Frequently Asked Questions

Below there are frequently asked questions arranged by category.

No. The recording is of a one-man play called Moments, An Evening with Bill W., written in 1989 by an A.A. member. According to the playwright, an…
Alcohol is frequently a complicating factor in family life, magnifying petty irritations, exposing character defects, and contributing to financial…
Family members or close friends are welcome at “open” A.A. meetings as observers.
No. A.A. does not keep membership files or attendance records. You do not have to reveal anything about yourself. No one will bother you if you don’t…
Individuals may download a single copy of a book or pamphlet from aa.org for their personal use. Single copies of some pamphlets may be printed, and…
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…
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…