Excerpted AA Literature
The Preamble of Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their
experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common
problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are
no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self-supporting through our own
contributions.
AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or
institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor
opposes any causes.
Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve
sobriety.
© Copyright by the A.A. Grapevine, Inc.; reprinted with
permission
What AA Does
At meetings, AA members share their recovery experience with anyone seeking
help with a drinking problem and give person-to-person services or "sponsorship"
to the alcoholics coming to AA. Nonalcoholic guests are welcome at "open" AA
meetings. Attendance at "closed" meetings is limited to members and
those who have a desire to stop drinking.
The AA program, as set forth in the
Twelve Steps to recovery, offers the
alcoholic an opportunity to develop a satisfying way of life free from alcohol.
What AA Does NOT Do
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| Make medical or psychiatric diagnoses or prognoses, or offer advice |
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| Provide drying out or nursing services, hospitalization, drugs, housing,
jobs, money or other welfare services |
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| Accept any money for its services or contributions from outside sources |
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| Provide letters of reference to parole boards, lawyers, court officials,
social agencies, employers, etc. |
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| Engage in or support education, research, or professional treatment. |
