Grand Ideas
june 2026
| Young & Sober
By:
Jimmy C.
| Peculiar, Missouri
A member shares how Tradition Six helped him stop trying to fix AA and get a new perspective on money, property and prestige
Back To Where I Started
Web Exclusives
| Grapevine Online Exclusives
By:
Brad N.
| Springfield, Va.
Life, death and sobriety in Tidewater Virginia
About to Blow
April 2026
| Getting into General Service
By:
J.M.
| Cresson, Pennsylvania
Everyone was driving him crazy today, and all he could think about was revenge.
Luckily, his Higher Power stepped in
Luckily, his Higher Power stepped in
Our Drinking Story
March 2026
| AA & the Family
By:
David S.
| New York, New York
What do you do when a speaker talks exclusively about drug use at your home group? One member shares his experience
No Borders
October 2025
| AA & Technology
By:
D.C.
| Apple Valley, California
A Bridging the Gap committee in an all-online district pioneers new ways to connect newcomers as soon as they leave treatment
C-C-C-Comfort Zone
May 2025
| Young and Sober
By:
Joshua B.
| Glendale Heights, Illinois
Learning to date without a drink? Oh brother! Here’s how one young member survived
Staying in the Game
February 2025
| Longtimers
By:
R.K.
| Benicia, California
Through years of challenges, he keeps showing up. And he can’t wait to see what’s next
An Expert Gets Sober
Web Exclusives
| Grapevine Online Exclusives
By:
J.P.
| Aurora, Colo.
While helping others, the Steps helped him help himself.
Yes, It’s True About Acceptance
Web Exclusives
| Grapevine Online Exclusives
By:
Tim H.
| Hayden, ID
Reflections on a cancer diagnosis and lessons learned through AA
In Service Heaven
November 2023
| Gratitude
By:
Don B.
| Baltimore, Maryland
What used to be a night of clinging to a barstool is now a weekend blast of fun and fellowship
It Can’t Get Any Better—But It Does
Web Exclusives
| Grapevine Online Exclusives
By:
D.C.
| Bangor, Maine
To this old-timer, the fruit of sobriety tastes sweeter and sweeter every day
Getting back out
April 2022
| What's On Your Mind?
By:
Jack N.
| New Canaan, Conn.
After two years of COVID, a member wonders what the new normal will look like and what challenges lie ahead
Tough Love
April 2022
| What's On Your Mind?
By:
Pat K.
| Sunland, Calif.
A member shares her thoughts about applauding when people come back from multiple relapses
I Knew I Was Done
Web Exclusives
| Grapevine Online Exclusives
By:
C.G.
| Toledo, Ohio
When even joy made him angry, he knew it was time to find AA
You're under arrest
April 2018
By:
Alex M.
| Louisville, Kentucky
Non-approved literature? Raffles? Religious talk? Who monitors what we say and do at our AA meetings? The Traditions make it clear
Work in Progress
September 2017
By:
Anonymous
Sometimes quickly, but often slowly, an old-timer expresses gratitude as he celebrates 60 years in AA
Serial dater
June 2017
By:
Brian C.
| New York, New York
If you wanted to know how to have a three-month relationship, this was your guy
A Long Overdue Amends
April 2015
By:
Anonymous
A member learns to take care of her body so she can pass on the AA message
A Trip to the Bakery
April 2015
By:
K.F.
| Albuquerque, New Mexico
Desperate to not drink on day one, a newcomer gets on her bicycle and takes her first suggestion
20 Golden Years
September 2014
By:
Pete J.
| Doylestown, Pennsylvania
Some men get a gold watch when they retire. He got a whole new life
Here in My Funk
September 2013
By:
Renee J.
| Stockton, California
Some days are down, but we have the tools to get back up
Sobriety Calling
August 2013
By:
Anonymous
A member shares how he feels about texting and calls during meetings
Sweet Goodbye at the Farm
January 2013
By:
Mary Carol R.
| Baltimore, Maryland
A sponsor learns the power of letting go by showing up for her sponsee
Web Exclusive: The Story is the Same
February 2012
By:
Doug A.
| Knoxville, Tennessee
Seeing a young man drunkenly stumble into his halfway house reminded him that we have a common story and a common solution
Web Exclusive: The Lowest Bottom
January 2012
By:
John L.
He had quit drinking many times until one night in a motel turned into a 3-month bender
Living Rough on the Riverbank
July 2011
By:
Riverbank John
| South Yorkshire
A homeless alcoholic, he didn't believe in God until one morning when he heard from his higher power
I stole the wallet
August 2010
By:
LEE C.J.
| Fargo, N.D.
Awkward and painful as it was, this amends had to be made