Frequently Asked Questions

Charlotte Group meets Saturdays from 7:00 to 8:00 PM at Caldwell Presbyterian Church, 1609 E 5th St, Charlotte, NC 28204, in Elizabeth near Uptown. First meeting: Saturday, November 7, 2026.

This is an open Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book discussion. Anyone interested in AA is welcome to attend, including family and friends. Last Saturday of each month is a lead discussion meeting: a 30-minute speaker followed by discussion.

No appointment or registration is needed. Arrive 10–15 minutes early if you want coffee and a chance to meet people. You do not have to speak. You can simply listen. Come to Caldwell Presbyterian Church and look for AA signs. If you cannot find the room, email [email protected] or wait a few minutes for a member.

There are no dues or fees. The meeting is free. A basket is passed for voluntary contributions from members who can afford it. You are welcome whether or not you put anything in the basket.

AA is independent of treatment centers and other outside organizations. An AA group may meet on a treatment facility's or church's property, but the group itself should remain autonomous and not be operated by the facility. Charlotte Group is an autonomous AA group. We do not endorse treatment centers or other outside enterprises.

We're attempting to avoid controversy.

The steps are referenced throughout our discussions as we read the Big Book line-by-line. Reading them as a separate ritual at the beginning takes away from the discussion portion of the meeting. We discuss the steps in context of how to actually work them, not as abstract principles we read out of habit.

Every announcement, no matter how "important," shifts focus from recovery to events and activities. The meeting is for recovery. Information sharing happens informally before or after the meeting. And it's another time sink.

Burning desires interrupt the flow of the meeting and often become a way to dominate discussion or shift focus to crisis management. The meeting follows a planned topic from the Big Book. If someone needs immediate help, we connect them with sponsors after the meeting - individual crises are handled through sponsorship, not by hijacking the meeting.

More unnecessary reading. The "Safety Card" is often a "warning" against things like 13th stepping but addresses it in a really weak manner. If you're not safe, get with a member, ask them to walk you to your car... But make sure the core issue is addressed with the group if necessary.

Someone needs to actually go talk to newcomers, not just give them a bunch of ephemeral phone numbers they'll never use. When a newcomer shows up, members connect with them directly - before, after, or between meetings. Real connection beats a piece of paper with numbers that never get called.

The Big Book says we're concerned with alcohol, but experience shows people switching addictions (marijuana, other drugs) and calling it sobriety. We define it clearly while respecting that AA membership only requires a desire to stop drinking. This is a group position, not a membership requirement - it represents our collective experience, not a barrier to attendance in AA. Important to note we aren't "AA" - the collective organization and fellowship, we're just one group.

Important distinction:
• Membership: Only requirement is desire to stop drinking (Third Tradition)
• Sobriety definition: How this group collectively defines continuous sobriety
• Where it applies: Birthday celebrations and business meeting voting, NOT membership

New members often want to change things before understanding why they exist. The 30-day period ensures voters have attended enough to understand the group's approach, preventing well-meaning changes from people who don't yet understand what they're changing. It also prevents vote-stacking on contentious issues.

Yes. This is an open meeting, so anyone interested in AA is welcome to attend. Anyone who identifies as an alcoholic is welcome to share during discussion. We meet people where they are - you don't have to agree with our approach to participate. We ask that non-alcoholics listen rather than share. We're also not going to kick anyone out who's an addict or etc. Just politely ask that they not share.

Groups get watered down fast by well-meaning changes before culture is established. Two years gives the approach time to prove itself. Then members who've actually experienced it can make informed decisions about what to keep and what to change. This isn't because we think we're perfect - it's protection from dilution before the group reaches maturity.

After 2 years: Charter becomes amendable (still requires 2/3 majority and 1 month of prayer before vote).

The requirements grow with the group's maturity, responding to the group's developmental stage rather than being arbitrary.

During formation (Years 0-2):
• Lower requirements to get people into service who can serve
• Focus on building group infrastructure

After formation (Year 2+):
• Higher requirements ensure people in key positions have solid foundation
• Group can reconsider if it's causing problems

During startup, we cast a wide net to build culture. After establishment, we focus internally on what we've built together.

During formation: Celebrate anyone to build culture and encourage celebration
After 2 years: If the group is healthy, focus celebrations on the work our members have done

No, it's not against the traditions. The 11th Tradition says we need not always be anonymous at the level of press, radio, and film - we just practice anonymity in those contexts. Google ads are attraction rather than promotion.

When people search "Charlotte AA meetings," they get a bunch of treatment center ads. We're just trying to provide another avenue for folks looking for actual AA in the area. We're not promoting AA or soliciting members - we're simply showing up when someone is actively looking for Big Book-focused recovery.

AA has traditionally advertised in this manner - there's precedent for it if you look into the history. It's the modern equivalent of being listed in a phone book or meeting directory, which AA has always done.

We're still finding our footing. We prioritize direct message-carrying during formation, then support the broader service structure once we're solid and have excess funds.

Financial priorities (in order):
1. Group rent and supplies
2. Big Book inventory for newcomers (can't carry the message without books)
3. Google Ads (attract people seeking Big Book approach)
4. Group activities (fellowship and connection)
5. Eventually, District/Area contributions (when stable)

Those are the instructions. The rest of the Big Book is stories - valuable, but not the program itself. The first 164 pages contain the actual steps and how to work them. The Book contains the instructions - not our interpretation, not enhancements, not modernizations. The Book as written in 1939.

What we discuss:
• First 164 pages of the Big Book
• The Doctor's Opinion
• Doctor Bob's Nightmare

What we don't discuss:
• Personal stories (unless specifically relevant to a Big Book topic)
• Other AA literature (12&12, Daily Reflections, etc.)
• Outside literature
• Current events or politics

We're not interpreting - we're reading it line by line and discussing what it says. We're letting the Book speak for itself, not imposing an interpretation. You're welcome to share your understanding during discussion. The members read and discuss. Discussion is open, but it's discussion of what the Book says and our experience of the instructions, and hopefully not too much of our opinions.

This isn't about being rigid - it's about being clear on what we're protecting and why. These aren't arbitrary rules; each provision addresses a specific problem we've observed:
• Announcements → Shift focus from recovery to activities
• Burning desires → Interrupt planned discussion, create crisis management
• Safety statements → Weak Addressing of 13th stepping or violence
• Outside literature → Takes us away from the program that works

After 2 years, if something doesn't work, we can change it. But we have to try it first.

That's fine. The program is practical, not theological. You don't need to believe in God, or anything for that matter. Prayer works whether you believe or not (it changes the one who prays). Many of us came in agnostic and worked the steps anyway. "God as we understood Him" does the heavy lifting - we don't debate theology, we work the steps and let the spiritual experience happen naturally.

No. This is what works for us. There are many paths to recovery. We've found that the Big Book program, worked as written, produces results. If this approach doesn't resonate with you, there are hundreds of other AA meetings with different approaches. We're not claiming to be the only way - we're creating a space for people who want to work the program as outlined in the Big Book.

No. We're focused on what the Book says. Modern AA has value - we're just choosing to focus on the original instructions. This is about what we DO, not what we're against. We're not against other approaches, we're FOR this approach.

The group conducts a comprehensive inventory (using both standard AA group inventory questions and charter-specific provisions). Two years gives enough time to experience the approach, then we decide with actual data, not theory.

Based on the inventory:
1. Charter becomes amendable (still requires 2/3 majority + 1 month prayer)
2. Some provisions automatically change (service position sobriety requirements increase, birthday format becomes members-only)
3. Group decides what to keep and what to change based on actual experience

Attend a business meeting (second Saturday, 8:05 PM after regular meeting) and declare yourself a member. After 30 days of declared membership, you can vote on group business.

Requirements: Only requirement is a desire to stop drinking.

Find someone who has what they want - someone who is content with their life and seems enthusiastic about helping others. Newcomers often want all kinds of crazy stuff, so look for someone with genuine peace and willingness to serve. Sponsorship happens outside of meetings - before, after, or between. The meeting is for learning the program; sponsorship is for working it. Find someone, ask them, and work the steps as outlined in the Book.

Quarterly positions (3 months, no sobriety requirement):
• Greeter, Literature Person, Setup/Cleanup, Alternate Chairperson

Annual positions (sobriety requirements apply):
• Treasurer, Secretary, GSR, Treatment Rep, Group Conscience Chair, etc.

Service commitments are elected at business meetings. Show up, raise your hand, serve.

Ask someone after the meeting. Sponsors, long-time members, and people in service positions can provide clarity. You can also email us at [email protected]. This group values questions - we just handle them outside the meeting itself so the meeting stays focused on the Big Book.

AA is completely free. There are no dues, fees, or insurance requirements. We are self-supporting through voluntary contributions only.

AA is spiritual, not religious. Your higher power can be anything greater than yourself - God, the group, nature, or the universe. People of all beliefs find recovery in AA.

Charlotte Group is an open Big Book discussion. We meet Saturdays from 7:00–8:00 PM at Caldwell Presbyterian Church, 1609 E 5th St, Charlotte, NC 28204. Meetings typically include opening, reading and discussion from the Big Book, and closing. You're never required to speak - just listening is perfectly fine. First meeting: Saturday, November 7, 2026.

Most non-alcoholics never question whether they need help with drinking. Only you can decide if you have a drinking problem. If alcohol is costing you more than money - your relationships, health, job, peace of mind, or self-respect - and you have a desire to stop drinking, you're welcome at AA. Anyone is welcome to attend AA if alcohol is causing problems in their life.

Charlotte Group meets at Caldwell Presbyterian Church, 1609 E 5th St, Charlotte, NC 28204, in Elizabeth near Uptown. This site is not affiliated with the official Charlotte AA intergroup. For a complete listing of all AA meetings in Charlotte, visit charlotteaa.org.

Open meetings welcome anyone, including family and friends. Closed meetings are for those with drinking problems only. Charlotte Group is an open meeting. We also recommend Al-Anon for family members affected by someone else's drinking.

AA is not affiliated with any treatment centers, hospitals, or medical facilities. Meetings that occur inside treatment centers are not actually AA meetings - they may use AA materials, but true AA meetings are run by AA members, not staff. If you've only experienced meetings inside treatment facilities, the meetings outside may be quite different. AA meetings in the community are entirely autonomous, self-supporting, and run by people in recovery, not by professionals or institutions.

No, AA is not a cult. In AA, the doors don't lock from the outside - you're free to leave anytime, no questions asked. In actual cults, everyone does what they're told without question. If AA were a cult, everyone in it would stay sober and work the steps perfectly - but that's clearly not the case. Many people come and go, disagree with suggestions, or choose different paths. AA simply offers a program of recovery that works for those who want it and are willing to follow it.

Alcohol withdrawal can be deadly. If you're drinking daily, especially large amounts, talk to a doctor before stopping. The ER won't judge you - they see withdrawal symptoms constantly. AA meetings aren't medical facilities and we can't help if you have a medical emergency.

It happens. Some relationships are built on drinking together. Some partners feel threatened by your changes. But staying drunk to save a relationship never works. Many of us lost relationships getting sober but found healthier ones later.

You're more likely to lose it from drinking. That said, you don't have to tell your employer about AA. Meetings near Charlotte are available early morning, lunch, evenings, and weekends. Many people protect their jobs by getting sober.

We've seen people get sober who drank mouthwash, vanilla extract, and hand sanitizer. People who lost their kids, homes, and minds. People with wet brain, liver failure, and permanent shakes. If you're breathing, you're not too far gone.

That's exactly when AA works best. When you have nothing left to lose, you become willing. The fellowship becomes your new network. Many of us came in completely alone.

Some people need medical help and detox for alcoholism treatment. If you keep relapsing, you might need more help than just meetings. This isn't failure - it's recognizing what level of care you need.

Most people don't hide their drinking as well as they think - chances are the people most affected already know. No one is going to be upset with you for getting sober and going to AA. They will definitely be upset if you keep drinking.

Alcoholism is a fatal illness if left untreated - whether you're ready or not is somewhat immaterial. But AA focuses on not drinking just for today. Forever is too big to think about. Just don't drink today.

AA isn't a religious program, but most of us have found that by not drinking, living life based on spiritual principles and having a new sense of purpose and direction, many of the symptoms that can be construed as medical issues have gone away, or at least become treatable and manageable. Your higher power can be the group, nature, or anything greater than yourself.

This is real. People die from this disease every day. Relapse can mean overdose, drunk driving, suicide, organ failure. That's why we say this is life or death. Your fear is justified.

Some people get sober and realize their entire life was built around drinking - wrong career, wrong relationship, wrong everything. Rebuilding from scratch at 30, 40, 50+ is terrifying but possible. The experience of most folks in AA is that building a life worth living is a lot of work, and most of us have messed things up pretty badly, so it's natural and expected to be unhappy when you come to AA and even for a while after while you're working the steps and learning how to live sober.

They might not. Some damage can't be undone. But staying drunk guarantees they'll never forgive you. Getting sober at least gives you a chance. We're not entitled to forgiveness, but those of us that worked the steps have found it possible to live sober whether or not folks forgive us. We think it's more important to take responsibility regardless of the consequences, and if we do that at least we'll be able to look ourselves in the mirror.

Some damage is permanent. You might never think as clearly as before. Your hands might always shake. Your liver might be shot. But you can stop it from getting worse. This is a legitimate what-if, but like most concerns preventing people from acting on their drinking issues, it's just another thing we need to pocket if we want to get sober.

That's the disease talking. But even if it were true - AA is full of weak people who got strong, pathetic people who found dignity, losers who rebuilt their lives. You belong here especially if you feel this way.

Many of us have done things we'll never speak about. Things that would horrify normal people. The steps help us live with ourselves, but some guilt never fully goes away. You learn to carry it. That said, you never know what truly is and isn't unforgivable, and some folks in AA believe only God can judge that. Our best advice is to try working the steps and see what happens, and to keep an open mind.

It's possible. Rock bottom is different for everyone. Some of us got sober in Charlotte jails, psych wards, or homeless shelters. AA meetings exist in all these places throughout North Carolina.

It doesn't work for everyone. There are other methods to stop drinking and AA claims no monopoly on sobriety - in fact, we encourage you to seek other methods if AA isn't working for you. But a thorough working of the steps and following of suggestions is required to make a true determination if AA really works. Don't quit halfway through the steps and say it didn't work.

Then you've got nothing left to lose by trying. Many of us got sober with nothing and nobody. We stayed sober for ourselves first, then slowly found new reasons.

Come anyway. Many of us came for the wrong reasons but stayed for the right ones. External pressure got us in the door; internal change kept us here. Why you come to AA doesn't matter - why you stay does.

Your worst fears might happen. People do die from this disease. Families don't reunite. Damage is permanent. But drinking guarantees the worst outcome. Sobriety at least gives you a fighting chance. We can't promise you'll get your life back, but you can build a new one.

You can stay anonymous, but if you mention you're new or counting days, people will likely welcome you and offer phone numbers. This can feel overwhelming but it's meant to help. You're never required to identify yourself as a newcomer.

They're there for the same reason you are. Anonymity works both ways - what you see and hear stays in the room. Most people are understanding since we're all seeking alcohol addiction help in Charlotte.

It happens regularly at AA meetings in Charlotte. No one will judge you. People will offer tissues and support. You can step outside anytime you need to. Strong emotions are normal when starting recovery.

Yes, you can leave anytime. Sit near the door if you're anxious. No one will stop you or make a scene. Your comfort and safety come first.

Come anyway, just don't share or speak during the meeting. People will still welcome you and many will offer to talk after. AA meetings welcome anyone struggling with alcohol addiction, regardless of your current state.

Anywhere that's open. There's no assigned seating or special newcomer section. Choose whatever feels comfortable for you.

No. Some meetings have a lot of huggers, but you can always say "I'm not a hugger" or just offer a handshake or nod. Personal boundaries are respected.

It's part of accepting the problem and breaking through denial. You don't have to say it if you're not ready. Many newcomers just say their first name.

They're memory aids for recovery - "One Day at a Time," "Easy Does It," "Keep It Simple." You'll hear what they mean over time as you attend more meetings.

Some might offer their number. You don't have to take it or give yours. It's about building a support network for alcohol addiction recovery, not obligation. Take what feels helpful.

Most non-alcoholics never question whether or not they have a drinking problem. Only you can decide, but if you're reading this, you might want to check out a meeting. The desire to stop drinking is the only requirement for membership.

Many atheists and agnostics get sober in AA. The "God stuff" can be interpreted however works for you - the group, the universe, nature, human connection. AA is spiritual, not religious.

No. When you're ready to share, you can say as little as "I'm just listening today" or "I'm struggling and glad to be here." Share what feels comfortable and helpful.

You're welcome to have as many other issues as you want as long as you have a desire to stop drinking. The only requirement for AA membership is wanting to stop drinking - everything else you can figure out as you go.

While AA doesn't have an official position on the matter, it's generally agreed on that marijuana is not conducive to sobriety and few if any folks have used recreational weed and stayed sober successfully over the long term. A clear mind seems to be helpful to achieving the necessary spiritual experience that AA offers.

No, unless you feel like you want to, in which case we can share our experience living sober without any psychiatric assistance, which is possible for many, although AA and the groups have no official position on this.

A home group is a regular meeting where you attend consistently and do service work. You don't need one immediately, but it helps with accountability and building connections in recovery.

Most of us went to a lot of meetings in our first year. A sponsor can give you more personalized guidance on what worked for them and what might work for you. Some come daily, some weekly - find what supports your recovery.

Try different meetings. Each has its own personality - some are serious, some laugh a lot, some are book-focused, some are discussion. Charlotte has many different AA meetings to choose from. For the complete list, visit charlotteaa.org.

No. Some people relapse and come back. Some don't come back. Focus on your own recovery and don't let others' struggles discourage you from seeking alcohol addiction help.

Probably, if you want to stay sober. But it happens gradually, not all at once. Most people find the changes improve their life significantly. Recovery is about gaining, not just giving up alcohol.

No. AA is not medical care and does not provide detox, rehabilitation, or therapy. If you are experiencing dangerous withdrawal symptoms, seek urgent medical help. AA's role is recovery support and fellowship for people with a desire to stop drinking and to stay sober permanently.

Detox is short-term medical stabilization for alcohol withdrawal. Rehab (treatment programs) provides clinical services and housing for a period of time. AA is a free, peer-based program that helps people get and stay sober through the Twelve Steps and fellowship. Many people in Charlotte use detox or rehab first, then maintain sobriety with AA meetings and sponsorship.

No. Carolina Center for Recovery is a for-profit treatment provider; AA is a free, peer-run fellowship. Treatment programs sell clinical services and bill insurance or cash pay, while AA has no fees and no affiliations.

No. Charlotte Detox Center is a for-profit medical detox that manages withdrawal; AA is not medical care. Detox is short-term stabilization, while AA supports long-term sobriety through meetings and sponsorship.

No. Harmony Recovery Center is not affiliated with Alcoholics Anonymous. AA and treatment are unrelated organizations with different purposes. Meetings held on-site may or may not be affiliated with AA; sometimes they are run by the treatment center and staffed by paid employees.

No. Hope Haven and AA are separate. AA does not provide treatment services, and treatment providers do not operate AA. People may attend AA while in treatment, but the fellowship remains independent.

No. Southeastern Recovery Center is not connected to AA. Treatment programs are clinical; AA is a peer fellowship. Providers do not administer AA meetings on or off campus.

No. Dilworth Center is a for-profit rehab that provides structured, billable treatment. AA is a volunteer fellowship with no dues, independent of any facility.

No. Harmony Recovery Group is independent of AA. AA is a volunteer fellowship; treatment organizations provide clinical care. The two are separate and unaffiliated.

No. Asbury Health and Rehabilitation Center is not affiliated with AA. Rehabilitation and medical facilities are separate from Alcoholics Anonymous and do not operate AA meetings.

No. Charlotte Health & Rehabilitation Center is not affiliated with AA. AA is a fellowship independent of all institutions; treatment and rehab facilities do not run AA programs.

No. Nova Transformations is not associated with AA. Alcoholics Anonymous neither endorses nor opposes any treatment provider, and meetings are not administered by treatment centers.

No. Ascend Recovery Center is wholly separate from AA. Treatment is a clinical service; AA is free, peer-to-peer support. Providers do not run AA meetings on or off site.

No. The Blanchard Institute and AA are unrelated organizations. AA remains independent and unaffiliated with all treatment centers.

No. Pasadena Villa Outpatient Treatment Center – North Charlotte is not affiliated with AA. Any AA meetings attended by clients are run by AA members, not the provider.

No. Anuvia Prevention & Recovery Center is a for-profit provider and is not affiliated with AA. Treatment centers offer paid clinical services; AA is free and independent.

No. Charlotte Rescue Mission – Rebound is a nonprofit program and remains separate from AA. CRM provides residential services and oversight; AA offers free peer support and does not operate treatment or housing.

No. Huntersville Health & Rehabilitation Center and AA are independent. Medical and rehab facilities are separate from the AA fellowship and do not manage AA meetings.