South Carolina Alcoholics Anonymous

If You are a Professional Looking for Information About AA:

You might have patients, clients, employees, students, or members of your congregation who may have a drinking problem. We understand that you want to gather information about AA before you refer that person to an AA meeting for help.

You may be part of an organization or group that comes in contact regularly with those suffering from alcoholism.

Alcoholics Anonymous has many AA members and service committees who are available to provide professionals with information about Alcoholics Anonymous: what we do, what we don't do, how to find an AA meeting...

If you have questions regarding Cooperation with the Professional Community (CPC) in South Carolina, you can .

To request a presentation or exhibit at your association or group meeting, you can who would be happy to assist you. Some examples are listed below:

• Mail you information about Alcoholics Anonymous.
• Mail you local meeting schedules.
• Take you to an open AA meeting so you can see for yourself what it is.
• Provide you with AA members who would be happy to accompany your patients/clients/etc to their first AA meeting.
• Arrange for AA members to present an overview of AA to you or your staff.

There is no charge for any of these services; as part of our tradition of being self-supporting, AA does not accept outside contributions. AA members volunteer for these activities because service to others aids our recovery from alcoholism.

You could also contact our General Service Office in New York at 212-870-3400 or at this address:

Alcoholics Anonymous
PO Box 459, Grand Central Station
New York, New York 10163

We would be happy to hear from you!

A.A. Members and Professionals Interact

• A referral from a professional may provide the motivation an individual needs to seek help.
• A.A. members provide a support network, meetings and practical experience for those who want to stop drinking and stay sober.
• A.A. members are available in your community to offer help to your alcoholic clients or patients.
• Informational meetings or presentations can also be arranged for professionals who have an interest in learning more about what A.A. is and what it is not.

Information for Professionals

• Professionals who work with alcoholics share a common purpose with Alcoholics Anonymous: to help the alcoholic stop drinking and lead a healthy, productive life.
• We can serve as a source of personal experience with alcoholism and as an ongoing support system for recovering alcoholics.
• Alcoholics Anonymous has many A.A. members and service committees who are available to provide professionals with information about Alcoholics Anonymous.
• A.A. has a long history of cooperating but not affiliating with outside organizations and being available to provide A.A. meetings or presentations about A.A. upon request.
• A.A. communicates with professionals such as doctors or other healthcare professionals, members of the clergy, law enforcement or court officials, educators, social workers, alcoholism counselors, therapists, or others who deal with problem drinkers in the course of their work.

What Does AA Do?

• The A.A. program of recovery, set forth in our Twelve Steps, offers the alcoholic a way to stop drinking alcohol, and stay stopped; and become a useful and productive member of society.
• The recovery program is discussed at A.A. group meetings.
• A.A. members share their experience with anyone seeking help with a drinking problem.
• A.A. members give person-to-person attention to the alcoholic coming to A.A. This is ongoing, informal and unpaid.
• Local A.A. committees bring the A.A. message to alcoholics, upon request, as well as to professionals who encounter alcoholics in the course of their work.

What Does AA Not Do?

• Solicit members.
• Make medical or psychological diagnoses or prognoses.
• Provide detox or nursing services, hospitalization, drugs, or any medical or psychiatric treatment.
• Keep attendance records or case histories.
• Offer religious services.
• Provide housing, food, clothing, jobs, money, or any other welfare or social services.
• Provide counseling.
• Provide letters of reference.
• Discuss prevention, treatment, advocacy, legislation, etc.

Upcoming Activities

Check back for updated information on what we are doing to help reach the still-suffering alcoholic.

Find an Open Meeting Near You

Open meetings are available to anyone interested in Alcoholics Anonymous' program of recovery from alcoholism. Nonalcoholics may attend open meetings as observers.