AA Concepts and Vocabulary
Plain-language explanations of recurring A.A. ideas and common recovery-community vocabulary.
Every page identifies whether the term is a formal A.A. principle, a common A.A. expression, or broader recovery-community language.
Abstinence and Sobriety
A.A. commonly describes sobriety through not drinking and living a continuing program of recovery.
One Day at a Time
A widely used recovery approach that focuses attention on staying sober in the present day.
First Things First
A common A.A. expression encouraging members to prioritize immediate recovery needs.
Easy Does It
A common A.A. expression encouraging steady, measured action rather than panic or overcontrol.
Keep It Simple
A common A.A. expression encouraging clear priorities and practical action.
HALT
An acronym for hungry, angry, lonely, and tired used broadly in recovery communities as a self-check, not a formally defined A.A. doctrine.
Dry Drunk
An informal recovery-community term for abstinence without corresponding emotional or behavioral change; it is not an official diagnosis.
Pink Cloud
An informal recovery-community term for a period of intense optimism or euphoria in early recovery.
Spiritual Awakening
A central Step Twelve concept describing a change in perspective and conduct resulting from working the program.
Higher Power
A.A. leaves individual members room to understand a power greater than themselves in their own way.
Powerlessness
Step One uses powerlessness to describe the alcoholic's inability to control drinking through unaided willpower.
Unmanageability
Step One pairs powerlessness with the recognition that life has become unmanageable.
Character Defects
Language used in the Steps for personal patterns members become willing to have changed.
Shortcomings
Step Seven language for personal limitations or patterns addressed through humility and change.
Amends
Steps Eight and Nine concern identifying harms and making direct amends where doing so will not cause further injury.
Inventory
A structured examination of conduct, motives, harms, fears, and resentments used in several Steps.
Resentment
A recurring Big Book topic addressed through inventory, changed perspective, and corrective action.
Acceptance
A common recovery theme concerning reality, response, and the limits of personal control; members use the word in varied ways.
Serenity
A recurring recovery ideal associated with calm, acceptance, courage, and wise action.
Anonymity as a Concept
A brief vocabulary guide to anonymity; the dedicated Anonymity branch provides the full treatment.
Fellowship
The community of people who participate in A.A. and support one another through shared recovery experience.
Service
Action taken to support other members, groups, and the continued availability of A.A.
Carrying the Message
Helping another alcoholic by sharing A.A. experience and making recovery support available.
Attraction Rather Than Promotion
A Tradition Eleven principle describing A.A.'s public-relations approach and avoidance of promotional claims.
