Getting Started in AA

“Yes, I’m one of those people who is powerless over alcohol. My life has become unmanageable. I can’t stop drinking, and I want help.”

You have taken the first step

If you have decided you have a problem and want to get help, you have already taken the first step. You have discovered–as it says in the Big Book–that alcohol is cunning, baffling, and powerful.

There are some simple directions AA members follow in order to stop drinking and stay stopped. These principles are AA’s program of recovery. They can work for you as effectively as they have worked for others. Below are some suggestions we feel will be of help to you on your path to recovery.

Find AA Meetings

There are meetings all over New Hampshire for you and every alcoholic who wants help. In addition, virtual technologies make it possible to join online meetings and connect with other AA members from the next town, across the country, and worldwide. AA is available whenever you want to attend a meeting.

Here are two easy ways to find a meeting:

Find a Meeting in New Hampshire

Download the Meeting Guide App

Live “One Day at a Time”

Alcoholics Anonymous is founded on a simple principle – live life “one day at a time.” We try to break life into small pieces we can handle. We stay sober one day at a time – one hour at a time, if necessary. We do our jobs one task at a time. We solve our problems one problem at a time. We clean up our past messes one mess at a time.

Get Phone Numbers

As you attend meetings, you will find people are willing to give you their phone numbers. They genuinely hope you will call – assisting newcomers helps them stay sober, too. When you cannot easily get to a meeting, the phone numbers of AA friends are invaluable.

In emergencies, you may want to call the NHAA Helpline (800-593-3330), which is available 24 hours a day. Help is available when you need it.

Get a Sponsor

A sponsor is a sober member of Alcoholics Anonymous who has experience with the 12 Steps and can serve as a guide in the recovery process. While having a sponsor is not required, experience tells us we are better together!

Include the Family

It is said that the average practicing alcoholic affects the lives of at least five other people. Alcoholism is a family illness. We find that the family that gets sick together can often recover together. Share your program of recovery with them.

OPEN MEETINGS

Bring your spouse, friends, family members, and others who care about you to hear the stories of AA speakers. Closed meetings are marked with a “C” in our meeting list; all other meetings are open.

SOCIAL EVENTS

AA groups and districts sponsor special dances, picnics, workshops, conferences, and other social activities for AA members and their families.

AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS

AI-Anon Family Groups are for anyone worried about someone with a drinking problem. They hold meetings just like AA groups. They use AA’s twelve steps of recovery to help them understand the alcoholic and to adjust and improve their own lives.

Read the Books

Here are a few books which explain the AA program of recovery:

These books contain important information and are great resources. They can be a constant source of inspiration and understanding. Many of us begin our day with “quiet time” and by reading a paragraph or chapter from one of them. They are the basic sources of our program of recovery.

Here are 3 ways to begin exploring AA’s literature:

ATTEND LITERATURE-BASED MEETINGS

Many AA meetings (both in-person and online) include reading through some of AA’s most important literature. This is a great way to dive into the material with other people who can answer questions and share their experience, strength, and hope about the topic.

Find Meetings

PURCHASE AA LITERATURE

AA literature is available at the Area 43 Service Office in Hooksett, NH. We also offer an online store through our website. You will find that many AA meetings have pamphlet racks and a book table. Reading AA literature can be helpful to you as you travel the road to happy sobriety.

Shop

SUBSCRIBE TO THE AA GRAPEVINE

The AA Grapevine is our monthly magazine – many call it our “meeting in print.” Each issue contains helpful articles for the alcoholic who wants to get well and stay that way. Print subscriptions and a digital app are available at a minimal cost – as well as a free podcast.

Learn More

Get a Home Group

A home group is a meeting that a member regularly attends and considers their primary meeting—fondly known as the “home” group. This group serves as the central point of AA community involvement, providing a consistent support network. Members often feel a sense of commitment and belonging to their home group, where they take on responsibilities, participate in service roles, and build strong connections with other members. Finding a home group is essential in fostering a stable and supportive environment for ongoing recovery.

Be A Part Of AA

You’ve made a great beginning! We hope you find these suggestions helpful on your journey to a happy, joyous, and sober life!

Remember, you never have to be alone if you use the tools AA offers you.