Come In. Sit Down. You’re Among Friends.

  Many of us come to AA at a turning point — when we can no longer ignore the impact alcohol is having on our lives and relationships. We try to control it, to stop on our own, only to find that one drink is never enough — and that our efforts alone aren’t enough either.

But there is hope. AA offers a way out — a daily journey of healing, connection, and spiritual growth, supported by those who’ve lived through what you’re facing now. You don’t have to walk this path alone — a fellowship of people and a Higher Power will meet you where you are. 

Only you can decide if  AA is for you. Try to keep an open mind. We are glad to show you what worked for us.

Have you been wondering if there’s a way to stop drinking?  Are you noticing how alcohol is taking a toll on your body, mind, and spirit? You’re not alone — and there is hope. A new way of life is possible, one guided by connection, grace, and a Power greater than ourselves. 

  We are a group of Alcoholics whose primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics  achieve sobriety We are dedicated to providing unwavering support to everyone struggling with  alcoholism. Our approach is rooted in the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous, which has been  a beacon of hope and recovery for countless individuals.  The 12 steps guide us in admitting our powerlessness over alcohol, seeking a higher power for  strength, and helping others in their journey to sobriety. We believe in creating a supportive and  confidential space where you can share your experiences, find strength, and build a new life free  from alcohol. Remember, you are not alone. Together, we can achieve lasting sobriety, one day at a  time.   

Suggestions we give newcomers:  In our experience, the people who recover in AA are those who:  

a) stay away from the first drink.

b) attend AA meetings regularly. 

 c) seek others in AA who've stayed sober for a significant period of time.

 d) practice AA's 12 steps and study the Big Book .

e) seek a Power greater than themselves and pursue a spiritual way of life.

In love & service, 

                 Your AFC Friends  

Tonight, this meeting is for the newcomer.
And I want to talk about what it feels like to show up here barely hanging on. A lot of us come in broken — full of fear, guilt, shame, anger, regret, resentment.
And a lot of us come in lonely too.
Drinking buddies disappear. Old friends fade.
Some relationships don’t survive our drinking, and others don’t survive our sobriety.
Sometimes, when we stop drinking, people don’t want the “crazy sober drunk” around. It all hurts.

We feel unloved, rejected, isolated — but we stay.
We sit down wondering: Do I belong here? Is it too late? Can I actually change?

And then something happens:
We start telling the truth.
We hear laughter. We feel seen.
Maybe we engage with others, make a friend, pick up service work…
And maybe for the first time in a long time — we start to heal.
We realize: we’re not alone anymore. 

Still, not all of us stay.
Some go back out. Some don’t make it back.
That never stops being heartbreaking — because that could’ve been me.
And maybe it could’ve been you too. 

I didn’t walk in here on a winning streak either.
I’d hit a bottom — physically, mentally, and spiritually.
And even though I didn’t crave alcohol anymore, I still had no peace.
Someone asked me, “Do you want to feel better on the inside?”
That question led me here. I came in. I stayed. I started to change.

What I’ve learned is this:
This program isn’t about just not drinking. It’s about connection. It’s about letting people in. It’s about healing together. 

Here’s how I picture it:
We’re all out in the ocean.
The water is rough. The current is strong.
Some of us are treading, some are swimming steady — but it’s the same dangerous water for all of us. 

That’s what makes this fellowship work.
We’re not shouting advice from the shore — we’re out there with each other.
And we’re all capable of throwing a rope.

Even someone with one day sober can help someone with 10, 20, 40 years.
That kind of raw honesty — the kind that says, “I’m scared but I’m here” — that keeps people like me sober.
You remind me what I’m still up against. 

That brings me to what I call the Drunk Trinity — simple and real:

ME – I have to stay spiritually fit. If I go under, I can’t help anyone.
YOU – I have to pay attention. Someone next to me might be silently drowning.
US – This is a team sport. We stay afloat together. We get better together.

This disease is cunning, baffling, and powerful — but when we lean on each other, we’ve got a real shot.

Thanks for being here