Frequently Asked Questions

Below there are frequently asked questions arranged by category.

The "group conscience" is the collective conscience of the group membership and thus represents substantial unanimity on an issue before definitive…
The term “Conference-approved” describes written or audiovisual material approved by the General Service Conference for publication by GSO. This…
Service material differs from Conference-approved literature in that it has not come about through Conference Advisory Action. It is produced when…
The A.A. Guidelines represent the shared experience of A.A. members and groups throughout the United States and Canada. They also reflect guidance…
The Fellowship has four books that are generally accepted as “textbooks.” The first is Alcoholics Anonymous, also known as “the Big Book,” originally…
No, contributions to A.A. do not support Grapevine. Grapevine is supported entirely through sales of the magazine and related items. Individuals and…
An A.A. meeting may take one of several forms, but at any meeting you will find alcoholics talking about what drinking did to their lives, their…
There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership. An A.A. group will usually have a voluntary collection during the meeting to cover expenses, such as…
Archivists are responsible for collecting, arranging, preserving and providing access to permanent historical records of enduring value, not writing…
The service structure is the framework in which our "general services" are carried out. It is the structure that takes the place of government in A.A…
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…
There are no “A.A. rehabs" or hospitals. Traditionally, no professional services or facilities are ever offered or performed under A.A. sponsorship.…