The Cost Of Attending AA Meetings

Why the “free program” is anything but

In my critiques of AA, it’s often pointed out to me by loyal AA members that it’s a “free program” that has helped millions.

I don’t deny that it has helped millions, but it was the only game in town for decades and has an 8–12% success rate. This means for every person it helps, there are 10x as many problem drinkers that it does not help.

Most AA members know the low success rate but chalk up the 88–92% failure rate to people not “working it” correctly.

It’s never the program's fault.

While there are no official dues or fees to become a member, let’s do the math of what would be required to work the program as it will be suggested.

1. 90 meetings in 90 days

You’ve probably heard the AA slogan “keep coming back,” and the first thing that will be suggested of a newcomer to AA will be to attend 90 meetings in 90 days.

Each meeting is an hour long, so unless you live right next door to the meeting place, this will take at least two hours out of your day.