WHAT DOES A.A.? DO?


1. A.A. members share their experience with anyone seeking help with a drinking problem; they give person-to-person service or "sponsorship" to the alcoholic coming to A.A. from any source.
2. The A.A. program, set forth in our Twelve Steps, offers the alcoholic a way to develop a satisfying life without alcohol.
3. This program is discussed at A.A. group meetings.
4. Open speaker meetings — open to alcoholics and nonalcoholic. 5. Open discussion meetings — any one6. Closed discussion meetings — conducted just as open discussions are, but for alcoholics or prospective AA’s only.7. Step meetings (usually closed) — discussion of one of the Twelve Steps.8. A.A. members also take meetings into correctional and treatment facilities.

WHAT DOES AA DO NOT DO?

1. Furnish initial motivation for alcoholics to recover.
2. Solicit members.
3. Engage in or sponsor research.
4. Keep attendance records or case histories.
5. Join “councils” of social agencies.
6. Follow up or try to control its members.
7. Make medical or psychological diagnoses or prognoses.
8. Provide drying-out or nursing services, hospitalization, drugs, or any medical or psychiatric treatment.
9. Offer religious services.
10. Engage in education about alcohol.
11. Provide housing, food, clothing, jobs, money, or any other welfare or social services.
12. Provide domestic or vocational counseling.
13. Accept any money for its services or any contributions from non-A.A. sources.
14. Provide letters of reference to parole boards, lawyers, court officials, social agencies, employers, etc.