Beginners

The beginning of a new day and, just perhaps, a new way of life.

Are you thinking about trying Alcoholics Anonymous?

Do you wonder if you’re an alcoholic?

Would you like to ask some questions about AA in private?

Each of us got to alcoholics anonymous in our own way. Some of us just walked in, others were forced to attend, family pushed others in, and some just had a friend ask, “Are you ready?” Regardless of how we each got here, we all had some things in common on our first days. We had a lot of questions about what AA is, how it works, is it for me, and why are those people so happy? Below are questions you may have considered. They come from Flagler County AA members. Just click on a question and you will see an answer from one a member here in Flagler County. If you would like to pursue the questions further, after each answer there is a “More Info” button. When you’re finished click on “Back” to return to this page.

· What is alcoholism?

· Why can’t I seem to stop after one or two drinks?

· Is alcoholism a disease?

· I’m not like those bums I see under the bridge. Am I different?

· Can I just control my drinking?

· What are the requirements for membership in AA?

· How much does membership cost?

· Tell me how an AA meeting works?

· Who is the man or woman running the meeting?

· Some meetings are listed “open” or “closed”. What does that mean?

· Some meetings are listed with topics like Big Book, or Steps, or Living Sober? What do those mean?

· The court system forced me to go to AA. Will you confirm my attendance?

· I’m a beginner. What type of meeting should I go to?

· I’m really busy, where can I find meetings that fit my schedule?

· Who runs Alcoholics Anonymous?

· What is a Home Group?

· What is a sponsor?

· Should I have a sponsor?

· How do I get a sponsor?

· What do I do if I don’t get along with my sponsor?

· People at meetings seem awfully happy. Why is that?

· What is the Big Book or the Blue Book I hear people talking about?

· What are the steps?

· I use drugs, can AA help me?

· I hear people talk about service. Do I have to do service?

· Do I have to believe in God to join AA?

· How can I be sure no-one will know I’m an alcoholic?

· Why do people only use their first names?

· What are AA clubs? What’s the difference between clubs and groups?

· How did Alcoholics Anonymous get started?

· How and where do I find more literature on AA? How much does it cost?

· Are there other web sites I should look at?

· How do I find meetings outside of Flagler County?

· I’m thinking about a treatment facility. Should I go? Where should I go?

· What is a group conscience?

· Why are some AA meetings conducted differently than others?

· My questions haven’t been answered. How do I find out what I need to know?

What is alcoholism?

Page 6, “What is alcoholism.?”

Is alcoholism a disease?

Page 10,”Alcoholism-an illness”

I’m not like those bums I see under the bridge. Am I different?

Can I just control my drinking?

page 8 “Can I ever drink normally again?”

What are the requirements for membership in AA?

Alcoholic 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. 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 help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.

How much does membership cost?

Page 9, “What does it cost to belong to A.A.?”

Who is the man or woman running the meeting?

The person running the meeting is simply a volunteer. He or she is responsible for guiding the meeting in accordance with the Group practices. Each group sets its own guidelines for chairing meetings and how they are conducted. You’ll notice that the chairperson just follows a script. The first time you consider volunteering, check with your sponsor or with one of the old timers in your group.

Volunteering to chair meetings is one of many ways to provide service to other alcoholics. I’ve been a member of AA for two years. For me running a meeting is always rewarding. Not only do I do a service for other members, it strengthens my AA program by making me prepare for the meeting and encouraging me to closely listen to others, something I’ve not always been good at. Even though I’ve run many meetings, I am always a little nervous. I take that as a positive sign that I care about my fellow members and my own AA program.

Fred M. Jump Start Group