Age Guidelines

ABA is a non-medical fellowship, and as such it is appropriate only for those age 16 and older.

Individuals from 16 to 18 years of age are encouraged to bring a trusted adult with them to their first few meetings. This adult need not be a parent or guardian, but someone they trust, who can help them learn and navigate early recovery.

Groups are encouraged to leave underage members OFF their contact lists. Underage members may contact other members, but adult members need not have access to underage members’ contact information.

Groups are encouraged to adopt these guidelines and implement them, announcing them at meetings in order to protect our youngest, most vulnerable members.

Safety Statement

This is a safe meeting place for people who are seeking help in sobriety.

Our recovery is dependent on our common welfare and unity.

It is essential that attendees are safe and feel welcomed inside and outside of our meetings.

We respect each person’s right to be free from disrespectful language, behavior, and unwanted attention; this includes discrimination, racism, and sexual harassment. We ask all meeting attendees to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with these objectives.

If you experience or witness harassment of any kind in ABA, we encourage you to contact your sponsor or a trusted member of the fellowship. Should a person be acting inappropriately, they will be asked to leave the meeting and may be asked not to return.

Also, anyone who feels it necessary may contact the proper authorities - doing so does not go against ABA traditions.

We are all here to help each other.

Please, remember that we seek to treat one another with respect and loving-kindness.