Recovering from alcoholism is a lifelong process that requires a lot of patience, commitment, and support. For decades, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has been offering free, reliable support and resources to people in recovery and their loved ones.

For many years, AA used a symbol featuring a triangle enclosed in a circle to demonstrate its values. But what does this symbol stand for?

This article will explore the meaning of the AA symbol.

If you or someone you love struggles with alcohol abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the specialists at The Best Treatment to explore our holistic treatment and support programs. You may reach out with questions, to verify insurance, or to set up an appointment.

What Does the AA Symbol Mean?

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a community of people who meet with the goal of addressing their alcohol abuse. AA meetings are free, and there are no age or experience requirements to attend.

Alcoholics Anonymous welcomes anyone with problematic drinking patterns or alcohol use disorder (AUD) to attend their meetings. The overall goal of AA is to help people with alcoholism get and stay sober.

In the 1950s, AA began using a symbol to represent the organization’s goals and values. Over time, the organization stopped using the symbol in conference-approved literature or other official capacities.

The symbol depicted a triangle inside a circle.  While AA does not officially use the circle and triangle symbol anymore, many people still associate this symbol with the organization.

But what does this symbol signify?

The AA symbol of a circle enclosing a triangle is a spiritual symbol representing the unity of the mind, body, and spirit. AA members may recognize the triangle as a symbol of the organization’s legacies of recovery, unity, and service. They widely acknowledge that the circle enclosing the triangle represents the entirety of the organization’s mission.

Some people theorize that the triangle of the AA symbol stands for the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of alcoholism. Alcohol use disorder is a three-part disease, and AA’s circle and triangle symbol may acknowledge that.

While the Alcoholics Anonymous symbol is no longer in official use, many people inside the organization may recognize it as a symbol of the organization’s mission of supporting people in their recovery journey.

How Does Alcoholics Anonymous Support Recovery?

Alcoholics Anonymous provides reliable recovery support at no cost to members. Meetings are free and open to anyone wanting to stop drinking or find support in recovery. During meetings, people may share their stories, hear from others, and receive guidance from their peers.

AA meetings are open to people in the first moments of sobriety, people who have been sober for years, and everyone in between. People may attend as many meetings as they want. Meetings are common in most cities across the United States.

Some of the aspects of AA and 12-step meetings that support recovery include:

• A community of peers
• A non-judgmental space to share and process
• New skills and strategies that support long-term sobriety
• Commitment and accountability

People who include 12-step meetings in their recovery plan have access to support and structure throughout their addiction recovery journey.

What to Expect at an AA Meeting

There is no standard, one-size-fits-all AA meeting. Each meeting adapts to its members’ needs, the environment, and other factors. Most meetings include time for members to share their stories. People may open up about how drinking has negatively impacted them and their loved ones. They may talk about the steps they’ve taken to stop drinking and safeguard their sobriety.

There are two types of AA meetings. Open meetings are open to anyone who wants to learn more about AA. People with alcoholism and people without may attend these meetings. Closed meetings are designated for AA members and those with alcoholism only.

During meetings, organizers ask that members focus conversations on discussions about recovery from alcohol addiction. Group leaders (who are AA members themselves) determine the format and facilitate each meeting. Meetings may include:

• Discussions
• Guest speakers
• Welcome and review for beginners
• Step, tradition, or Big Book study

AA meetings occur in a wide range of settings, including:

• Treatment centers
• Community centers
• Churches
• Recovery clubhouses

Some locations offer meetings in public spaces, including parks. Members who cannot travel to in-person meetings can find virtual meetings that use video or phone calls to connect members.

Find Treatment Now

If you or someone you love struggles with alcohol abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Attending 12-step meetings can be a meaningful aspect of recovery.

It is important to get the comprehensive treatment and support you need to get sober and prevent relapse. Reach out to the specialists at The Best Treatment to learn about our comprehensive treatment and support programs. Contact us with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.