"AA" almost always refers to Alcoholics Anonymous, a global fellowship of people who share their experience, strength, and hope to solve their drinking problem, helping each other achieve sobriety through mutual support, shared stories, and a spiritual program (the Twelve Steps). It's a non-professional, non-fee-based support network open to anyone with a desire to stop drinking, focusing on community and a new way of life without alcohol, one day at a time.
"AA" most commonly stands for Alcoholics Anonymous, a global fellowship for recovery from alcoholism, but it can also refer to an Associate in Arts degree in education or, in geology, a type of rough, blocky basaltic lava. The specific meaning depends on the context, with Alcoholics Anonymous being the most widely known association for the abbreviation.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is an international fellowship of peer support groups for people struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD), commonly referred to as alcoholism. Members meet regularly to discuss issues and concerns related to their addiction and support one another through triumphs and relapses.
There are no dues or fees for AA membership. An AA group will usually have a collection during the meeting to cover expenses, such as rent, coffee etc, Members are free to contribute as much or as little as they wish. Is AA a religious organisation? No.
The sole purpose of A.A. is to help its members find sobriety. As a result, the fellowship does not engage in controversy and does not endorse or oppose any causes. Clearly, a group like A.A. has a common goal, but many members also share similar feelings and experiences.
In Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) philosophy, the only two "sins" (or spiritual mistakes) are interfering with the growth of another human being and interfering with one's own growth, as described in the Big Book. These concepts focus on hindering spiritual and personal development, both in oneself and others, rather than specific moral transgressions.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) helps alcoholics to recover. A Fellowship, alcoholics help each other and reach out to others struggling with alcoholism.
There is room in A.A. for people of all shades of belief and non-belief. Many members believe in some sort of god, and we have members who come from and practice all sorts of religions, but many are also atheist or ag- nostic.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership. For more information on meetings (both in person and virtual) near you, check the AA website. Alcoholics Anonymous also offer a chat now service at www.aa.org.au.
Roles at this level will include those which provide straightforward administrative or support services; for example, creating, updating, distributing or tracking documents; checking mail; taking messages; reception services; data input; word processing; photocopying and scanning of documents; mail services; ...
Critics argue that the lack of formal research on AA's effectiveness makes it difficult to assess the program's impact objectively. AA's decentralized structure and respect for personal anonymity have made it challenging to conduct large-scale, controlled studies on the efficacy of the Twelve Step Program.
However, dating during recovery is usually not recommended for the first year of sobriety—and for a good reason. Entering into a romantic relationship too early in the recovery process or when not in the right state of mind can adversely affect your mental health and well-being, thus increasing your risk of relapse.
AA members often say the most important person at any AA meeting is the newcomer. That's because people in long-term recovery remember exactly what it felt like to attend their first meeting—the nerves, the doubts, the hope. Many members gain renewed purpose when newcomers walk through the door.
There are two main types of associate degrees: Associate of Science (AS) and Associate of Arts (AA). An AS degree can prepare you for jobs available across many industries, including marketing, information technology and accounting.
You've probably heard people say that AA is a simple program for complicated people. This is the basis of “keep it simple.” This phrase, abbreviated as KIS or KISS, reminds us to focus on the core tenets of AA: loving each other, serving and connecting with our spirituality.
Additional critiques include reports of "thirteenth-stepping", where senior members engage romantically with newer members, and legal challenges related to safety and the religious content of court-mandated participation in AA programs.
AA is not a religious organisation nor is it affiliated with any religious body. It welcomes members of all religions, agnostics and atheists alike. You don't have to sign up or achieve anything to be a member. You're a member of a group if you choose to be.
The "20-minute rule for alcohol" is a simple strategy to moderate drinking: wait 20 minutes after finishing one alcoholic drink before starting the next, giving you time to rehydrate with water and reassess if you truly want another, often reducing cravings and overall intake. It helps slow consumption, break the chain of continuous drinking, and allows the body a natural break, making it easier to decide if you've had enough or switch to a non-alcoholic option.
Roadside Assistance is included with AA breakdown cover, from just £5.49 a month. You'll get 24/7 support and unlimited call-outs for breakdowns more than 1/4 mile from home – with options to customise your breakdown cover if you need it.
In Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), the "two sins" refer to interfering with another person's growth and interfering with your own growth, concepts found in AA literature like Daily Reflections. These principles emphasize self-centeredness, stagnation, and harmful actions as detrimental to recovery, urging members to focus on love, compassion, and spiritual/personal development for themselves and others, rather than selfish agendas or hindering others' progress.
Elon Musk's beliefs have evolved; while previously skeptical, he recently stated he believes "God is the Creator" and the universe came from "something," though he avoids strict religious labels, identifying more as a "cultural Christian" who values Christian principles for boosting happiness and birth rates, rather than subscribing to all traditional doctrines. He acknowledges a higher power but distinguishes this from a judging, moralistic deity, focusing on the creative origin of the cosmos.
In Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), "Rule 62" is a humorous but profound guideline that advises members to "Don't take yourself too damn seriously," encouraging a lighter, more humble approach to recovery and life, emphasizing fun, laughter, and not letting ego disrupt the group or the journey, as explained in AA Cleveland and Experience Recovery. It's a reminder that recovery isn't about being gloomy but finding joy and that even small achievements don't warrant excessive pride, promoting self-effacement and community harmony.
AA “Taboos”: What Not Say in AA Meetings
Many people choose to attend AA after completing rehab to stay on the right track and receive support and encouragement to prevent relapsing. Millions of people have credited their alcohol addiction recovery to Alcoholics Anonymous, and although it may work for everybody, it's certainly worth giving it a go.
The “Four Absolutes” of Alcoholics Anonymous were considered “yardsticks” in the earliest days of the recovery program —standards for determining appropriate behavior as measured through God's eyes. The Four Absolutes are Honesty, Purity, Unselfishness, and Love.