FAQs 2

There are many types of meetings, but at any meeting you will find alcoholics talking about what drinking did to their lives and personalities, what actions they took to help themselves, and how they are living their lives today. An A.A. meeting may take one of several formats, including those specifically geared toward beginners and those featuring speakers, where one sober member shares their experience, strength and hope. Generally, our experience indicates that the best meeting to attend is the first one you can get to.

A.A. Meeting schedules for San Francisco and Marin are available in a number of formats. Our online schedule can be searched by location and meeting type. You may download a schedule in a PDF format. We also sell printed schedules through our online store or in our bookstore at 1821 Sacramento Street at Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco.

When you go to an A.A. meeting you don’t have to give your name. Some groups will invite newcomers to introduce themselves by their first name only. At some meetings a sign-in sheet may be circulated for the chairperson to use during the meeting — no one has to sign it. All participation in A.A. meetings is voluntary.

Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all of A.A.’s Traditions. Please respect this custom and treat in confidence who you see and what you hear. Likewise, you can count on others to respect your anonymity.

It’s not necessary to explain why you’re there. If you’re called on and prefer to remain silent, just say, “I’ll pass.” Anyone is free to simply sit and listen at meetings.

If a judge, school or employer has suggested you attend a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous, they may believe there is evidence that you have a drinking problem. If you have an attendance card to be signed, most A.A. meeting secretaries will be happy to do so. Take a look at a current meeting directory. You’ll see the days, times, and places A.A. meetings are held. Meetings marked with a (C) are closed meetings — and only for people who have a desire to stop drinking.

No. Nor is it allied with any religious organization.

The majority of A.A. members believe that we have found the solution to our drinking problem not through individual willpower, but through a power greater than ourselves. However, everyone defines this power as he or she wishes. Many people call it God, others think it is the A.A. group, still others don’t believe in it at all. There is room in A.A. for people of all shades of belief and non-belief.