What to expect at an A.A. Meeting
Attending an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting for the first time can feel a bit daunting, but knowing what to expect can help ease any nerves. Here are some key points:
Meeting Types:
Open Meetings: Open to anyone interested in learning about AA, including non-alcoholics.
Closed Meetings: For AA members or those who have a drinking problem and want to stop.
Formats:
Discussion Meetings: A member leads the meeting and selects a topic for discussion, often based on AA literature.
Speaker Meetings: One or more members share their personal stories of recovery.
Beginners Meetings: Focused on helping newcomers understand the basics of AA and the first few steps of the 12-step program.
What Happens:
Sharing: Members talk about their experiences with alcohol, how they stopped drinking, and how they are maintaining their sobriety.
Listening: You can listen to others’ stories and share your own when you feel comfortable. There’s no pressure to speak if you don’t want to.
Duration: Meetings typically last between 60 to 90 minutes.
Environment:
Supportive and Confidential: Meetings are designed to be a safe space where members support each other. What is shared in the meeting stays in the meeting. Meetings can be held in various places such as community centers, churches, or even online.
Common Myths:
You don’t have to stand up and declare, “I am an alcoholic,” unless you want to.
Participation is voluntary; you won’t be forced to share your story or personal details.
If you have any specific concerns or questions about attending your first meeting, feel free to ask!
What to Expect at an A.A. Meeting | Alcoholics Anonymous
What happens at an A.A. meeting? | Alcoholics Anonymous