Welcome Newcomers
Every garden begins with one single seed.
Start here. Grow at your own pace.
Something brought you here—pain, hope, or just the quiet question: Could this be different? You’re welcome in this space, whether you’re questioning alcohol, newly sober, returning, or simply curious. No pressure, no judgment—just experience, information, and hope. You’ve already begun.
No one blooms overnight. Keep showing up. Let the light in. Together, we’ll take root and grow—one step at a time.
Do I Belong Here?
If you’re wondering whether this is the place for you….
know you are always welcomed to stay.
Many of us came here just feeling tired — of trying to manage everything alone, of pretending we were okay, of feeling disconnected from ourselves.
You don’t have to hit a specific “bottom” to seek change.
- Have you ever made promises to yourself about drinking… and broken them?
- Do you sometimes feel guilt, shame, or confusion about your behavior?
- Have you felt alone in a crowded room?
- Do you want to live a life that feels lighter, freer, more awake?
- Do you want to stop drinking, but find you cannot quit entirely or you have little control over the amount you drink?
🌼 If you relate to any of these, you are not alone. We’ve been there. And we’re here now.
What Is Alcoholics Anonymous?
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a worldwide fellowship of people who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other to recover from alcoholism.
It’s a spiritual—not religious—program based on 12 suggested steps, offering a path toward healing, growth, and freedom from active addiction.
There are no dues or fees to join, and no requirements except a desire to stop drinking. Many of us didn’t know for sure if we were “alcoholic” when we arrived—only that our relationship with alcohol was painful, confusing, or out of control.
In AA, we find connection instead of isolation, tools instead of shame, and a community of people who truly understand. If you’re here and you’re hurting, you’re in the right place.
🧰Build Your Spiritual Toolkit🧰
Need some new life tools? Let us share some of what has helped us!
There’s no one “right” way to begin. But there are tools — gentle, powerful tools — that have helped us find freedom, clarity, peace, and purpose. Try them one at a time, in your own way, at your own pace.
The 12 Steps, The 12 Traditions, The 12 Concepts & The 36 Principles
The Steps help us heal. The Traditions teach us how to live together with grace. The Concepts show us how to serve with love. Together, they create Spiritual Principles that offer a guide to growth — not just for recovery, but for becoming whole, honest, and free.
AA & Recovery Literature
From the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous to a variety of pamphlets, daily reflections & many other books, AA’s literature is rich with wisdom from people who’ve walked this path. Many of us read a little each morning to feel grounded and connected, rooted in recovery.
Prayers & Promises
Words that hold us when we can’t hold ourselves.
You’ll hear certain phrases often — the Serenity Prayer, the 9th Step Promises, the “Just for Today” card. They aren’t magic, but they work. Try some out. We are also promised results with every step, but we MUST do the work.
Technology & Resources
Recovery is wherever you are — even in your pocket. Explore the Everything AA App, In The Rooms find virtual meetings through AA Intergroup, or browse speaker recordings and reflections online.
Meetings
Where it all comes to life.
Meetings aren’t about performance or perfection. They’re about presence. They’re the heartbeat of this program — where we remind each other we’re not alone.
Fellowship & Sponsorship
We recover together.
Find someone who’s been where you are. Walk beside them. Let them hold the light for a while. This is how we heal — in relationships, in real time, one moment at a time.
What Can I Expect At A Meeting?
Meetings are where we gather, grow, and remember we’re not alone. Whether you’re sharing or just listening, showing up is an act of courage — and connection. You’ll find warmth, wisdom, and women who’ve walked the same path.
🪑💻 You’ll walk (or log) into a space where people greet you warmly.
We meet in living rooms, church basements, Zoom rooms — all kinds of places. There’s no dress code, no sign-up sheet, and no judgment.
🧍♀️ You can speak – or not.
No one will pressure you to share. You can just sit and listen. You’re welcome to pass when it’s your turn.
📖 We read from AA-approved literature.
This might include the Big Book, the 12 & 12, or reflections on recovery. We take turns reading — and you can always say, “I’ll listen today.”
💬People share from the heart.
It’s not about advice-giving or fixing each other. We share honestly about our own experience and let that be enough.
💗 You’ll hear things that feel familiar.
Laughter, tears, quiet nods — it’s all part of the room. It’s not polished or perfect. It’s real. And often, it feels like coming home.
💸It’s free.
There are no dues or fees — ever. You might see a basket passed around to help with coffee or rent, but there’s no obligation to give anything.
Still Have Some Questions?
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.
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.
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.
Why Make A Change?
If nothing changes, nothing changes.
Many of us tried to control or manage our drinking for years. Some of us lost relationships, jobs, or even our health before we were willing to try something different.
If you keep drinking, the consequences may get worse—but if you reach for help, everything can begin to change.
We’ve seen what happens when people stay—and we’ve seen what happens when they go.
You’re here now. That’s a beginning. You’re not alone anymore.
What Does Alcohol Do To My Body?
Glossary of AA Terms
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.
Sponsor
A sober member of AA who offers guidance and support, 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.
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.
Closed Meeting
A meeting open only to those who identify as alcoholics or have a desire to stop drinking.
12 Traditions AA’s guiding principles for how groups stay united, independent, and focused on their primary purpose: helping alcoholics recover.
12 Steps
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 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 recovery.
Step Work Working through the 12 Steps with a sponsor—often through writing, reflection, and action.
Meeting Makers Make It A reminder that consistent meeting attendance builds connection, accountability, and long-term sobriety.
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.
Spiritual Bypass Using spiritual language or practices to avoid doing deeper emotional or step work.
Just for Today A slogan reminding us to take sobriety one day at a time and stay present in recovery.
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.
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.
Sponsor A sober member of AA who offers guidance and support, 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.
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.
Closed Meeting A meeting open only to those who identify as alcoholics or have a desire to stop drinking.
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 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 recovery.
Step Work
Working through the 12 Steps with a sponsor—often through writing, reflection, and action.
Meeting Makers Make It
A reminder that consistent meeting attendance builds connection, accountability, and long-term sobriety.
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.
Spiritual Bypass
Using spiritual language or practices to avoid doing deeper emotional or step work.
Just for Today
A slogan reminding us to take sobriety one day at a time and stay present in recovery.
Keep Coming Back
From the Big Book—reminding us that sobriety can be full of joy, laughter, and community.
We Are Not A Glum Lot
From the Big Book—reminding us that sobriety can be full of joy, laughter, and community.
ALL ABOUT ZOOM-Easy As A, B, C
If you’re new to zoom or just need a refresher, here is step-by-step instruction to get online and connected!
Connect to the internet
Download the app
Open Zoom
From your desktop, tablet or phone
Join a meeting
A: Click the blue button to “Join”
B: Enter the meeting number
C: Click a smaller button to “Join”
Almost There
You may need to enter a password, click past any welcome window and decide if you’d like your camera on (off is ok too), and click one final “Join”
When you enter the room
Our group will ask you to turn your camera on if you don’t already have it on. It is because we like to verify we have a safe room. It can be just for a moment, until you receive your asterisk.
In Meeting Controls
You may or may not be muted when you join. If the meeting has started, everyone will be.
Use the microphone icon in the very bottom left of your zoom window to unmute and speak.
Some meetings lock this and unmute individually.
You can raise your hand to share, or not.
Use the blue “unmute” button you see pop up on your screen. That means it’s your turn.
Remember to mute yourself when you are done.
You can use and refer to the chat box, where meeting announcements and contact numbers will be shared.
You can also share as little or as much as feel comfortable with in the chat.
Let us know if you need help with any of it.
Leaving the meeting
There is icon with a person walking out a door in the bottom right of your zoom window.
– Click it once and it will ask if you are sure.
- Click it once if you are sure
- Then click the red “Leave Meeting” button
- You can also close the app entirely
What Is A Sponsor?
In AA’s early days, members found lasting sobriety by helping each other. That same practice continues today as sponsorship. A sponsor has been where you are—and is here to walk with you, one day at a time.
A sponsor is not a boss, therapist, or doctor. They are simply another alcoholic who has found a way to live sober and is willing to share what worked for them.
You don’t need to know how to do everything. A sponsor helps you begin. You don’t have to “qualify” or wait—in fact, the sooner the better. You can ask someone to be your temporary sponsor and get started in the Steps, or just reach out and start talking.
You are never bothering anyone. We’re here because someone once helped us.
A sponsor walks beside you through the Steps, offering encouragement, accountability, and understanding. They share their experience—not advice—so you can grow in your own recovery.
Sponsorship is how AA has always been passed from one member to another. Many of us would not have stayed sober without someone to guide us in those early days. As one AA member who was sponsored by Dr. Bob wrote, “I wish that every A.A. could have the benefit of this type of sponsorship today.”
Having a sponsor gives you:
- A safe place to ask questions and be honest.
- A trusted guide through the Twelve Steps.
- Support when challenges or doubts arise.
- A living example that recovery is possible.
You never have to do this alone. Sponsorship is one alcoholic helping another—the heart of AA.
Stay. Something beautiful is trying to take root.
GLAAM 