What is Alcoholics Anonymous?

The Preamble of Alcoholics Anonymous

"Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people 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 A.A. membership; we are self- supporting through our own contributions. A.A. 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."

What is A.A., Types of meetings, and more...

Download this pamphlet

How To Get Started

The main focus for a newcomer is to simply attend meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous. This is the easiest and fastest way to meet other's who have had drinking problems and have recovered from the disease...one day at a time. We have meetings morning, noon and night throughout Southern Oregon.

If you're new to A.A., and feel you may have a problem with alcohol, and would like to quit drinking for good, we suggest acquiring these three things right away...

• The Book "Alcoholics Anonymous" - The first 164 pages of this book, is the program of recovery in A.A. Most A.A. meetings will have these books for sale at cost for $9.50

• Sponsor - This is someone who will help you to get started and take you through the book/program of A.A. ( Just ask someone to be your sponsor.)

• A Home Group - Members usually attend a variety of different meetings, but have one Home Group.

The "Home Group" is where AA Members accept service responsibilities, acquire accountability, and try to sustain friendships. By joining a registered group, and attending the monthly business meetings, comes the right to vote upon issues that affect your group, as well as AA as a whole.

There are additional reading materials that we use to learn how to live without alcohol and can be purchased at most local A.A. meetings. These include:​

• The book "Alcoholics Anonymous": (The Big Book) The first 164 pages in this book is our basic text and is A.A.s program of recovery.

• Plain Language Big Book: A Tool for Reading Alcoholics Anonymous: This book is a tool to help readers understand the book Alcoholics Anonymous, which was first published in 1939. This new book is designed so that the A.A. Twelve Step program of recovery from alcoholism may be easily understood by all people who have a desire to stop drinking.

• Alcoholics Anonymous Comes Of Age: Bill W. (A.A. Co-founder) Tells The History of A.A. and The Three Legacies. This is where the 12 Traditions can be studied.

• Experience, Strength & Hope: This anthology contains 56 stories retired from the first three editions of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous.

• Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions: A co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous writes 24 essays sharing his experience with 24 of our 36 spiritual principles.

• As Bill Sees It: A collection of Bill W.’s writings addressing themes such as fear, gratitude and spirituality.

• Dr. Bob and The Good Old-Timers: A biography with recollections of the early A.A. in the Midwest.

• ‘PASS IT ON’: The Story of Bill Wilson and How the A.A. Message Reached the World.

Here is some additional information newcomers have found useful:

• Is A.A. for you?

• Problems Other Than Alcohol

• FAQs about A.A.

• Is there an alcoholic in your life?

• Questions and Answers On Sponsorship