AA

Alcoholism is an illness. Alcoholics cannot control their drinking. They may be ill in their bodies and/or their minds or emotions. They can’t stop drinking; their alcoholism gets worse. Both the American Medical Association and the British Medical Association agree that alcoholism is an illness.

Through the example of friendship of recovered Alcoholics in AA and new members.  All members are encouraged to stay away from alcohol one-day-at-a-time. Instead of quitting ‘cold-turkey,’ or worrying about whether they will be sober tomorrow, A's concentrate on not drinking right now.  By abstaining from alcohol, newcomers take the first step toward improving their illness, their bodies have a chance to get well; however, there is more to consider. If an individual is going to stay sober, they need healthy minds and healthy emotions. By following AA's 12 steps to recovery, Individuals, through group support, must strengthen their understanding of mistaken or misperceived thoughts to include associated negative emotions.  Our 12 steps suggest ideas and actions that guide Alcoholics toward happy and useful lives. Connecting with others, learning about recovery experiences, and supporting newcomers are key aspects of AA.   AA meetings make this possible, which is why regular attendance of AA meetings is important.

Alcoholics Anonymous operates in around 180 countries worldwide.  The people in each group usually get together once or twice a week for AA meetings. Open meetings feature speakers sharing their firsthand experiences, including how they found Alcoholics Anonymous and the impact it has had on their lives.  Closed meetings are for Alcoholics who wish to participate in group discussions. Any members who want to, can speak, and ask questions or share their thoughts with fellow members. In closed meetings, alcoholics can discuss and get assistance with personal problems, other important topics, how to stay sober, and working through the steps with others.

Our groups endeavor to provide a safe meeting place for all attendees and encourage a secure and welcoming environment. The information and operation of an AA group reside within the group’s conscience. Our common sufferings as Alcoholics and are common solutions transcend most difficulties.  This helps us to create a safe environment to carry the day's message of hope and recovery to the still suffering alcoholic.

Alcoholism strikes all sorts of people. The men and women in an AA meeting are of all races, nationalities and religions, or no religion at all.  There are rich, middle-class and poverty-stricken individuals. There are people from all occupations, such as, lawyers’ doctors, housewives, teachers, truck drivers, sales, waitresses and even members of the clergy!

AA does not keep lists of members, but the groups do report on how many people belong to each group. From these reports, A's membership is estimated at over 250 million.

AA has no real government. Each group may set its own customs and meeting practices, provided it does not cause harm to others or the whole of AA. Members elect a secretary and a leader.  Other necessary group officers typically do not issue orders; instead, their main responsibility is to ensure meetings proceed smoothly. Elections take place two times each year.

Newcomers do not pay any fees for membership and members do not pay dues. However, money is necessary to cover expenses such as rent, consumables like coffee and snacks, other daily necessities, as well as purchasing books and pamphlets. During meetings, a basket is circulated to accept donations. Attendees can contribute any amount they choose to or are comfortable with. Groups also contribute money to support central offices toward cities in their surrounding areas. Our GSO or general service office is in New York. The New York office publishes AA literature, helps local AA offices, and assists in all matters to do with AA including expanding AA into more countries. Many of the workers are volunteers.  

Alcoholics find the best way to stay sober is to volunteer one’s personal time to help others.

Most towns and cities have an AA listing in the phone directory for a group or central office number.  Descanso AA is part of the San Diego General Services office located in San Diego and are listed with all other meetings in the San Diego County area. AA operates a general service office in New York, which is accessible online at www.aa.org.

Often newcomers are confused about how AA works. AA is a self-help group where individuals join to share their experience, strength, and hope with each other. Members practice a set of principles in their lives. Newcomers are advised to look for guidance from a higher power outside of themselves.

AA is not religious. The newcomer is free to find a higher power or not.

Normally, newcomers will request someone who has experience in recovery to assist them in getting sober and staying sober.  This is known as a sponsor.

Sponsors assist the newcomer in finding meetings to attend, obtaining AA literature such as the “Big book,” and obtaining the “12 x 12” to start their study of the 12 steps.  The sponsor will ask basic questions about their new life without alcohol.

New activities in the life of the newcomer to Alcoholics Anonymous will include attending meetings regularly, working the 12 steps, helping other newcomers, and taking service jobs for the group.  This may additionally include – receiving a whole new group of friends.

Living sober involves much more than simply abstaining from alcohol.

In Descanso, Chapel of the Hill’s has provided support for recovery from alcohol for more than two decades. Touching the lives of hundreds. Having a safe and secure meeting space in the House of God is the perfect place to find and grow in sobriety.