What is AA?

Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problems and help others to recover from alcoholism.

The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking alcohol. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. AA 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. Their primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.

AA is an informal society of more than 2 million recovering alcoholics throughout the world. In Australia, there are about 18,000 members. They meet in over 2000 spread around Australia. Meetings range in size from a handful in some localities to a hundred or more in larger communities.

AA is not a religious organisation nor is it affiliated with any religious body. It welcomes members of all religions, agnostics and atheists alike. You don’t have to sign up or achieve anything to be a member. You’re a member of a group if you choose to be. You can come and go as you please. No one is “in charge” of a group. They work through the offer of help and suggestion only. No one can tell you what you should or shouldn’t do. The AA program, known as The Twelve Steps, provides a framework for self-examination and a road to recovery, free of alcohol.

The AA group meet in our parish every Sunday evening from 7:30pm to 9:00pm.