Newcomer Resources
If You’re New to AA, You’re in the Right Place
Here you’ll learn what to expect, how meetings work, and how others have found freedom from alcohol through honesty, connection, and willingness.
Getting Started - You may have questions. Here are some answers:
Is AA for you?
If you’ve tried to stop drinking and can’t — if you’re tired, discouraged, and don’t know what else to do — you’re not alone. Many of us felt the same way before we found AA. Only you can decide if AA is right for you, but here’s some immediate help.
Download the AA Pamphlet “A Newcomer Asks.”
Thinking about coming to one of our meetings? Great! Use the links below to learn more.
USE THESE QUICK LINKS:
What to Expect at your first BellyUp AA meeting.
AA Literature What should I get? Where?
Sponsorship What’s a sponsor? Do I need one? How do I get one?
“Taking a token” What does that mean? How does it work?
What does AA cost? Is it really “free?”
Have Questions?
Reach out at: secretary@bellyupaa.online
“An AA meeting at 7AM?…in a bar?”
Yes! It’s no joke. For decades members of Alcoholics Anonymous have been meeting Mon-Fri at 7AM at a famous bar in Solana Beach, CA. Our members have long cherished the warm, sometimes boisterous fellowship as well as the deep and strong sobriety.
When the COVID 19 pandemic ended our in-person meetings in March 2020, we opened up on the Zoom platform where the spirit of our meeting continues to flourish.
You’ve got options.
You can join us in person Mon-Fri at 7AM at the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach. or,
To find more online and in-person meetings around San Diego and elsewhere, we recommend the free AA mobile app called Meeting Guide. Available for IOS and Android
MEETING FORMAT
If you think you have a problem with drinking, you are welcome to attend an AA meeting. There is no charge. There is no requirement that you speak.
Our meetings are “discussion meetings.” One of our members will lead the meeting exploring a specific topic related to recovery from alcoholism, sharing their experience strength and hope. Then there will be an opportunity for people to volunteer to share. You are welcome to share if you feel like it, or, if called upon, you can simply say: “Thanks, I’m just listening today.”
AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics achieve sobriety. We hope you will come to one of our meetings and find the solution to your drinking problem.
PRAYERS
We end each meeting with "Acceptance" (p. 417 of the Big Book) followed by a prayer of the leader's choice. The Serenity Prayer is the most often used prayer in AA. Here is a download of some other prayers used often at our meetings. You can print and tuck the page into your Big Book for quick access.
If you’re a newcomer and you want to get started right away, we recommend you get yourself a copy of the BIG BOOK and start reading. Add these other books as you like.
Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. Known as the "Twelve and Twelve,” the book dedicates a chapter to each Step and each Tradition. Chapters provide an interpretation of these principles for personal recovery and the organization of the group.
AA Literature
The Big Book Alcoholics Anonymous is our basic text, presenting the 12 Steps and the AA program for recovery from alcoholism. First published in 1939, it is one of the best-selling, most influential books in world history.
Daily Reflections is a collection of readings that moves through the calendar year one day at a time: A.A. members reflect on favorite quotations from the literature of Alcoholics Anonymous. The volume focuses on all Three Legacies of Recovery, Unity and Service.
You will hear us make reference to these three books at almost every meeting. They are valuable tools for recovery from alcohol.
Where to buy. AA literature is reasonably priced & affordable. You can purchase AA literature from AA's North County Office. 1020 S. Santa Fe Ave, Suite B, Vista, CA 92084. They take phone orders and offer curb-side pick-up. Contact them for details. The phone number is: 760-758-2515. They do not send books by mail.
Need to order by mail? Buy direct from AA Headquarters.
https://onlineliterature.aa.org/products/books
It's an ideal place to see all the titles AA offers.
SPONSORSHIP
When our founder Bill W. was only a few months sober, he was struck with a powerful urge to drink. A thought came to him: “You need another alcoholic to talk to. You need another alcoholic just as much as he needs you!” The concept of “sponsorship” was born.
A sponsor is a fellow alcoholic who will guide you through the 12 Steps of the AA program. Our members have benefitted greatly from the work they do with their sponsors. Now, they are ready to be your sponsor.
How to find a sponsor
Attending AA meetings is the best place to find a sponsor. When you see and hear someone who you think could be a good sponsor, invite them to have a conversation with you. Our members absolutely love it when you ask for help.
On a Zoom meeting, you can put your phone number in the meeting chat. Mention that you are looking for a sponsor and invite members to call you to discuss.
TIP: When you attend a meeting, get our free member phone list which has contact info. If you see a member’s name on the list, it means they welcome your call.
You may also send an email to secretary@bellyupaa.online, and we'll connect you with members who are willing to sponsor you.
For more on sponsorship, download this official AA pamphlet
COURT CARDS
If you are attending AA meetings as part of any court supervised program or legal proceeding, you may have been given a form called a "Court Card." This form is used to verify your attendance by obtaining a signature from the meeting secretary.
How do I get my Court Card Signed?
When you attend an in-person meeting, bring your form with you and ask the secretary to sign it for you. Each day you attend one of our online meetings, send an email to secretary@bellyupaa.online. Request verification.
Within 24 hours, we will send you an email confirming that you attended that day's meeting. You may print each verifying email and attach it to your court records. Other meetings may have different procedures.
Can you just send me a weekly summary of my attendance?
No, we can't. Because we are an anonymous program, we do not keep records of who attends our meetings. We are happy to verify your attendance daily.
TOKENS
Celebrate your progress
If you were a daily drinker (like most of us), your first 30 days of sobriety is a big deal. As one of our members famously says, "it's a long time between cocktails." So we celebrate continuous sobriety with tokens for 30, 60, 90 days, six months, and each year thereafter.
How do I get a token?
You can ask any of your new AA friends to present your token to you at the beginning of our meeting. Then you get to share briefly (3 minutes) about the experience of getting sober. As the Big Book says: "Our stories reveal in a general way what we were like, what happened, and what we are like now."
When can I take my token?
Anytime after you have reached the milestone in question. It's "one day at a time." So We don't take tokens in advance.
I go to several meetings. Should I take a token at each one?
Yes, because the act of taking a token is your chance to carry the message to another alcoholic who may still be suffering. It's your chance to pass on what you've been given.
CONTRIBUTIONS
We are "self supporting.” There is never a charge of any kind to attend an AA meeting. We do have a few expenses, but we don't seek or accept outside financial support. Each AA group is self-supporting through its own contributions. Our members contribute regularly - as little as $1 or $2 per meeting.
Video explains how we use your contributions
What we do with the money. Our meetings have created a non-profit tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) corporation to handle our financial affairs. That entity is called Third Tradition Fellowship. TTF serves a number of AA meetings in the Coastal North County San Diego area. We pay our very minimal meeting expenses, we keep a prudent financial reserve and we contribute the rest to AA organizations and projects locally, regionally, and nationally. Our members vote annually on the allocation of funds.
How can I contribute? Our in-person meetings pass a basket. We also provide access to PayPal, Venmo and Zelle. During each Zoom meeting, we post the info in chat. Outside of meetings, go to www.ThirdTradition.org/Contribute.
We encourage you to contribute regularly. It makes a difference. Starting in 2022, contributions to Third Tradition Fellowship are tax deductible.
Want to check out the official AA podcast? Find in-person and online meetings nearby and worldwide? Read the Big Book on your phone? Listen to streaming sobriety audio? Here are some resources.
MORE RESOURCES & SUPPORT
The AA Grapevine Half-Hour Variety Hour
Each week long-time AA members Don, Olis, and Sam interview a different member about their experience, strength and hope, in a casual “meeting after the meeting” manner. Available now on your favorite podcast platform.
AA Meeting Guide
A free of charge meeting finder app for iOS and Android. Find meetings online, nearby, & worldwide. Great for travel.
12 Steps Companion
Get the Big Book on your phone or tablet. With a feature packed Big Book reader, search tool, sobriety calculator, notes, AA contacts database and more. Available on Apple, Android, and Amazon app stores.
AA Big Book (Unofficial) The free version features the full text of the Big Book, prayers, personal stories, podcasts, meeting finder, and more! Also contains an audio book version of the Big Book so you can listen on the go, in your car etc. Apple & Android versions. https://sobrietysoft.org
Can’t get to a meeting… try these streaming options
Seamus 12 Step Forum
Seamus O' is a former Catholic priest and popular Southern California AA speaker. His lecture series on the 12 Steps was recorded live in Del Mar. His talks are full of wisdom and beguiling Irish humor. Many of our members find it a continuing source of insight and inspiration. Available as text, video & audio. No charge. https://seamus12stepforum.com
Joe & Charlie Big Book Study
Joe & Charlie presented their popular workshops on Alcoholics Anonymous' "Big Book," traveling globally to spread their detailed interpretation of AA's core literature. Their recorded talks are classic, fun, and useful. Available free on many podcast & streaming platforms. Search “Joe & Charlie”
