1300 222 222
Glossary of AA Terms
Over the years, AA members have developed a set of words and phrases that can sometimes be confusing to newcomers.
Alcoholics Anonymous has been providing support and help to those seeking freedom from alcohol since 1935. Our fellowship offers a safe space to share experiences, find support, and achieve lasting sobriety. Join us and discover how AA can help you reclaim your life, one day at a time.
Having trouble with alcohol? Does your drinking worry you? Is it causing you to get into unpleasant or dangerous situations? Are family members complaining about your drinking?
Information about AA for professionals who work with problem drinkers and...
Here in Australia, there are over two thousand AA meetings held each week. If you are new to AA, there's information about what to expect at your first meetings here.
This area of our website is intended for AA members. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are...
Overcoming problem drinking isn’t a solo journey. It’s a challenge that requires guidance, understanding, and unwavering support. With the right support from people who’ve been through similar struggles, recovery becomes not only possible but sustainable. Whether you’re at the beginning of the journey or somewhere along the way, the right help can make all the difference.
Excessive alcohol use can lead to serious physical health problems, including liver disease, heart conditions, and a weakened immune system. These effects can be life-threatening and often worsen over time if left unaddressed.
Alcoholism frequently strains personal relationships, creating tension and conflict with family, friends, and colleagues. The emotional toll can result in isolation and the breakdown of important connections.
Alcohol misuse can lead to legal issues such as DUIs, public intoxication, or other criminal activities. These consequences can have a lasting impact, affecting both the individual and their family.
The costs associated with alcohol use, coupled with decreased productivity or job loss, can cause severe financial strain. Many individuals find themselves struggling to manage their finances, which may worsen their situation.
Those battling alcoholism often face societal judgment and misunderstanding, leading to feelings of shame or guilt. This stigma can prevent individuals from seeking help, making recovery more challenging.
Alcoholism is closely tied to mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and feelings of hopelessness. These challenges can intensify with excessive drinking, creating a cycle that makes it harder to overcome alcohol dependence.
If you repeatedly drink more than you intend or want to, if you get into trouble, or if you have memory lapses when you drink, you may be an alcoholic. It’s a matter of whether your drinking is stopping you from leading the sort of life you want to lead. If you want to control your drinking but can’t, then alcoholism is a definite possibility. But as far as AA is concerned, whether you’re an alcoholic is for you to decide. It’s not up to anyone in AA to tell you whether you are or not.
If you’re unsure, take our Am I an Alcoholic? quiz to explore your drinking patterns and find out more.
We recommend attending an an AA meeting or speak with someone in AA to discuss your concerns. You can also connect with us directly through our Chat for confidential support and guidance.
We are a Fellowship of people who have lost the ability to control our drinking and have found ourselves in various kinds of trouble as a result of drinking. We attempt—most of us successfully—to create a satisfying way of life without alcohol. For this, we find we need the help and support of other alcoholics in AA.
No. AA does not keep membership files or attendance records. You do not have to reveal anything about yourself. No one will bother you if you don’t want to come back.
They will be there for the same reason you are. AA does not disclose your identity to outsiders or others inside our fellowship. You retain as much anonymity as you wish. That is one of the reasons we call ourselves Alcoholics Anonymous.
An AA meeting may take one of several forms, but at any meeting, you will find alcoholics talking about what drinking did to their lives and personalities, what actions they took to help themselves, and how they are living their lives today.
We in AA know what it is like to struggle with alcohol and to be unable to keep promises made to others and ourselves that we will stop drinking. We are not professional therapists. Our only qualification for helping others to recover from alcoholism is that we have stopped drinking ourselves. We have the ability to help problem drinkers because we are living proof that recovery is possible – we’ve done it.
You are an AA member if and when you say you are. The only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking (and many of us were not very wholehearted about that when we first approached AA).
There are no dues or fees for AA membership. An AA group will usually have a collection during the meeting to cover expenses, such as rent, coffee etc, Members are free to contribute as much or as little as they wish.
No. Nor is it affiliated with any religious or other organization.
The majority of AA members believe that we have found the solution to our drinking problem not through individual willpower, but through a power greater than ourselves. However, everyone defines this power as he or she wishes. Many people call it God, others think it is the AA group, but still, others don’t believe in it at all. There is room in AA for people of all shades of belief and non-belief.
Family members or close friends are welcome at “open” AA meetings.
In our experience, the people who recover in AA are those who:
attend AA meetings regularly
seek out the people in AA they like who have successfully stayed sober for some time
put into practice the simple principles of AA’s program of recovery
stay away from the first drink one day at a time.
You can reach Alcoholics Anonymous quickly and confidentially through our Chat button or by phone. Dedicated AA volunteers are available to answer your questions, provide guidance, and connect you with further support. For direct assistance, explore local meeting details on our Meetings page, where you’ll find a welcoming community ready to support your journey.
Absolutely! A variety of AA books and pamphlets are available to deepen your understanding of recovery. Many AA meetings offer these resources—pamphlets are often free, and books are provided at an affordable price. For direct access, you can explore and order materials through literature.aa.org.au.
For real-life experiences and fresh perspectives, visit our blog , where you’ll find personal stories and reflections on sobriety from people in recovery. Dive into these stories to gain inspiration and insight from others on the journey.
If you’re seeking answers, support, or a welcoming community to help you on your journey, AA is here for you. Reach out through our Chat, phone, or join us at a meeting to connect with others who understand. Explore our resources, read inspiring stories, and find the guidance you need to make positive changes today. Don’t wait—find your local meeting and start your path to recovery now.
Problem drinking affects more than just the individual—it impacts families, friendships, workplaces, and communities. It can strain relationships and create financial or legal challenges, adding extra layers of difficulty. The stigma surrounding the struggle with alcohol often makes it even harder for people to seek help.
Recovery is a journey best taken with support. By connecting with others who understand, you can find strength, encouragement, and a sense of belonging that makes the path to sobriety more manageable.
One day at a time
Step by step
Together we recover
Support is strength
Alcoholics Anonymous offers support in a variety of ways. You can connect via phone, live chat, attend in-person or online meetings, and even arrange home visits if that’s the best option for you. AA is here to support people on their recovery journey.
Anonymity is a cornerstone of Alcoholics Anonymous and one of our most essential guiding principles. It shapes who we are, providing a safe and confidential space where individuals can share freely without fear of judgment. Whether you’re attending meetings, engaging online, or seeking any form of support, your privacy is always respected. This commitment to anonymity builds the trust and security necessary for everyone to focus fully on their recovery journey.
Our blog features personal stories that share our experience, strength, and hope. From hitting rock bottom to embracing a new life in recovery, these honest reflections highlight the challenges and triumphs along the way. Each story serves as a reminder that you’re not alone and that a brighter, sober future is possible.
Featured Blog
Over the years, AA members have developed a set of words and phrases that can sometimes be confusing to newcomers.
At Alcoholics Anonymous, we call alcoholism what it is — alcoholism. This is not to shame or label,
Not long ago, society often saw alcoholism as a moral failing. Today, it is more widely recognised as
Whether you’re a member of Alcoholics Anonymous or simply curious about the fellowship, understanding the AA books is
Recovery is about finding the strength to climb out of the darkest moments and reclaim control of your life. No matter how deep the struggle feels, with support and the right tools, freedom from alcohol is within reach. Every step forward is a step toward a healthier, brighter future.
