FAQ - A brief guide to newcomers

How can you get in touch with us?

You can call us on 62873020, or email us, or simply turn up to one of the many meetings in the region. You can drop into the AA office at the Grant Cameron Community Centre, 27 Mulley St (off Namatjira Drive), Holder ACT, which is open weekdays between 10am and 3pm. It's usually a good idea to call first to be sure there is someone in the office.

Do I have to identify as an alcoholic?.

You don't have to identify as an alcoholic when you go to a meeting. If you wish, you can say you would like to just observe, and take the time to decide whether AA is for you.

In AA, we usually give our first names when we share (some of us give first and last names; some of us gave false names until we felt comfortable - it's up to the individual), and there are no membership details collected.

How much does it cost?

There are no dues or fees for AA membership required. It is one of our traditions that "every AA group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions."

Most meetings pass a basket at the end of the meeting to pay for the running of the meeting, and we ask that you do not contribute until you have decided you wish to become a member.

What is a good meeting for people new to AA?

The Beginner's meeting is a good starting place for newcomers, but it's a good idea to get to a meeting when you decide you want to do something about your drinking sooner rather than later.

We suggest that people get to as many different meetings as possible, as there are many different formats and lots of different stories. Some people suggest 90 meetings in 90 days, while others suggest getting to as many as you can to be able to give yourself a fair idea of whether AA is for you.

There are about 40 meetings a week in the ACT region, and you are welcome to come along to any of those if you think you have a problem and want to find out more.

How do I join? Are there any membership requirements?

The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking (another of our traditions). If you decide you want to join, you become a member of AA when you say you are. If you wish to join a group, you can go along to that group and announce your membership to the other members of the group either privately, or in the groups meeting.

Do I need to have stopped drinking to be able to go to a meeting ?

No - the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. Some people have more trouble than others, but perhaps after coming along for a while are able to stop drinking; some have been able to stop and stay stopped as soon as they start attending AA; and still others have needed oustide assistance, such as detoxification centres and other services.

Do I have to give up drinking for the rest of my life?

We find it useful to take it one day at a time. However, most of us realize it is unhelpful to hold on to the idea that we might one day be able to drink safely; we have learned (usually from painful experience) that this idea leads back to drinking. Of course any one might decide they wish to return to drinking at any time, and that decision is theirs alone.

Are there books I can read?

There are many AA pamphlets and books available from many meetings and from the AA Office here in Canberra. The basic text written when AA first began is the book call 'Alcoholics Anonymous', also known as 'The Big Book'. You can read the on-line version of The Big Book by following this link which will open in a new window. There are many other books including 'The 12 Steps and 12 Traditions', 'Living Sober', and 'Daily Reflections' which newcomers might find helpful

If you would like further information, call us on (02) 6287 3020 and speak to one our members (or leave a message), or email us with your inquiry and one of our members will get back to you as soon as possible.