Ordered to Attend A.A.?
You’re Not Alone & You’re Not The First!
Many of us were sent to our first A.A. meetings by judges, employers, counselors, or some other authority, as a result of being arrested for driving while intoxicated, family disputes, or some other problem involving alcohol. If you’ve come to A.A. at the direction (or suggestion) of someone else, you probably have some questions. We hope this information will be helpful to you.
Here’s What A.A. Says About A.A.
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. Alcoholics Anonymous is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, or institution. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and to help other alcoholics achieve sobriety.
(Copyright © The A.A. Grapevine, Inc. Reprinted with permission.)
Millions of people have found recovery through A.A., including many who were sent by the courts or their employers. There are A.A. meetings in virtually every country in the world.
A.A. is not part of the court system. We do not work for the courts or the police department. We do not ask the courts to send people to us. And when people do show up with court cards, we are not responsible for making sure they are sober.
If a judge, court, school, or employer has sent you to A.A. meetings, it is because they believe there is evidence that you may have a drinking problem. We had nothing to do with their decision, but A.A. does provide information about alcoholism to interested parties.
But If You Come, Remember a Few Points
- You are a welcome guest.
- While most meetings will sign Attendance Slips, some will not. It’s up to each individual meeting to decide. Since A.A. is not allied with the court system, A.A. is not required to do the court’s work. If you arrive at a meeting early, you can ask the secretary or leader if they will sign your slip.
- It will be much easier to obtain verification of attendance at an in person meeting than at an online meeting. There are some online meetings where they will take your email address and email you verification of attendance. But if you do not receive this email, you will have no other recourse than to return to the meeting or attend another meeting. If you attend an in person meeting, someone can sign your slip right in front of you.
- If a meeting leader or secretary agrees to sign your Attendance Slip, they will probably just sign their first name or initials. We are personally anonymous. We are not court employees. Many meetings are open. Anyone may attend. Some are closed. Closed meetings are for those who have a desire to stop drinking – no guests allowed, and most Closed meetings do not sign Attendance Slips.
- If you have any questions, please ask them before the meeting starts, during a meeting break, or when the meeting is over. You can always find someone willing to talk to you and answer your questions.
- The men and women who voluntarily attend regular A.A. meetings are alcoholics. They come from all walks of life.
- In A.A. we respect all members anonymity. While you are free to take, repeat, and use any of the ideas or concepts that you hear at a meeting, please do not identify anyone you heard or saw there. We will do the same for you.
- The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.
- There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership. We are fully self-supporting through our own contributions. We pass the basket to pay our rent and expenses, but we do not accept outside contributions. If you are only visiting us to fulfill your legal requirements, please do not contribute. If you consider yourself a member, we welcome your contributions.
No one can tell you that you are alcoholic. People may point out indications that you may have a drinking problem . . . loss of control, drunk driving, arrests, lost jobs, broken marriages or relationships, blackouts, the shakes, etc. Only you can decide if you are an alcoholic, and we invite you to keep coming back.
The Central Office is not involved in the sending of verification of attendance forms.