-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 COMMENTS ON A.A.'S TRIENNIAL SURVEYS INTRODUCTION This paper is an analysis of the 1989 survey plus a review of comparable findings of previous surveys from 1977 forward (five in all). It contains the following sections: Introduction The 1989 survey Limitations of the survey Appendices A: History B: Comparison with earlier surveys C: The first year D: Technical notes E: Regional Comparisons F: Population Values G: Progress in the Fellowship In preparing this analysis the opportunity has been taken to reevaluate past surveys and to apply further analysis to them. In some cases the reduction of data has been done differently, and in a few cases errors have been corrected. Both in the interest of accuracy and consistency the data presented here, when different, shoukd supersede earlier reports. Purpose of the Survey. The original purposes of the survey are noted in Appendix A. The need for current and reliable information on A.A. for the public and for the professional community, and the need for a periodic inventory for the membership, seem to be as pressing today as in the past. In connection with the function of inventory, certain findings of recent surveys seem to call for concern on the part of the Fellowship. For example, attention to our singleness of purpose might be suggested by the increase in the number of dually addicted members and the increase in members coming from rehabs. These trends are cited in the chapter on comparison of past surveys. It is also noted that about half those coming to A.A. for the first time remain less than three months. Appendix C of this report, "The First Year," is devoted to this subject. This observation may inspire groups to give more attention to the newcomer through such measures as greeting newcomers, beginners meetings, and interim sponsorship. We often say that no one gets to A.A. by accident, so the fact that we lose within three months half of those that begin our program may moan that we lose a great number of alcoholics who desparately need sobriety. -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: PGP Personal Privacy 6.5.8 iQA/AwUBQk60Tbw9MOKEeRC8EQIA6QCg2qg+VJlhlptK2jQYtGs9Drje09oAnjNb Lc2HLDLVPahvB1dppT95YC77 =jySI -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----