are unique — just like everyone else.

Three Legacies of AA

The Three Legacies are Recovery, Unity, and Service.

Recovery is found in the Big Book, the Twelve Steps, and Twelfth Step work.

Unity is found in the Twelve Traditions.

Service is found in the many actions that help AA function and carry the message, and is described in the Twelve Concepts for World Service.

Twelve & Twelve

A shorthand name for the book Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. It provides detailed explanations of the Steps and the Traditions.