I'm 35 years clean and sober thanks to AA. You may be looking at "treatment centers" that do require insurance, etc. Don't confuse these treatment centers with AA proper... we have nothing to do with treatment centers, those are privately operated outfits that are run for-profit. AA is totally non-profit and we exist solely to help alcoholics get sober, and that is ALL we do.

There is no waiting list, no fees or dues, no entry test or requirements, or insurance needed for AA itself.... you are a member when you say you are. All treatment centers can do is point you to an AA meeting and ask a few thousand dollars to do that. I'm doing it here for free, you don't owe me (or anyone else here) one dime.

The HARDEST part about getting into AA is your own reluctance and dithering, maybe even a little bit of denial. But the only thing holding you back if you.

Find a meeting close to you -- and trust me, we are EVERYWHERE -- to to that meeting at the appointed time, in fact, go EARLY and meet some people, introduce yourself. You will be the most important person at that meeting, the newcomer.

The Primary Purpose of all AA groups and members is to "stay sober and carry the message to other alcoholics." You will probably be met with welcome arms, and just maybe, you will find hope in that meeting, or any other AA meeting you go to.

Let them know that this is your first-ever meeting, they will do the rest. But they cannot MAKE you sober, you will have to do the work, and work the 12 steps, but they can guide you along the way.

Learn to trust people again, that is a major step. No one in AA wants anything from you...not your money, not absolute obedience, just ask that you show up and start the process of getting your life in order again.

Speaking as an "old timer" myself, it gives me great joy seeing new people come into AA, turning their lives around, growing in mind, body, and spirit, and become useful, contributing citizens again. THAT is the only 'payment' we get...seeing people become whole again.

There is an entire new language to learn that won't make sense at first, but AA has been around since the 1930s and has developed its own culture and manner of speaking. The "big book," the "12 & 12," "pink cloud," "steps and traditions," "sponsors".... you'll learn what these mean as you go along, don't let yourself be put off by them. In any endeavor in life, if its been around awhile and stood the test of time, will have its own jargon, so feel free to ask questions. In fact, ask LOTS OF QUESTIONS to anyone who will spend time talking with you. It's what we do.

If you're serious about getting sober and staying sober, welcome to the most important new way of living and new friends that you have ever had. All my old drinking and using "friends" are now dead or sober, leading lives of misery or living fulfilling lives, depending on whether they got sober or not. My new friends today are mostly those in the rooms of AA.

Best of luck to you, come see us. We're in your phone book, or online, under "AA" or "Alcoholics Anonymous." Back in the 1930s we were hard to find...today, we are very easy to find. All it takes is to Google "AA" or "AA near me" and you'll find a group, a meeting, or AA resources near you.

Reply back if you want, with a general location, and I'll be glad to help you find something near you. Or if you're like me and want to do it "on your own" that's fine too, but just DO IT. A bright future awaits you, you just have to reach out and take hold of it.