So you’ve been told to go to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and you hate the idea… You’re not alone and you’re not the first.

Don’t worry it’s not that bad
If a judge, school or employers has sent you to meetings of AA, it is because they believe there is evidence that you may have a drinking problem.

Here is how the fellowship works.
You don’t have to give your name:
At AA meetings they don’t ask your name. No one keeps attendance records. If the court wants to have a card signed, most meeting secretaries will do this for you and probably not even notice your name. Some members introduce themselves, but that is their choice. You don’t have to give your name in return.

You don’t have to speak:
Many members will share, but no one will think it strange if you remain silent. There are AA members who prefer to sit and listen.

No one will ask why you are there:
At open AA meetings, it is not uncommon to see non-alcoholics such as family, friends, spouses, and other visitors. Why you are there is nobody’s business but your own.

There are no dues of fees for AA membership:
During the meeting, a basket is passed to pay the cost of renting the venue, or for the beverages and other necessary expenses. There is no obligation to contribute.

No one will tell anyone that you were there:
There is an unwritten rule about AA meetings – “whatever you see here, hear here, stays here.” That’s the anonymity part of the programme.

Just for today
I will stay in the here and now. Today – this moment – I am free.

The AA Estcourt branch hosts meetings every Tuesday at Forderville Primary School from 7pm to 8pm. Contact Desigan on 082 849 3014.
The AA Winterton branch hosts meetings every Thursday at the Springfield Church opposite the police station from 7pm to 8pm. Contact Dolly on 071 688 5330 or Virgilo on 079 688 0432.

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