Mason Delacroix
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings come in various formats, including open and closed meetings, speaker sessions, and Big Book meetings. Open meetings are available to anyone interested in AA's recovery program, including non-alcoholics, who may attend as observers. Closed meetings, on the other hand, are for AA members only or those with a drinking problem who want to stop drinking. Speaker meetings are an integral part of AA, where selected members share their addiction and recovery stories, offering hope and motivation to attendees. These meetings emphasize the sense of belonging and shared purpose that defines AA.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meeting Types | Open, closed, speaker, discussion, step, and Big Book |
| Open Meetings | Available to anyone interested in Alcoholics Anonymous's program of recovery from alcoholism; non-alcoholics may attend as observers |
| Closed Meetings | Confidential space for individuals focused on quitting drinking, fostering support and open sharing |
| Speaker Meetings | Feature members sharing their recovery stories, offering hope and motivation to attendees |
| Discussion Meetings | Platform for members to share thoughts and experiences on a selected topic, opening up dialogue and providing an opportunity for genuine conversation about struggles and successes in recovery |
| Meeting Structure | Meetings may begin with a reading from the Big Book, a moment of silence, and/or the Serenity Prayer; the chair may ask if there are any newcomers and open the floor for introductions |
| Meeting Topics | Meetings may focus on studying the Twelve Steps, the Big Book, or the Twelve Traditions |
| Meeting Formats | Meetings are held in-person, online, or over the telephone, and can take place in a variety of settings, including churches, community centers, parks, or beaches |
| Anonymity | Attendees are not required to identify themselves, but introductions are encouraged for newcomers |
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What You'll Learn
- Open meetings: anyone can attend, alcoholic or non-alcoholic
- Closed meetings: confidential spaces for individuals focused on quitting drinking
- Speaker meetings: members share their addiction and recovery stories
- Discussion meetings: members share thoughts and experiences on a selected topic
- Big Book meetings: groups read aloud pertinent material from the Big Book
Open meetings: anyone can attend, alcoholic or non-alcoholic
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings come in a variety of formats, including open and closed meetings, speaker sessions, and Big Book meetings. Open meetings are available to anyone interested in Alcoholics Anonymous' program of recovery from alcoholism, including non-alcoholics, who may attend as observers.
Open meetings are specifically aimed at being as inclusive as possible. They are for everyone, from friends and relatives to people with an interest in the program and community observers. They can provide an open-armed, friendly reception for first-time attendees, helping to demystify the modus operandi of the program and put newcomers at ease.
At the beginning of an open meeting, the chair usually opens the meeting with the AA Preamble and a few remarks. They may also call for a moment of silence and/or recite the Serenity Prayer. The chair will often ask if there are any newcomers who would like to introduce themselves. It isn't mandatory to identify yourself, but it might be helpful if you are attending your meeting. Many meetings begin with a reading from the Big Book, frequently a portion of Chapter 5 ("How It Works") or Chapter 3 ("More About Alcoholism").
Whether open or closed, AA group meetings are conducted by AA members, who determine the format of their meetings. A statement about anonymity is often included. Meetings may be held in-person, online, or on the telephone, and the members of each meeting decide when, where, and how often they will meet. In-person meetings can happen in a variety of places, including churches, community centres, clinics, and even outdoors in parks or on beaches.
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Closed meetings: confidential spaces for individuals focused on quitting drinking
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings come in a variety of formats, including open and closed meetings, speaker sessions, and Big Book meetings. Each meeting takes on the character of its local area. AA meetings welcome attendees from court programs and treatment facilities, and the voluntary nature of membership is considered the strength of the program.
Closed meetings are confidential spaces for individuals with a drinking problem and a desire to stop drinking. They provide a structured and intimate setting for members to share their stories, discuss coping strategies, and explore the principles of the AA program. The assurance of confidentiality in closed meetings encourages members to be frank about their experiences, fostering meaningful connections and exchanges.
The AA program's foundation is the Twelve Steps, and many groups devote one or more meetings a week to the study of each step in rotation. Some meetings discuss two or three steps at a time, and it is common practice to read aloud pertinent material from the Big Book, the Twelve Steps, or the Twelve Traditions at the beginning of the meeting. The chair often opens the meeting with the AA Preamble and a few remarks, and some groups observe a moment of silence or recite the Serenity Prayer.
The interactive and collaborative nature of discussion meetings encourages everyone to share their thoughts and experiences on a selected topic, fostering open dialogue and providing an opportunity for genuine conversation about the struggles and successes of recovery. This format helps create a supportive environment, which is a strong motivator for people at every stage of their recovery journey.
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Speaker meetings: members share their addiction and recovery stories
Speaker meetings are a vital component of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), where selected members share their stories of addiction and recovery. These meetings offer hope and motivation to attendees, emphasizing the themes of belonging and shared purpose that define AA. Usually, members who have already celebrated some time in sobriety share their experiences.
The format of AA meetings varies, with open and closed meetings, speaker sessions, and Big Book meetings. Each meeting takes on the feel of its local area. Open meetings are available to anyone interested in AA's recovery program, including non-alcoholics who may attend as observers. The only obligation is that attendees do not disclose the names of AA members outside the meeting. A typical open meeting will usually have a “leader” who opens and closes the meeting and introduces speakers. The speakers at an open meeting are usually AA members who may review their drinking experiences that led them to AA, interpret the recovery program, and reflect on what sobriety means to them.
Closed meetings, on the other hand, are for AA members only or those with a drinking problem who desire to stop drinking. These meetings provide a confidential space for individuals to openly share their experiences, fostering a sense of support and intimacy. The AA Closed Meeting Format adheres to the principles of anonymity and privacy, encouraging members to be more frank in their sharing and to make meaningful connections.
Speaker meetings, regardless of whether they are open or closed, provide a platform for members to share their personal journeys, discuss coping strategies, and explore the principles of the AA program. These meetings allow attendees to learn from the experiences of others, offering a sense of hope and motivation on their road to recovery.
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Discussion meetings: members share thoughts and experiences on a selected topic
Discussion meetings are a cornerstone of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), providing a platform for members to share their thoughts and experiences on a selected topic. These meetings are interactive and collaborative, with a focus on open dialogue and genuine conversation about the struggles and successes of recovery.
The format of discussion meetings encourages everyone to contribute, fostering a supportive environment. Members are allowed to explore their personal journeys and share their stories, discuss coping strategies, and delve into the principles of the AA program. This structured approach in a focused and intimate setting helps create a strong network of support for individuals at all stages of recovery.
The anonymity and privacy that define AA meetings, especially in closed sessions, encourage members to be more forthcoming in sharing their experiences. They can make more meaningful connections and engage in deeper exchanges, knowing that their confidentiality is assured. This sense of belonging and shared purpose is vital to the success of AA meetings, where members find motivation and hope in hearing the experiences of others.
Discussion meetings are just one type of AA gathering, which also include open and closed meetings, speaker sessions, and Big Book studies. Each meeting takes on the character of its local area, and members determine the format, frequency, location, and method (in-person, online, or telephone) of their gatherings. AA meetings are inclusive and welcoming, with open meetings, in particular, offering a friendly introduction to the program for newcomers.
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Big Book meetings: groups read aloud pertinent material from the Big Book
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a global fellowship with the purpose of
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Frequently asked questions
Speaker discussion Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are where selected members share their stories of addiction and recovery. These meetings emphasise belonging and shared purpose, and attendees can find hope and motivation in the experiences of others.
Usually, members who have already celebrated some time in sobriety share their experiences. The format is interactive and encourages everyone to contribute, making it a supportive and collaborative environment.
There are open and closed Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Open meetings are available to anyone interested in Alcoholics Anonymous’s program of recovery from alcoholism. Non-alcoholics may attend open meetings as observers. Closed meetings are for Alcoholics Anonymous members only or for those with a drinking problem who want to stop drinking.
