About Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous is a voluntary, worldwide fellowship of men and women from all walks of life who meet together to attain and maintain sobriety. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership. It is estimated that there are more than 117,000 groups and over 2,000,000 members in over 180 countries.
A.A. is a program of total abstinence. Members simply stay away from one drink, one day at a time. Sobriety is maintained through sharing experience, strength and hope at group meetings and through the suggested Twelve Steps for recovery from alcoholism.
Sick and tired of being sick and tired?
A.A. was started in 1935 by a New York stockbroker and an Ohio surgeon (both now deceased), who had been “hopeless” drunks. They founded A.A. in an effort to help others who suffered from the disease of alcoholism and to stay sober themselves. A.A. grew with the formation of autonomous groups, first in the United States and then around the world.
A.A co-founders, Bill Wilson (left) and Dr. Bob Smith.
A.A. does not: Keep membership records or case histories... engage in or support research... join “councils” or social agencies (although A.A. members, groups and service offices frequently cooperate with them)... follow up or try to control its members... make medical or psychiatric prognoses or dispense medicines or psychiatric advise... provide drying-out or nursing services or sanitariums... offer religious services... provide housing, food, clothing, jobs, money, or other welfare or social services... provide domestic or vocational counseling... provide letters of reference to parole boards, lawyers, court officials, social agencies, employers, etc.
(quoted from the A.A. pamphlet, "A.A. at a glance")
Links to AA literature and resources
The following links are to pages on the Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. (AAWS) web site. They will open in a new window.
- Read online our basic text, Alcoholics Anonymous, Fourth Edition
- “AA Fact File,” basic information on the A.A. Fellowship
- “Is AA for You?” Twelve questions only you can answer
- “A Newcomer Asks” for those approaching AA for the first time
- “Frequently Asked Questions About A.A.” - questions and answers about A.A. and drinking
What is the 516 Group?
The 516 Group is an open meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. We are glad you are visiting our website -- especially if you are a newcomer.
In keeping with the 516 Group's singleness of purpose and our Third Tradition, we ask that all who participate in our meetings confine their discussion to their problems with alcohol.
Our meetings are non-smoking.
We have the Big Book (Alcoholics Anonymous) and The Twelve Steps and Twleve Traditions available to any alcoholic who wants one regardless of their financial situation -- please see the chair person after one of our meetings if you need a book.
New in town and need a meeting?
Our open discussion meeting topics are designed to offer A.A's program of recovery, found in the Twelve Steps, to attendees having a difficult time not taking a drink today, or our discussions are based on topics related to Alcoholism.
Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions. We request that those attending our meetings respect this and treat in confidence who they see and what they hear.
Where to find us
The 516 Group meets at :
Completely Kentucky
237 W. Broadway Street
Frankfort, KY 40601
Come in the front door of the store, go up the stairs and proceed to the meeting room (through the double doors).
When we meet
The 516 Group meets:
- At 5:16 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday of each week using an Open Discussion format.
- At 5:16 PM on the last Thursday of each month using an Open Speaker format. We also celebrate sobriety birthdays that occur during the month at these meetings.
- On announced dates and times for Group Conscience Meetings.