If you have a desire to stop drinking and your drinking is causing you problems -- or, if you have discovered that living without alcohol is uncomfortable, and you get restless, irritable or discontented when not drinking -- it is highly suggested that you find a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. You may discover why you feel this way.

While we stress the importance of going to AA Meetings -- AA Meetings are not the Alcoholics Anonymous program of recovery.

Recovery takes place as a result of taking the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous as presented in the book Alcoholics Anonymous.

Please don't misunderstand... Going to AA Meetings is vital for an AA Member's recovery.

AA Meetings are a place where we can reach out to each other, support each other and practice our 12th Step. And, we need the AA Meetings, to remind us what our problem is and what the solution is!

Often, one of the first signs of a sober alcoholic's relapse to drinking, is not going to meetings on a regular basis. It's can also also be a sign that they have stopped doing the other things that are keeping them sober.

-------------------

What is Alcoholics Anonymous?

Alcoholics Anonymous is a book that was first published in 1939 - that contains the clear cut and precise instructions on how to recover from alcoholism. The Alcoholics Anonymous Program of Recovery is contained in this book -- which has helped many thousands of alcoholics to recover.

Recovery takes place as a result of an alcoholic following the directions in the book -- which will take the alcoholic through the AA 12 Steps of Recovery -- and enable them to discover a Power Greater than Their Self -- that can and will do for them -- what they have been powerless and unable to do for themselves -- and to assist them to help other alcoholics to recover (which is a requirement for recovery).

Alcoholics Anonymous is also 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 in the Alcoholics Anonymous Fellowship 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.

from AA.org