Following is the definition of A.A. appearing in the Fellowship's basic literature and cited frequently at meetings of A.A. groups:
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 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.
 
The Serenity Prayer
God grant me serinity to accept the things I cannot change courage to change the things I can and wisdom to know the difference
 
 

The Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous
1.

Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon A.A. unity.

2.

For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority -- a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.

3.

The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking.

4.

Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or A.A. as a whole.

5.

Each group has but one primary purpose -- to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers.

6.

An A.A. group ought never endorse, finance, or lend the A.A. name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property and prestige divert us from our primary purpose.

7.

Every A.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.

8.

Alcoholics Anonymous should remain forever nonprofessional, but our service centers may employ special workers.
9.

A.A., as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.
10.

Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the A.A. name ought never be drawn into public controversy.
11.

Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, television and films.
12.

Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.