Question 1

Where can I find practical tips for staying sober?

Accepted Answer

The book “Living Sober” (https://www.aa.org/living-sober-book)provides experience, strength, and hope regarding how others have stayed sober in a variety of situations. It also offers tips from getting a sponsor to changing old routines.

Question 2

I am [insert a quality/characteristic about yourself here]. Is there a place for me in A.A.? Is there somewhere I can find more information about people like me?

Accepted Answer

Our members come from all different backgrounds, as evidenced in some of the literature below:
 • The “God” Word: Agnostic and Atheist Members in A.A.(https://www.aa.org/sites/default/files/literature/assets/p-86_theGodWord.pdf)
 • Women in A.A. (https://www.aa.org/sites/default/files/literature/assets/p-5_WomeninAA.pdf)
 • Young People and A.A. (https://www.aa.org/sites/default/files/literature/en_p-4_youngpeopleandaa.pdf)
 • A.A. for Alcoholics with Mental Health Issues – and their sponsors(https://www.aa.org/sites/default/files/literature/assets/p-87_AAforAlcoholicswithMentalHealthIssues.pdf)
 • A.A. for the Black and African-American Alcoholic(https://www.aa.org/sites/default/files/literature/assets/p-51_CanAAHelpMeToo.pdf)
 • A.A. for the Native North American(https://www.aa.org/sites/default/files/literature/assets/p-21_aafortheNNA.pdf)
 • A.A. for the Older Alcoholic – Never too late(https://www.aa.org/sites/default/files/literature/assets/p-22_AAfortheOlderAA.pdf)
 • Hispanic Women in A.A. (https://www.aa.org/sites/default/files/literature/p-90-HispanicWomeninAA.pdf)
 • LGBTQ Alcoholics in A.A.  (https://www.aa.org/sites/default/files/literature/assets/p-32_LGBTQalcoholicsinAA.pdf)
 • Problems other than alcohol(https://www.aa.org/sites/default/files/literature/assets/P-35_Problems_Other_than_Alcohol.pdf)
 • Do you think you’re different?(https://www.aa.org/sites/default/files/literature/assets/p-13_doyouthinkyourediff.pdf)

Question 3

It was suggested I find a sponsor. What is a sponsor and how do I find one?

Accepted Answer

Resource: “Questions and Answers on Sponsorship” Pamphlet(https://www.aa.org/questions-and-answers-sponsorship)

Question 4

Can I find any of the literature in audio/audiobook form?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The A.A. Media Library (https://www.aa.org/resources/media) houses various forms of A.A. literature in audio form. Use the “Search” bar within the portal to search for specific pieces of literature (e.g. Big Book, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions).

Question 5

What does A.A. do? What does A.A. NOT do? How can A.A. Cooperate with me as a nonalcoholic and/or professional?

Accepted Answer

The brief presentation Let’s Be Friendly with Our Friends (https://www.aa.org/sites/default/files/literature/assets/f-175_CPC_Presentation.pdf)and the pamphlet “If You Are a Professional…” (https://www.aa.org/sites/default/files/literature/assets/p-46_ifyouareaprofessional.pdf)give an overview of what A.A. is, what it is not, and how A.A. may cooperate with you to help an alcoholic in your life.

Question 6

Is there help for me… as a nonalcoholic friend/family member/loved one/professional?

Accepted Answer

This page is dedicated to providing resources for you: https://www.aa.org/aa-family-friend (https://www.aa.org/aa-family-friend)

Question 7

What is an A.A. Meeting? Where might I find a meeting I can attend as an observer? Where might I find a meeting for the alcoholic in my life?

Accepted Answer

A.A. meetings are places where A.A. members share their experience, strength, and hope. Nonalcoholics are welcome to attend and observe open meetings. You can find more about meetings on the page What to Expect at an A.A. Meeting (https://www.aa.org/information-about-meetings)and you can find local meetings on the Meeting Guide App.(https://www.aa.org/meeting-guide-app)

Question 8

I am an employer, Human Resource professional, and/or union leader, how can I help the problem drinker in my workplace?

Accepted Answer

The pamphlet “Is There a Problem Drinker in the Workplace?” (https://www.aa.org/sites/default/files/literature/p-54_isthereanaaintheworkplace.pdf)and the short A.A. Video for Employment/Human Resource Professionals (https://www.aa.org/A.A-Video-for-Employment-Human-Resources-Professionals)will give you ideas on how to help the problem drinker in your workplace.

Question 9

I am a healthcare professional; how can I help my alcoholic patient/client?

Accepted Answer

The pamphlet “A.A. as a Resource for the Health Care Professional” (https://www.aa.org/sites/default/files/literature/assets/p-23_aaasaresourceforhcp1.pdf)and the short A.A. Video for Healthcare Professionals (https://www.aa.org/A.A.-Video-for-Healthcare-Professionals)will give you ideas on how to help your alcoholic patient/client.

Question 10

I am a member of the clergy. How can I find out more about helping alcoholics in my community?

Accepted Answer

A.A. has a long and rewarding history with members of the clergy. You can learn more about A.A.’s history with clergy in the Markings newsletter dedicated to “The Clergy and Alcoholics Anonymous”.(https://www.aa.org/sites/default/files/newsletters/f-151-markings_may-june04.pdf) You can also find out more information in the pamphlet “Faith Leaders Ask About Alcoholics Anonymous”.(https://www.aa.org/sites/default/files/literature/p-25_FaithLeadersAskAboutAA.pdf)

Question 11

Where can I find current information on cooperating with A.A. as a professional?

Accepted Answer

“About A.A.” (https://www.aa.org/about-aa)is a newsletter for professionals (e.g. healthcare, law, clergy, etc) that is published one-three times a year. You can either subscribe or check back for current issues. You can even read past issues.

Question 12

What is A.A. (Alcoholics Anonymous)?

Accepted Answer

Resource: “This is A.A.: An Introduction to the A.A. Recovery Program" Pamphlet(https://www.aa.org/sites/default/files/literature/assets/p-1_thisisaa1.pdf)

Question 13

I'm not sure if I'm an alcoholic or have a problem with drinking. But, I'd like to find out more.

Accepted Answer

Resource: “Is A.A. for You?: Twelve Questions Only You Can Answer” Pamphlet(https://www.aa.org/sites/default/files/literature/assets/p-3_isaaforyou.pdf)

Question 14

I'm new to A.A. and have a lot of questions. Where can I find answers?

Accepted Answer

Many of your initial questions may be answered in the "Frequently Asked Questions About A.A." Pamphlet (https://www.aa.org/sites/default/files/literature/assets/p-2_faqAboutAA.pdf)and/or the “A Newcomer Asks” Pamphlet.(https://www.aa.org/sites/default/files/literature/assets/p-24_anewcomerask.pdf)

Question 15

How can I find other A.A. meetings?

Accepted Answer

Resource: “Meeting Guide” App (https://www.aa.org/meeting-guide-app)

Question 16

What is the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous?

Accepted Answer

Resource: “About the Big Book”(https://www.aa.org/the-big-book)

Question 17

What are the Twelve Steps?

Accepted Answer

Resource: “The Twelve Steps” (https://www.aa.org/the-twelve-steps)

Question 18

It was suggested I find a sponsor. What is a sponsor and how do I find one?

Accepted Answer

Resource: “Questions and Answers on Sponsorship” Pamphlet(https://www.aa.org/questions-and-answers-sponsorship)

Question 19

I am [insert a quality/characteristic about yourself here], so I am not sure if A.A. is right for me.

Accepted Answer

Resource: “Do you think you’re different” Pamphlet(https://www.aa.org/sites/default/files/literature/assets/p-13_doyouthinkyourediff.pdf)

Question 20

What is the A.A. Program for Recovery from Alcoholism? How do I find out more about it?

Accepted Answer

A.A.’s Program of Recovery is outlined in the book “Alcoholics Anonymous” (https://www.aa.org/the-big-book)(also referred to as the “Big Book”)(https://www.aa.org/the-big-book). The book “Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions” (https://www.aa.org/twelve-steps-twelve-traditions)(also referred to as the “Twelve and Twelve”)(https://www.aa.org/twelve-steps-twelve-traditions) provides a chapter dedicated to each step in the program of recovery as well as each of A.A.’s traditions.

AA For Newcomers

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