A.A. Beginners

In order to stop drinking and stay stopped, we have a few simple suggestions used in A.A.’s program that can work for you as they have worked for countless others.

These include In-Person and On-Line:

Going to Meetings

There are meetings for you and for every alcoholic, who wants help. Try and take in as many meetings as you can and don’t drink in between.

Having a Home Group

Although you will want to attend other meetings, you will want to have a “Home Group”. A home group will help you find the individual support and encouragement you need to meet life’s daily challenges. Other meetings provide the variety of people and ideas we need in our recovery.

Just as we are a member of A.A. by saying so, we join a home group by declaring ourselves a member. It is at the home group that we do our early service to A.A. and start giving back what we have been so freely given.

Getting a Sponsor

A sponsor is a member who has made progress in the recovery program and sober living. One-on-one sharing of our experience, strength and hope with our sponsor and others is a cornerstone of A.A. recovery. Though other people can’t solve your problems for you , they can help you deal with them by using the principles of the A.A. program.

Living One Day at a Time

We may stay sober one day at a time, or if necessary one hour at a time. We do our jobs, solve our problems and clean up our past, just one item at a time.

Getting Involved in ‘Service’

At meetings, you will frequently hear references to “Service” as a means of maintaining sobriety. Service means getting involved in those functions which directly carry the A.A. message or allow others to carry it. Some types of service In-Person and On-Line are:

Making Coffee, Greeter, Chairing Meetings, Speaking at A.A. Meetings, Answering Phones, Group Service, Literature Support Internet Support, On-Line Security, Visit Hospitals & Institutions and much more!

Recommended Reading

There are many books and pamphlets which deal with a wide variety of information useful to newcomers and oldtimers alike. Books can be purchased at many meetings as well as ordered or donated from our On-Line Literature Representatives. PDF versions for many books and pamphlets can be found online at www.aa.org (Alcoholics Anonymous World Services). Pamphlets are free and made available at most In-Person meetings. Recommended Titles include:

Alcoholics Anonymous

The “Big Book” is the basic text of our program and the chief source of discussion at the meetings.

12 Steps & 12 Traditions

A supplement to the Big Book which expands on the steps and traditions of A.A.

Living Sober

Practical advice to the person in early sobriety.

Came to Believe

Is designed as an outlet for the rich diversity of convictions implied in “God as we understand him”.

As Bill Sees It

A collections of the writings of one of our Co-founders, on a wide variety of topics dealing with alcoholics.

Daily Reflections

Meditative thoughts from the membership presented in a daily format.

A.A. Comes of Age

A brief history of A.A.’s early days.

Dr. Bob & the Good Oldtimers

A biography of one of our Co-founders and a history of early A.A. in the Midwest.

Pass It On

The story of Bill W. and how the A.A. message reached the world.

A.A. Grapevine

Our monthly meeting in print.

A.A. pamphlets which may be particularly helpful to you:

  • Is there an Alcoholic in Your Life?

  • 44 Questions

  • Is A.A. for You?

  • Do You Think You’re Different?

  • A.A. for the Woman

  • Young People and A.A.

  • Too Young?

  • A Newcomer Asks…