What AA Meetings Taught a Non-AA Counselor
December 1977
By:
Lee A. Grutchfield, M.Ed.
Personal growth and help for clients come from participating in the AA experience
It’s Just What We Do
Web Exclusives
| Grapevine Online Exclusives
By:
C.M.
| Cascade Locks, Ore.
Her home group gave this faltering newcomer a “precious gift” that set her on the path to sobriety
Tending my Garden
January 2024
| Emotional Sobriety
By:
C.W.
| Tucson, Arizona
Each day she plants a flower or a cactus she’s reminded that, just as in life, she’s not in charge
As Sick As My Secrets
Web Exclusives
| Grapevine Online Exclusives
By:
Anonymous
| Galway, Ireland
The AA welcome is always waiting
Counting Days in my PJs
January 2022
| Beginners
By:
Jill S.
| Glasgow
Even in a pandemic, she got sober, connected, traveled the world and made a host of new friends
Love and Teamwork
June 2021
| Dating & Relationships
By:
KC B.
| New York, N.Y.
With Steps and a good sponsor, he learned to have a healthy relationship after a wild life of liquor and romantic chaos
Get out of your head
March 2021
| Making Amends
By:
Lisa J.
| New Hope, Pa.
Anger and sadness sent this newcomer mom right toward the liquor store.
Luckily, she knew what to do
Luckily, she knew what to do
They Held Me Accountable
Web Exclusives
| Grapevine Online Exclusives
By:
Ian H.
| Louisville, KY
Grapevine kept him coming back to his first home group—and showed him how much others appreciated their “meeting in print”
A Cold December Night
December 2019
| Remote Communities & Sober Holidays
By:
Joe G.
| Athens, Ohio
Watching two AA guys on a Twelfth Step call was a Christmas Eve gift he’ll never forget
Back on track
August 2019
| African-American Alcoholics in AA
By:
Andy L.
| Hoosick Falls, New York
After a sudden layoff, a guy with one year puts his wheels in motion, stays sober and keeps on going
Maniacal thirst
August 2019
| African-American Alcoholics in AA
By:
Anne O.
| Needham, Massachusetts
Drinking, slurring, falling down, blacking out—she was in a hall of mirrors with no way out
I want my mum back
May 2019
| Our Big Book–80 Wonderful Years
By:
Christine B.
| Kirwan, Queensland
In the depths of her drinking, she could not face the ones she loved most. Now she’s back in their lives
Sometimes It Takes a While
june 2026
| Young & Sober
By:
Mike W.
| Spring Hill, Florida
Wow, the instructions for Step Six were in the Big Book all along. Now for his next epiphany
Sharing My “Gratefuls”
Web Exclusives
| Grapevine Online Exclusives
By:
Bert B.
| Sioux City, Iowa
The trick is being grateful that you are grateful
One Year Wonder
February 2026
| Getting Through Tough Times
By:
Gwen M.
| Orinda, California
At 12 months sober she opened her heart to a new family member. Now it was time to say goodbye
A Well-Made Bed
January 2026
| Stories for Day Counters
By:
Gregory C.
| Lawrenceville, New Jersey
A new member learns a few tricks to feel better and gain some self-esteem. And it’s as easy as tucking in his sheets