AA Fact Sheet
- What A.A. Does
- Nonalcoholic guests are welcome at “open” A.A. meetings. Attendance at “closed” meetings is limited to those who are alcoholic or think they may have a drinking problem.
- At meetings A.A. members share their recovery experience with anyone seeking help with a drinking problem, and give person-to-person services or “sponsorship” to the alcoholics coming to A.A.
- The A.A. program, as set forth in the Twelve Steps to recovery, offers the alcoholic an opportunity to develop a satisfying way of life free from alcohol.
- What A.A. Does NOT Do
- Make medical or psychiatric diagnoses or prognoses, or offer advice.
- Provide drying-out or nursing services, hospitalization, drugs, housing, jobs, money or other welfare services.
- Accept any money for its services or contributions from outside sources.
- Provide letters of reference to parole boards, lawyers, court officials, social agencies, employers, etc.
- Engage in or support education, research, or professional treatment.
- Our recovery is based on sharing our experience, strength and hope with each other, that we may solve our common problem; more importantly, our continued sobriety depends upon helping others to recover from alcoholism. – Rev.1/14/03