AA's only theological conception is that of a power greater than the self.

 This is sometimes conceived as God, as one understands that concept, or one doesn't. Just as the traditional stereotype of what comprises an alcoholic often blinds sufferers to the reality of their condition, so can the traditional stereotype associated with God lead to confusion and resistance.
But once the theistic, Christian (or any other) stereotype is done away with, it becomes clear that the notion of a power greater than oneself makes room for all alcoholic people, including atheists and agnostics, as long as they are willing to accept and rely on something outside or other than the isolated self, even if it is only the AA group.
At some time during almost every AA meeting in the world, the new person will hear the following phrase: "You may leave this meeting today and need never drink again." Often this is something they have never considered before.
All the elements that comprise AA (attendance at meetings, the notion of alcoholism as an irreversible condition, working with other alcoholics, the Twelve Suggested Steps) are part of a continuing process of surrender that offers the alcoholic not only freedom from the obsession to drink but also a sense of meaning and a useful way of life. Maintenance of the state of self-surrender is the guarantee of personal recovery and a continuing source of hope.

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