Here are some common questions which may help you better acquaint yourself with Alcoholics Anonymous.

Q: Do I have to sign up or register to attend A.A. meetings?

A:  If you have a drinking problem, you are welcome to attend any meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous held anywhere in the world! You don’t need to have a doctor’s note, court order, or bring a drinking resume with you. In order to attend an A.A. meeting all you have to do is “just show up!”

Q: How much does it cost?

A: There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership or attendance at meetings. However, as we are fully self-supporting through our own contributions, a collection basket is passed to give A.A. members an opportunity to make a voluntary contribute towards the expenses of the group (e.g. room rent, coffee, literature, supplies, etc).  But no one, not even A.A. members, is obliged to contribute.

Q: Is A.A. a religious organization?

A: No. A.A. is not allied or affiliated with any religious organization.

Q: I’m not sure if I’m an alcoholic. How can I tell?

A: Take the A.A 12 Questions test. Answer them as honestly as you can. It may help convince you, but if you are still in doubt, we suggest you attend an A.A. meeting to see if you identify with us.

Q: I’m not an alcoholic, but I’d like to know more about A.A.  Can I attend a meeting?

A: You are welcome to attend any A.A. meeting listed as “OPEN”.  Any meeting online or in our printed schedule is open, unless it is designated as Closed.  The Closed meetings will have a (C) next to the name of the meeting.  To find out if an online meetings is Closed, click on the meeting name.

Q: What if I see someone I know at an A.A. meeting?

A: They will be there for the same reason you are. They will not disclose your identity to outsiders.  As an A.A. member, you may maintain as much anonymity as you wish.  That is why it is called Alcoholics Anonymous.

Q: If I go to an A.A. meeting, does that commit me to anything?

A:  A.A. does not keep membership files or attendance records. You don’t have to reveal anything about yourself.  No one will bother you if you choose not to come back.

Q: How do I become a member of A.A.?

A: You are a member when YOU say you are a member. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking… and many of us were not very sure of that when we first approached A.A.!