What if I’m not sure if I am an alcoholic?
You don’t have to be sure. Many of us weren’t. We just knew something wasn’t working. AA welcomes anyone with a desire to stop drinking—even if that desire is quiet, unsure, or brand new.
You’re welcome to listen, observe, ask questions, and take what you need. We won’t diagnose you, pressure you, or label you.
You’ll know in your own time if AA is for you. We’re just here to share what worked for us—and to be there when you’re ready.
What if I relapse?
You are not kicked out. You are not judged. You are not alone.
If you’ve had a drink—even after getting sober—you are still welcome here.
Many of us relapsed before we found lasting recovery. AA isn’t about doing it perfectly; it’s about continuing to come back.
There’s no shame in starting over. Every day is a chance to begin again.
Glossary of AA Terms
12 Steps
A suggested program of recovery offering a path to freedom from alcoholism, spiritual growth, and emotional healing.
12 Traditions
AA’s guiding principles for how groups stay united, independent, and focused on their primary purpose: helping alcoholics recover.
Alcoholic
Someone with a mental obsession and physical allergy to alcohol, whose drinking causes recurring problems, despite promises to stop or control it.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
A global, non-professional fellowship of people who support one another in recovering from alcoholism through shared experience and the 12 Steps.
Big Book
The foundational text of AA, formally titled Alcoholics Anonymous. It outlines the program, includes personal stories, and describes the 12 Steps.
Closed Meeting
A meeting open only to those who identify as alcoholics or have a desire to stop drinking.
Sponsor
A sober member of AA who offers guidance and support, based on their own experience, usually by helping another member work through the 12 Steps.
Higher Power
A spiritual concept of a force greater than oneself—defined personally by each member. It does not have to be religious or tied to any deity.
Open Meeting
A meeting anyone can attend—friends, family, professionals, or those curious about AA.
Chip/Token
A small medallion given to celebrate sobriety milestones like 24 hours, 30 days, 90 days, 1 year, etc.
Dry Drunk
Someone who has stopped drinking but hasn’t yet worked on their emotional, mental, or spiritual healing.
Relapse
A return to drinking after a period of sobriety. AA encourages returning to the program immediately without shame.
God of Your Understanding
A personal, non-dogmatic approach to spirituality in AA—each person defines their own concept of a Higher Power.
Service Work
Acts of helping others in AA—like making coffee, greeting newcomers, leading meetings. Service strengthens sobriety.
Home Group
The meeting a member regularly attends and contributes to; it provides a sense of belonging and accountability.
Fellowship
The community and connection among people in AA, often described as a “we” program.
Sharing
Speaking in a meeting about personal experiences with alcoholism, recovery, and hope. Sharing is voluntary.
Cross-talk
Interrupting or directly responding to someone else’s share in a meeting—generally discouraged.
Gratitude List
A recovery tool—writing down things you’re grateful for to help shift mindset and foster perspective.
Spiritual Awakening
A deep inner shift—emotional, mental, or spiritual—that often follows working the Steps or reaching new clarity in sobriety.
Character Defects
Habits, attitudes, or behaviors that no longer serve us—addressed in Steps 6 and 7 for healing and growth.
Making Amends
The process of taking responsibility for harm caused and, where possible, righting past wrongs (Step 9).
HALT
An acronym reminding us to pause when we are Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired—common relapse triggers.
One Day at a Time
A slogan and mindset in AA: focusing only on staying sober today, not worrying about tomorrow or forever.
90 in 90
A recommendation for newcomers to attend 90 meetings in 90 days to build a strong foundation.
Pink Cloud
A period early in sobriety when one feels euphoric, hopeful, and overconfident—it may be short-lived.
Rock Bottom
The lowest point someone reaches in their drinking—though AA reminds us we don’t have to hit “bottom” to seek help.
Slip
A term for drinking after some time sober. Not a failure—just a signal to return to recovery and ask for help.
Sobriety Date
The first full day a person stopped drinking—many in AA honor it as a personal milestone.
Inventory
The act of honestly examining your thoughts, behaviors, and patterns—used in Step 4 and throughout the steps and recovery.
Meeting Makers Make It
A reminder that consistent meeting attendance builds connection, accountability, and long-term sobriety.
Step Work
Working through the 12 Steps with a sponsor—often through writing, reflection, and action.
Sobriety
Living free of alcohol. In AA, sobriety also includes emotional growth and spiritual healing.
Dry Date
Another term for sobriety date—when someone last drank or used.
Just for Today
A slogan reminding us to take sobriety one day at a time and stay present in recovery.
Spiritual Bypass
Using spiritual language or practices to avoid doing deeper emotional or step work.
Keep Coming Back
A phrase used to welcome newcomers and returning members—AA believes healing happens over time.
We Are Not a Glum Lot
From the Big Book—reminding us that sobriety can be full of joy, laughter, and community.
GLAAM