Frequently Asked Questions

Below there are frequently asked questions arranged by category.

A few people have stopped drinking after reading Alcoholics Anonymous, the A.A. “Big Book,” which sets forth the basic principles of the recovery…
We in A.A. believe there is no such thing as a cure for alcoholism. We can never return to normal drinking, and our ability to stay away from alcohol…
This is a personal matter. However, the spirit of the program is one of sharing, and a recent study of A.A. members shows that a high proportion of…
We do not maintain any membership lists, including lists of early members. It is difficult to piece together an accurate list of early members with…
Explain that anonymity is extremely important to A.A. members. All A.A. members decides if and when to share aspects of their recovery, and with whom…
It is understood by A.A. members that personal disclosures made in A.A. meetings are to be treated as confidential. For example, if friends outside…
Asking for special favors because of A.A. membership is not in the spirit of the anonymity Traditions.
This is entirely a personal matter, but it is usually best for all concerned to let the A.A. member decide who shall be told and when.
Realizing that anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, it is recommended that talks by A.A. members as members be given in…
Yes, if full-face photographs and other easily identifiable photos of A.A. members (who are described as A.A. members) are published or broadcast,…
Bill W. was not nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. In early 1960 an individual from the New York area wrote to Bill concerning the possibility of…