Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings: Can You Attend if You're Stinking and Dirty?

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a worldwide fellowship of men and women who help each other achieve sobriety. The organization's foundational principle is that members need only a desire to stop drinking. There are no stringent requirements regarding one's personal hygiene. However, this lack of a strict personal cleanliness policy might lead to diverse perspectives on attending meetings when someone appears unkempt.

The idea that a person who is dirty and has poor hygiene might have given up and found AA as their last hope is a sentiment shared by many. Despite this, AA does not stipulate how members should present themselves; the only requirement is that you show up with the desire to get sober.

Supportive Measures for Those in Need

While AA does uphold the principle that personal hygiene standards are inherently personal, there are community-driven efforts to support individuals who might lack access to adequate hygiene facilities. Not all alcoholics have a home or the means to take a shower. Some members and friends might offer to pick up their fellow members before the meeting, allowing them to utilize their shower facilities.

Another way to support is to invite members who lack clean clothes or toiletries to bring their laundry. This gesture acknowledges the challenges many face and can significantly ease the burden. By doing so, the community upholds the principles of lovingkindness and the Golden Rule, which promotes mutual respect and consideration.

Stricter Policies and Their Rationality

There are differing views on whether someone who is stinking and dirty should be allowed to attend AA meetings. Those who argue against it often suggest that such behavior is disrespectful to other attendees and counterproductive to the group's efforts to achieve sobriety. For example, one member humorously pointed out, 'I went to a few meetings a long time ago and I always looked clean and respectfully dressed. Not all alcoholics are smelly slobs.' This perspective reflects a belief that presenting oneself in a clean and decent manner is essential for the group's success.

However, supporting individuals with little means to maintain personal cleanliness can be seen as a more compassionate approach. Instead of shaming or excluding someone based on their appearance, offering assistance can encourage accountability and encourage them to take the necessary steps to improve their situation.

Conclusion

While AA's unconditional welcome to anyone seeking sobriety without regard for personal hygiene provides a unique opportunity for those in dire straits, it also falls to the community to find ways to support members in need of basic hygiene assistance. By being considerate and offering help, the AA community can foster a supportive and inclusive environment that benefits all its members.

In the end, whether or not someone who appears dirty should be allowed to attend a meeting is a nuanced issue. While there are valid arguments for and against, the overarching principle is mutual respect and the drive towards sobriety.