Does Joining Alcoholics Anonymous Require Dues or Fees?

No. According to the A.A. Preamble published on the Area 23 | Southern Indiana website, there are no dues or fees for A.A. membership; the fellowship is self-supporting through its own contributions. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.

What the Only Membership Requirement Means

The single condition stated in the Preamble is "a desire to stop drinking." Nothing else is listed as a prerequisite — no application, no referral, and no cost. If someone has that desire, they meet the stated requirement for membership.

How A.A. Describes Its Own Nature

The Preamble on the Area 23 site sets out several characteristics of the fellowship:

• Self-supporting: A.A. is supported by contributions from its own members rather than dues or fees.
• Not allied with outside entities: A.A. states it is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, or institution.
• Non-controversial stance: It does not wish to engage in any controversy, and neither endorses nor opposes any causes.
• Primary purpose: To stay sober and help other alcoholics achieve sobriety.

What Area 23 Covers

Area 23 represents Southern Indiana, starting in an area just north of Indianapolis. It comprises approximately 21 Districts across 54 counties. The site serves Area, District, and Group information needs, as well as individual A.A. members, professional communities, and the general public, and it supports Area service work and participation in A.A.'s service structure.

Where to Find the Core A.A. Texts

The Area 23 site links to the A.A. Preamble, the Twelve Steps, the Twelve Traditions, the Twelve Concepts, and the Responsibility Statement ("I am responsible... When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of A.A. always to be there. And for that: I am truly responsible."). These are the reference documents for anyone wanting to understand how the fellowship describes itself before deciding whether to participate.