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For Professionals

Basics of Alcoholics Anonymous

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.

Copyright© The A.A. Grapevine, Inc. Used with permission

Basics of ICYPAA

ICYPAA was founded in 1958 for the purpose of providing a setting for an annual celebration of sobriety among young people in Alcoholics Anonymous. It's a weekend event that occurs once per year and consists of panels, workshops, and speaker meetings where recovering alcoholics can share their experience about getting and staying sober. Attendees of all ages come from across the globe to experience this truly remarkable gathering.

ICYPAA takes place in a different city each year. The location of ICYPAA is determined through a bidding process, where young AA members organize local committees to bring ICYPAA to their city. Over the 60+ years of ICYPAA's existence, a network of local committees has sprung up in cities where ICYPAA has been or may go. This informal network collaborates actively to help young alcoholics find recovery in Alcoholics Anonymous.

To help your client get in touch with other young AA members, have them search AA on the internet in their local area. Many "young people's" AA meetings exist and can be found this way. Young people's AA meetings are simply regular meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous which have been formed to help younger members find each other and recover from alcoholism. Please have your client(s) contact us and we will help them get connected to their local AA community.

Informational Videos Made by ICYPAA

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