Here we have tried to answer questions most frequently in the minds of newcomers, the questions which were in our minds when we first approached the Fellowship. Along with the questions listed below the following two pamphlets may be of assistance to you in answering any questions you might have.
Frequently Asked Questions This pamphlet is designed for those who are interested in A.A. for themselves, for a friend or relative, or simply because they wish to be better informed about this unusual Fellowship. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions.
A Newcomer Asks This leaflet is intended for people approaching Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) for the first time.
Here we have tried to answer questions most frequently in the minds of newcomers, the questions which were in our minds when we first approached the Fellowship.
Frequently Asked Questions:
AA is a fellowship of men and women who have lost the ability to control our drinking and have found ourselves in various sorts of trouble because of drink. Most of us successfully attempt to create a satisfactory way of life without alcohol and to do this we need the help and support of other alcoholics in AA.
An AA meeting may take one of several formats, but at any meeting you will find alcoholics talking about how alcohol affected their lives and personalities; what action they took to deal with this and how they live their lives one day at a time.
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. You are an AA member when you say you are a member.
In Ireland, AA meetings last approximately one hour.
There are no dues or fees for AA membership. An AA group will usually have a collection during the meeting to cover running expenses, such as rent, tea and coffee, etc., All members are free to contribute as much or as little as they wish.
You do not need to make an appointment to attend an AA meeting, you can just arrive.
No. Nor is it allied to any religious organisation.
No, you don’t have to talk if you don’t want to. You can arrive ten or fifteen minutes before the meeting time. There will be members organising the room for the meeting, with whom you can chat to before the meeting begins. Just let them know if it’s your first meeting and they will guide you from there. Alternatively, if you want to wait until the meeting is over the members often have tea and coffee so you will also have an opportunity to chat to a member about your drinking then. We do suggest that you don’t leave the meeting without talking a member. Remember talking to a member will help you decide what next steps you want to take to stop drinking.
It is not necessary to get a sponsor straightaway. Members at the meetings will talk to you more about this.
Most AA meetings are what AA refer to as ‘closed’ meetings. This term is used by AA to describe meetings that are for people who have or think they may have a problem with alcohol. We also hold Open meetings for friends and family. See here.
We also hold themed meetings such as Steps Meetings, Traditions Meetings, Big Book Meetings and Beginners Meetings (although you don’t need to be a beginner to go to a beginners meeting).
You can bring them to an Open Meeting of AA. If they decide AA is for them, they can continue attending Closed Meetings of AA.
This is for the is for the AA Meeting to decide. You could arrive before approx. 10 to 15 minutes before the meeting time, ask for the Meeting Secretary, let them know it’s your first time attending AA and ask if your friend or family member can stay at the meeting with you.
Further info here for Family & Friends: https://www.alcoholicsanonymous.ie/new-to-aa/information-for-family-friends/