Local AA Hotline
(248) 541-6565
AA of Greater Detroit
A Non-Profit Serving Greater Detroit from Ferndale, MI since 1972.
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Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.
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What is Alcoholics Anonymous?
Local Meetings
Looking for a meeting in the Metro Detroit area? Check out our up-to-date meeting finder.
AA Hotline
Local AA members are standing by to answer your questions and help you find a meeting.
Not sure if you have a drinking problem?
HONESTLY answer the following questions. A “yes” to any might mean you have a drinking problem.
1. Have you ever decided to stop drinking for a week or so, but only lasted for a couple of days?
2. Do you wish people would mind their own business about your drinking– stop telling you what to do?
3. Have you ever switched from one kind of drink to another in the hope that this would keep you from getting drunk?
4. Have you had to have an eye-opener upon awakening during the past year?
5. Do you envy people who can drink without getting into trouble?
6. Have you had problems connected with drinking during the past year?
7. Has your drinking caused trouble at home?
8. Do you ever try to get “extra” drinks at a party because you do not get enough?
9. Do you tell yourself you can stop drinking any time you want to, even though you keep getting drunk when you don’t mean to?
10. Have you missed days of work or school because of drinking?
11. Do you have “blackouts”?
12. Have you ever felt that your life would be better if you did not drink?
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any requirements for attending an AA meeting?
If you have a desire not to drink, you may attend AA meetings.
I am already a member of a specific religion or practice a spirituality path. Will I be asked to change that?
No. AA is not a religious program. AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution. Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help other alcoholics achieve sobriety. The principles of AA are guides to progress; we claim spiritual progress rather than spiritual perfection.
I'm an atheist or agnostic. Can this program work for me?
Yes, this program can work for you. While there is direct mention of a “god” in meetings and literature, please keep in mind that this is a “god or higher power of your understanding”. For some, that understanding favors an atheist or agnostic form of expression.
If AA is not a religious program, why are meetings held at churches?
A church may serve as an available location for an AA meeting to take place. An AA group that meets in a church has no direct affiliation with the church beyond a formal agreement that allows the meeting to take place. Most AA groups pay rent to use the space in which a meeting is held – this includes churches.
Are there any fees for attending meetings?
There are no dues or fees for AA membership. We are self supporting through our own contributions. This means that AA supports itself solely on the contributions of its members. During a meeting, a basket is passed and people attending the meeting have the choice to donate if they wish. A typical donation is one to five dollars. Donations are used to pay the meeting rent, support the local AA service center and also support the AA service structure. Meetings generally keep a prudent reserve and donate the rest to carry the message of AA.
Can I bring someone with me to a meeting?
Of course – it is okay to bring a friend or family member to a meeting for moral support. We would ask that you and your guest select an open meeting of AA. An open meeting (by its very definition) is open to friends, family, and people who have a general interest in the AA program of recovery. Please see the online directory to find an open AA meeting in your area.
How do I start the steps?
If you feel ready to start your step work, it is suggested that you work the steps under the direction of a sponsor.
What is a sponsor?
A sponsor is a sober member of AA who has already worked the 12 steps of recovery and is now available to help others in the step work process. Selecting a sponsor is a unique and individualized experience but a good starting point would be to attend meetings and listen for a member of AA that has a message of recovery and a personality style that you can identify and feel comfortable with. A sponsor will most likely lead you through the step work process that is outlined in the book Alcoholics Anonymous (also referred to as “the Big Book”) – the basic text of the AA program.
Do I need to identify myself as an alcoholic to be welcomed in an AA meeting?
You will never be forced to identify yourself as an alcoholic at an AA meeting. This is a personal decision for you to make if and when it feels applicable.
I am not an alcoholic but have been sentenced by the Courts to attend AA meetings. What meetings should I attend?
If you have a desire not to drink, you may attend any closed meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. Those who do not have a desire to stop drinking should attend an open meeting of AA. Court slips may be signed at closed or open meetings depending upon the group’s decision about signing slips. Groups are not required to sign court slips but most do, in cooperation with your needs.
How do I prove my attendance at AA meetings if this is part of my sentence?
Persons court-ordered to attend AA often track their attendance by submitting a sheet that is signed by the chairperson during the meeting. The probation department typically provides these sheets. When the donation basket is passed during the meeting, place your sheet in the basket and it will be signed and returned at the end of the meeting.