AA Glossary
Al-Anon: An independent fellowship for relatives and friends of alcoholics. Its purpose is to provide support and share experience, strength, and hope with one another.
AWOL (“A Way of Life”): A type of meeting devoted to an in-depth study of the Twelve Steps. AWOL meetings typically follow a structured format over six to twelve months.
Closed Meeting: An A.A. meeting open only to those who have a desire to stop drinking.
Cross Talk: Speaking directly to another person during their share, interrupting, questioning, or giving unsolicited advice. In A.A. meetings, members share with the group as a whole rather than engaging in dialogue.
Dry Drunk: A person who is no longer drinking but continues to behave in dysfunctional ways often associated with addiction (dishonesty, impulsivity, isolation, anxiety, or glamorizing alcohol).
Fellowship: The community of A.A. members who share the common goal of sobriety. The fellowship offers mutual support, friendship, and understanding.
Friend of Bill: A way to identify oneself discreetly as a member of A.A. or someone in recovery. Asking “Are you a friend of Bill’s?” is a safe way to find other members.
Geographical Cure: The attempt to escape alcoholism by moving to a new location. This rarely works, as the problem travels with the alcoholic.
H.A.L.T.: An acronym for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired. Members use it as a reminder to check their physical and emotional state, since these conditions can make relapse more likely.
Harold-itis: Lighthearted slang for the inability to unmute yourself in a virtual meeting.
Higher Power: A central concept in A.A., referring to a power greater than oneself that can restore sanity. Each member defines their own Higher Power—some call it God, others choose the fellowship, nature, or another personal understanding.
Home Group: The A.A. group a member attends most regularly. Having a home group helps build connections, accountability, and community.
IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program): A clinical treatment program that provides structured therapy and support for substance use disorders while allowing participants to live at home.
Jackpot: Slang for the consequences or disasters that result from drinking.
Mocus: A slang term for confusion, often describing the foggy mental state that comes during detoxification.
Old Timer: A member with long-term sobriety, often considered ten years or more.
Open Meeting: An A.A. meeting open to anyone interested in learning about the program, including friends, family, and visitors.
Pink Cloud: A period of euphoria often experienced in early sobriety, usually followed by a “crash” once reality sets in.
Rooms/Halls: Informal slang for A.A. meetings or meeting spaces.
Seventh Tradition: “Every A.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.” Contributions are voluntary and cover group expenses.
Sobriety: More than just abstinence from alcohol; sobriety also means living a balanced, honest, and meaningful life in recovery.
Sponsor: An experienced member who guides another (the sponsee) through the Twelve Steps, shares personal experience, and offers one-on-one support.
Step Study Meeting: A meeting focused on studying one of the Twelve Steps in depth, often with members sharing how they have applied that step in their lives.
Stinking Thinking: Negative thought patterns that can undermine recovery, such as resentment, self-pity, or hopelessness, which may lead to relapse.
Thirteenth Stepping: A term used when an experienced member seeks to take advantage of a vulnerable newcomer, especially in a sexual or romantic way. This behavior is discouraged and considered harmful.
Twelve Steps: The program of recovery in A.A., offering a set of principles to achieve and maintain sobriety.
Twelve Traditions: The guiding principles that help A.A. groups function, emphasizing unity, service, and anonymity.
Two-Stepper: A member who shares the message of recovery but neglects to work the steps themselves (i.e., “Step 1 and Step 12, but not the rest”).