Service Material from the General Service Office
The Preamble of Alcoholics Anonymous
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.
A.A. 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 to achieve sobriety.
Copyright© The A.A. Grapevine, Inc.;
Reprinted with permission
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 detox 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.