What A.A. Does Not Do

Understanding AA’s Boundaries: What We Don’t Provide

If you’re considering Alcoholics Anonymous or have been referred to AA, it’s important to understand not just what we do, but also what we don’t do. AA has a very specific role in recovery, we focus exclusively on helping people achieve and maintain sobriety from alcohol through our Twelve Step program and fellowship. However, many people have misconceptions about AA’s scope and services.

AA is not a treatment center, social service agency, or rehabilitation program. We don’t provide professional services, financial assistance, or handle legal matters. Understanding these boundaries helps set realistic expectations and ensures you can find the right resources for all aspects of your recovery journey. Below is a clear list of what Alcoholics Anonymous does not do, based on our traditions and experience.

Tradition Ten: Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the A.A. name ought never be drawn into public controversy.

What AA Does Not Do:

Recruit members or furnish initial motivation for alcoholics to recover.
Keep membership records or case histories.
Follow up or try to control its members.
Make medical or psychological diagnoses or prognoses.
Provide hospitalization, drugs, or medical or psychiatric treatment.
Provide housing, food, clothing, jobs, money or other such services.
Provide domestic or vocational counseling.
Engage in or sponsor research.
Affiliate with social agencies (though many members and service offices do cooperate with them).
Offer religious services.
Engage in any controversy about alcohol or other matters.
Accept money for its services or contributions from non-A.A. sources.
Provide letters of reference to parole boards, attorneys, court officials, schools, businesses, social agencies, or any other organization or institution.

Reprinted from The A.A. Group …Where It All Begins, p. 39, with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc.