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AA Overview for Newcomers

Scroll down to see a Getting Started guide and overviews of AA, Al-Anon, Club 12 and the San Antonio CSO.  

Getting Started in AA:

 

Here are some of the best things a newcomer can do to get started on the road to recovery from alcoholism in AA:

 

  1. Start attending AA meetings. Try different ones until you find one where you feel comfortable.  For meeting schedules and other information specific to meeting attendance, go to our Meetings Page.​

  2. Read the book Alcoholics Anonymous. A free download is available. See our Library Page for more information about the book. 

  3. Get a sponsor, when you are ready to take action. In AA, a sponsor is an experienced, sober member who meets with you individually and guides you through the 12 Steps of recovery. As you attend meetings and listen to others speak, identify someone you think would be helpful to you and ask them if they are available to sponsor you.
     

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What is Alcoholics Anonymous?

The "AA Preamble" states it well:

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Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people 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. There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership; we are self supporting through our own contributions. A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.

 

AA began in 1935 when two alcoholics, Bill W. and Dr. Bob, discovered they could help each other more than their non-alcoholic family, friends, clergy and doctors could help them. Soon they were helping dozens more and the fellowship grew. 

 

Their method of achieving sobriety using spiritual principles was eventually codified into what is now known as the 12 Steps, the foundation of the AA program of recovery. In 1939, the book Alcoholics Anonymous (aka "The Big Book") was published, and the movement spread quickly.  The 12 Traditions were adopted in 1950 as a set of principles to protect the unity, survival, and primary purpose of the fellowship. More than 2 million members now gather in AA meetings all over the world. 

 

The Alcoholics Anonymous headquarters is located in New York, New York. The main AA website is www.aa.org. It has a wealth of information about the AA program of recovery and publications.
 

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What is Al-Anon?

Al-Anon is a separate organization from AA, but it works alongside AA to help friends and family members of individuals with alcohol problems, regardless of whether the alcoholic is seeking help.  See our Al-Anon Page for more details. 

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What is Club 12?

Club 12 is a dedicated facility that was founded in San Antonio, TX in 1949, where more than 50 in-person AA meetings take place each week, plus 20 AA Zoom meetings and 10 Al-Anon meetings. The Club also has a snack bar that is open all day, and hosts special events such as Birthday Night and dances. See the footer of this page for contact info. 

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A brochure rack in front of the office has AA pamphlets on various topics; you may take these free of charge.  The office has a small selection of AA books, anniversary coins, and other related items for sale.  If you want to make a purchase and the office is closed, see the snack bar attendant. Browse our website for meeting schedules for both AA and Al-Anon, tips for newcomers, a monthly newsletter, special event information, and more. You may sign up to receive the newsletter via email on the Contact Us Page. 

 

Everyone is welcome at Club 12 and may use the facility while attending any of the AA or Al-Anon meetings here. Attending meetings is free, but we do pass a basket for voluntary contributions to help cover expenses. If you'd like to contribute digitally, see our Donations Page. 

 

Becoming a member of Club 12 requires a formal joining and paying dues of $20 per month. Club membership includes use of the facility anytime during business hours, voting privileges, and a discount at the snack bar. To see details on becoming a member of Club 12, go to our Membership Page.
 

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What is the San Antonio CSO?

The Central Service Office is the regional AA office for the San Antonio area. It exists to provide resources to local AA groups and serves as a link between local groups and the larger state, national and international AA organization.

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  • Street Address: 8804 Tradeway, San Antonio, TX 78217

  • Phone number: (210) 821-6325

  • Email: csosa1285@att.net

  • Website: www.aasanantonio.org

 

The CSO office and bookstore are open Monday 9-6, Tuesday thru Friday 9-5. The bookstore sells an extensive selection of AA-related literature, chips, and other gifts and materials that can be used to help assist an individual in recovery. Many of the materials may be ordered via the website. 

 

The CSO also maintains a database of AA meeting information for our San Antonio metro region and all of South Texas. To search for a meeting, go to the website and click the 'Meetings' tab. 

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"The Nightcap" is a monthly newsletter published by the CSO. Go to their website to sign up to receive the newsletter via email. 

 

The CSO also provides 24 Hour Hotlines for anyone needing help after office hours:

  • ENGLISH 210-828-6235 

  • SPANISH 210-409-8524
     

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