How Service in AA Gave Me Belonging—and Helped Me Stay Sober

I’ve often heard people in meetings say, “Meeting makers make it. Coffee makers make it.” At first, I thought it was just a catchy slogan to encourage people to show up. But over time I’ve come to see the truth in it. Showing up matters. But showing up and being of service? That’s what really keeps me sober. Service is about helping the group, because helping others is what I’m supposed to do. And in doing that, I find I’m the one who stays sober.

When I was new, I didn’t know much about AA. But one thing I was told early on was to get into action. Service was one of the first ways I learned to do that. My sponsor suggested that I make coffee for a meeting. So Tuesday night coffee maker I became. At first it felt too small to matter. But what happened surprised me. Making coffee meant I had to arrive early. People started to know me. I wasn’t just a face in the back row anymore—I had a reason to be there, and people thanked me for it. That little act of service made me feel useful for the first time in a long time.

Service has a way of getting me out of myself. Left to my own devices, I can sit in a meeting thinking about my problems, my fears, my resentments. But when I’m focused on making sure the chairs are set up, or greeting someone at the door, I’m not thinking about me anymore. I’m thinking about the group, about the newcomer, about how I can be helpful. That simple shift keeps me from sliding back into the self-centered fear that feeds my alcoholism.

As I stayed sober, my service grew. I found that the more responsibility I took on, the more solid my sobriety became. Being a coffee maker gave me accountability and a chance to grow my network. Chairing a meeting taught me how to show up prepared and keep things moving. Later, I took on a service positions in my homegroup, and eventually I became a General Service Representative (GSR). That role gave me a new view of AA as a whole—it showed me how much work goes into keeping our fellowship alive and available to anyone who needs it. Service kept expanding my world, reminding me that AA isn’t just about me staying sober. It’s about carrying the message forward for the next alcoholic who walks through the door.

There were times I didn’t want to go to a meeting, times I felt tired, or restless, or too busy. But when I had a service commitment, I showed up anyway. I didn’t want to let the group down. And every time, I left the meeting grateful that I had been there. Service gave me a reason to keep coming back, even when I didn’t feel like it. It pulled me through stretches where my willpower alone wouldn’t have been enough.

Service has become more than just a task list—it’s part of my spiritual practice. Step 12 tells me to carry the message and practice these principles in all my affairs. Service is how I do that in a practical, concrete way. Whether it’s sponsoring someone, taking a call from a newcomer, or showing up early to set up chairs, these acts remind me that recovery is about action, not just intention. The more I serve, the more I see that God can work through me if I’m willing.

Looking back, I can see a pattern. Every time I leaned into service, my sobriety got stronger. Every time I pulled back and made it just about me, I struggled. Today, service keeps me accountable, humble, and connected. It has taken me from making coffee to holding positions in my homegroup and serving as a GSR. Each role has taught me something new about staying sober and being part of something bigger than myself.

So when I hear “Meeting makers make it. Coffee makers make it,” I nod with gratitude. Because it’s true. The more involved I am in service, the better chance I have at staying sober. And the better chance the next alcoholic has, too.

There’s lots of AA meetings available to attend in-person or virtually. If you’re struggling with drinking, seek out the help you need, you can’t do it on your own. I know I couldn’t do it on my own and still can’t.

Find a sponsor that will take you through the steps as outlined in the book. You’ll see more of the truth about who you are and eventually it’ll change your life.

Change Your Truth, Change Your Life.

Haler Smith