AA has a simple way of cutting through complicated thinking: short slogans and quick acronyms. They’re not “magic words” and they’re not a substitute for meetings, sponsorship, or Step work — but they can be powerful tools in the moment, especially when your head is loud and you need a simple next action.
This page gives you a clear AA slogans list and a plain-English AA acronyms list, with what each one means and how people use them in recovery.
AA slogans are short reminders people use to stay grounded and avoid the first drink. They’re like mental “handrails” — quick phrases you can grab when you’re overwhelmed, craving, angry, or stuck.
Some slogans are common across most AA meetings. Others vary by region, group, or fellowship culture.
One Day at a Time (ODAAT)
Meaning: Don’t try to stay sober forever — just stay sober today.
Use it when: Your mind runs into the future (“I can’t do this for life”).
Keep It Simple
Meaning: Stop overthinking. Do the basics: meeting, call, food, rest, honesty.
Use it when: You’re spiralling or obsessing.
Easy Does It
Meaning: Slow down. Don’t force outcomes. Don’t sprint.
Use it when: You’re rushing, panicking, or trying to control everything.
First Things First
Meaning: Put sobriety first. Then deal with everything else.
Use it when: You’re prioritising drama, pride, or a “task” above staying sober.
Keep Coming Back
Meaning: Consistency beats intensity. Meetings work when you keep showing up.
Use it when: You want to quit, disappear, or isolate.
This Too Shall Pass
Meaning: Feelings are temporary. Don’t drink “at” the feeling.
Use it when: You’re in a wave of anxiety, anger, or sadness.
Progress, Not Perfection
Meaning: Recovery is growth, not flawless performance.
Use it when: Shame, perfectionism, or “I’ve failed” thinking shows up.
Let Go and Let God (or: Let Go and Let a Higher Power)
Meaning: Release control of what you can’t change; take right action on what you can.
Use it when: You’re obsessing, controlling, or stuck in outcomes.
Live and Let Live
Meaning: Stop policing others. Focus on your side of the street.
Use it when: You’re irritated by people, judging, or resentful.
Think… Think… Think…
Meaning: Play the tape through. Remember where the first drink leads.
Use it when: You’re romanticising drinking or bargaining.
How Important Is It?
Meaning: Check the size of the issue before you blow up your peace.
Use it when: You feel righteous, heated, or ready to argue.
Let It Begin With Me
Meaning: Be the change in the room — responsibility starts here.
Use it when: You want everyone else to change first.
Principles Before Personalities
Meaning: Focus on spiritual principles, not who you like or dislike.
Use it when: Conflict, cliques, gossip, or personality clashes appear.
Pause When Agitated
Meaning: Stop, breathe, don’t react on impulse, and ask for guidance.
Use it when: You want to send the message, make the call, or explode.
Don’t Quit Before the Miracle Happens
Meaning: Stay long enough for change to show up — it often comes slowly.
Use it when: You feel hopeless or impatient.
Rule 62: Don’t take yourself too seriously.
Meaning: Ego, drama, and self-importance can sabotage recovery. Humour and humility help.
Use it when: You’re in self-pity, self-importance, or intensity overload.
AA acronyms are quick “memory hooks.” Some are very common; others depend on the group. If you hear one you don’t know, it’s always OK to ask.
AA
Alcoholics Anonymous.
ODAAT
One Day at a Time.
Meaning: Stay sober today — that’s the job.
HALT
Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired.
Meaning: These states make relapse more likely. Check them first.
Practical use: Eat, calm down, connect, rest — then decide.
HOW
Honest, Open-minded, Willing.
Meaning: A simple “recovery posture.”
Use it when: You’re stuck, resisting, or closed off.
ES&H
Experience, Strength, and Hope.
Meaning: Share what happened, what helped, and what you do now (not advice).
HP (often used informally)
Higher Power.
Meaning: A power greater than you — however you understand it.
KISS
Keep It Simple, (Stupid).
Meaning: Don’t complicate the solution.
PAUSE (often used as a tool word rather than official acronym)
Meaning: Stop the reaction cycle. Breathe. Ask: “What’s the next right thing?”
PITA (sometimes heard jokingly)
Not recommended as a “spiritual tool,” but you’ll hear humour in AA. If it doesn’t help your recovery, ignore it.
AA is spiritually inclusive. If religious language doesn’t fit, many people translate it into something usable.
G.O.D. (common AA reinterpretation)
Higher Power of your understanding
Meaning: You define it — the group, principles, conscience, nature, the universe, guidance, or “help." or anything you decide. More on Higher Power here: How to Find Your Higher Power with the Help of AA & NKC
If you’re new, these cover 90% of “what do I do right now?”:
Use slogans as a tool, not a weapon
A slogan works best when you apply it to yourself, not to “correct” someone else.
Examples:
If a slogan helps you pause, the next step is usually:
If you'd like to look into many more Slogans and Acronyms check out some of our blog posts:
500+ Recovery Slogans That Save Lives: NKC’s Ultimate Guide
The Ultimate Guide to AA & NKC Recovery: 300+ Powerful Acronyms
