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What is AA?
Alcoholics Anonymous is an international fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem. It is nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial, apolitical, and available almost everywhere. There are no age or education requirements. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about his or her drinking problem.
Preamble of Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other, that they may solve their common problem.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership. We are fully self-supporting through our own contributions. Alcoholics Anonymous 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.
"From the October, 2003 Grapevine. Reprinted with permission of The A.A. Grapevine, Inc."
CNIA Contributions:
PO Box 161712
Sacramento, CA 95816-1712
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What is CNIA?
California Northern Interior Area (CNIA) is one of six A.A. General Service Areas in California and extends from the Oregon border in the inland valleys south to Kings and Tulare Counties. CNIA contains 27 active Districts including three Spanish Language Districts. In many cases a District covers one county; however, some Districts include two or three counties. In some counties, there are more than one District, such as Sacramento County which has five Districts; Fresno County, three Districts; and San Joaquin County, two Districts. As of December 2007, there are about 807 registered groups, of which 264 are active unknown (no GSR/contact) and 38 are inactive/disbanded.
Singleness of Purpose and Problems Other Than Alcohol
Some professionals refer to alcoholism and drug addiction as "substance abuse" or "chemical dependency." Non-alcoholics are, therefore, sometimes introduced to A. A. and encouraged to attend A.A. meetings. Anyone may attend open A.A. meetings, but only those with a drinking problem may attend closed meetings.
A renowned psychiatrist, who served as a nonalcoholic trustee of the A.A. General Service Board, made the following statement: " Singleness of purpose is essential to the effective treatment of alcoholism. The reason for such exaggerated focus is to overcome denial. The denial associated with alcoholism is cunning, baffling, and powerful and affects the patient, helper and the community. Unless alcoholism is kept in the foreground, other issues will usurp everybody's attention."
Reprinted from Information on Alcoholics Anonymous - A.A. World Services - 53rd General Service Conference
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