Frequently Asked Questions

Is it confidential?

Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions. Any information you share with AA is treated in a totally confidential manner.

Is it religious?

Alcoholics Anonymous has only one requirement for membership, and that is the desire to stop drinking. There is room in AA for people of all shades of belief and non-belief.

We have seen many people come to AA and refuse to accept our help because they become angry or upset when others talk about their beliefs. If you cannot accept that others believe you don’t, you will find it very difficult to come to terms with. If, on the other hand, you can be tolerant of other peoples' right to believe in whatever they want to, you will find others tolerant of your right to believe whatever you choose.

Let’s make no bones about it: the 12-step programme that members follow originates in a Christian group. As a consequence, you will see God mentioned quite often. Many members believe in a god, and we have members that come from and practice all sorts of religions, but also, many are atheists or agnostic, so don’t be put off. 

Because it is a spiritual programme (not religious) those who believe in some form of divinity often find it useful to incorporate the programme into their religious practices and vice versa. This is their choice, and there is absolutely no requirement. What we all have in common is that the programme helps us find an inner strength that we were previously unaware of where we differ is attributing the source.

Whatever you do, please don’t let someone else’s religious beliefs prevent you from finding the solution that is available to you through Alcoholics Anonymous.

Is it a cult?

Its members are not forced to attend meetings; they are free to leave at any time, and the programme of recovery is simply a list of suggestions which, while many do choose to follow, many also choose to go their own way about it. Most members quite happily fit the culture of AA into their normal lives and belief systems.

Must you be able to talk in groups and confess that you are an alcoholic?

Nobody is forced or pressured to speak at an AA meeting or to declare themselves to be alcoholic. Newcomers benefit most from listening to speakers' experiences and can speak to members on a one-to-one basis if they choose.

What is the 12-Step Programme?

It is a series of steps taken by the alcoholic which assist them to achieve and maintain sobriety. They include acceptance of the fact that they are alcoholics, learning to trust and rely on something outside of themselves for help, acknowledgement of and making amends for past behaviour, changing present behaviour and passing the help received on to other alcoholics.

Can people attend counselling at our treatment centre and attend AA?

AA members can and do attend counselling at treatment centres. Many people have come to AA through treatment centres and attend aftercare there. This continuity is useful in the recovery process.

Does the AA programme include the Philosophy of Recovery?

AA is based on the concept of recovery from a persisting, chronic illness. It includes the philosophical elements of the belief that everyone has the potential to recover and the inherent ability to lead a satisfying, useful life.