Alcoholics Anonymous Resources
Lots of organizations support AA’s primary purpose of “carrying the message to the alcoholic still suffers.” However, there is only one “official” organization that is and speaks for AA as a whole.
This article outlines what AA actually is and how it is organized around the world. Almost all AA publications, media and information are available (on their website) in English, Spanish and French.
On this page, we will provide some links to specific resources that are offered from “official” AA to help with or provide answers dealing with individuals in AA who are dealing with questions about technology.
AAWS Inc., is the overall business organization of AA serving the US and Canada. It’s general activities include AA policy, publishing (books, pamphlets, guidelines, building and maintaining the aa.org website), relations with other AA International organizations, “official” AA communications, Regional Forums and an International Convention every 5 years — in addition to all these activities, the most “public” thing that is supported is our General Service Office (GSO) in New York City, NY.
Again, much more detail information is included on our article here, the AAWS/GSO website is here, and their contact information is at this link.
Publishing
Of course, the primary object published by AAWS is our basic text, Alcoholics Anonymous (known in the fellowship as the “Big Book“). In addition, there are many other books published (link here), pamphlets about most anything (link here) and guidelines (link here).
Some specific guidelines that might be of interest to those interested in technology are:
A.A. Guidelines on Internet
These guidelines consider many of the complexities of participating in an Internet world in light of AA principles.
A.A. Guidelines on Archives
A great resource for collecting and organizing AA archives. If you’re interested in Archives, you may want to also join our forum’s Archives group for general discussions and a “trading post” where excess archives can be exchanged between organizations.
A.A. Guidelines on A.A. Answering Services
Probably needs constant updating regarding current technology options but shares general experience in the fellowship and suggests priniciples for consideration.
A.A. Guidelines on Central or Intergroup Offices
Creating and supporting a Central Office is a complicated and confusing process including things like Websites and phones. These guidelines offer perspectives on the whole process.
Anonymity Online and Digital Media
In all A.A.’s public relations, A.A.’s sole objective is to help the still suffering alcoholic; always mindful of the importance of personal anonymity at the public level.
FAQ on Practicing the Seventh Tradition at Virtual Meetings
In recent years a number of groups have utilized digital payment platforms to provide opportunities for members to make cashless contributions…
General Service Office (GSO)
The AA GSO is sort of like the main “AA Central Office (or Intergroup) for all the US and Canada. It is staffed by professionals to answer questions about AA and AA services.
The rotating staff leaders are divided into various “desks” dealing with particular areas of interest (e.g. Public Information, Publications, Corrections, etc.) to coordinate information and shared experience in carrying our message to our communities.
If you have any problems or questions, you might try first asking about them in our forum (sign in or join at this link) — or, you can reach GSO directly at this link.
Technology Services
AAWS/GSO has many offerings of newer technologies for our membership and outreach. Key among them are:
- aa.org – Is the central website to find out all the work being done through the vast world-wide reach of AAWS/GSO
- AA Meeting Guide App – is an app available for IOS and Android members to find meetings across the US and Canada and, increasingly, the whole world
- GSO Podcast – “Our Primary Purpose” started in 2025, as a means of communicating the purpose and direction of AA general service
- media – media for general use in service (e.g. PSA’s, presentations, etc.) as downloadable video is available here and audio here
- social media – there is currently an AA presence on LinkedIn (as @aaworldservicesinc here) or a YouTube channel: AlcoholicsAnonymousWorldServicesInc
Grapevine is known colloquially as AA’s “meeting in print” and has been an active monthly magazine publication since 1944. It primarily features articles published by members in the AA fellowship, for members in the AA fellowship.
They also publish a bi-monthly magazine in Spanish by the name of La Viña — you can get information about LaViña at this link.
The AA Grapevine website is at this link.
Magazine
The paper magazine is still available as a monthly subscription (bi-monthly for La Viña) for the paper magazine but articles are also available as a paid digital subscription online at their website. One great service is that, with the digital subscription, you have access to past issues indexed for search. So, you can easily search for all past articles dealing with technology.
There are also some audio downloads available on the website — a comprehensive audio archive is available for subscribers.
Podcasts
As of 2026, Grapevine has launched 2 different podcasts – both available weekly and are free to listen to or download. More information is here.
Apps
Both Grapevine and La Viña have free apps available for IOS and Android — information is at this link.
While the apps are free to download and have many useful tools and information, paid subscriptions are available to give you complete access to the current and past magazines as well as the digital archives.
Books
Grapevine and La Viña have published a number of books through the years — primarily comprised of articles submitted about members’ experience in getting and staying sober.
You can often either pick up one of these books at an AA meeting or central office or buy them directly from the Grapevine website at this link.
About the Circle and Triangle
The circle and triangle is no longer an official symbol, service mark or trademark of AAWS. However, it is still in common use among the fellowship as a symbol of our dedication to our three legacies of Unity, Recovery and Service.
We use it on this page as (particularly for older members) we remember it as symbol of our early fellowship.
The official position of the circle and triangle as pertains to AAWS can be found at this link.