AA For Newcomers

The book “Living Sober” 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.

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.

• Women in A.A.

• Young People and A.A.

• A.A. for Alcoholics with Mental Health Issues – and their sponsors

• A.A. for the Black and African-American Alcoholic

• A.A. for the Native North American

• A.A. for the Older Alcoholic – Never too late

• Hispanic Women in A.A.

• LGBTQ Alcoholics in A.A.

• Problems other than alcohol

• Do you think you’re different?

Resource: “Questions and Answers on Sponsorship” Pamphlet

Yes! The A.A. Media Library 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).

The brief presentation Let’s Be Friendly with Our Friends and the pamphlet “If You Are a Professional…” 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.

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

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 and you can find local meetings on the Meeting Guide App.

The pamphlet “Is There a Problem Drinker in the Workplace?” and the short A.A. Video for Employment/Human Resource Professionals will give you ideas on how to help the problem drinker in your workplace.

The pamphlet “A.A. as a Resource for the Health Care Professional” and the short A.A. Video for Healthcare Professionals will give you ideas on how to help your alcoholic patient/client.

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”. You can also find out more information in the pamphlet “Faith Leaders Ask About Alcoholics Anonymous”.

“About A.A.” 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.

Resource: “This is A.A.: An Introduction to the A.A. Recovery Program" Pamphlet

Resource: “Is A.A. for You?: Twelve Questions Only You Can Answer” Pamphlet

Many of your initial questions may be answered in the "Frequently Asked Questions About A.A." Pamphlet and/or the “A Newcomer Asks” Pamphlet.

Resource: “Meeting Guide” App

Resource: “About the Big Book”

Resource: “The Twelve Steps”

Resource: “Questions and Answers on Sponsorship” Pamphlet

Resource: “Do you think you’re different” Pamphlet

A.A.’s Program of Recovery is outlined in the book “Alcoholics Anonymous” (also referred to as the “Big Book”). The book “Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions” (also referred to as the “Twelve and Twelve”) provides a chapter dedicated to each step in the program of recovery as well as each of A.A.’s traditions.