Vivian Marlowe
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings are designed to be relaxed, friendly, and open, with no forms to fill in, fees to pay, or appointments to make. Members are expected to respect each other's privacy and anonymity. While there are no intrusive questions, members are encouraged to share their stories of what they were like, what happened, and what their lives are like now. AA meetings are usually open or closed. Open meetings are available to anyone interested in AA's recovery program, while closed meetings are for AA members only or those who have a drinking problem and want to stop. Meetings are conducted by AA members, who determine the format, and typically last 60 to 90 minutes. Members are asked to limit their sharing to topics related to alcoholism and to respect each other by not interrupting or cross-talking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meeting format | Determined by the group members |
| Meeting location | In-person, online, or on the telephone |
| Meeting frequency | Decided by the group members |
| Meeting cost | Free, but a collection is taken at the end to cover costs |
| Meeting content | Members share their stories and experiences |
| Meeting size | Varies, can be as few as two or three members or up to 50 or more |
| Meeting duration | Typically 60 to 90 minutes, but can vary |
| Meeting type | Open or closed; open meetings are for anyone interested in AA's program, while closed meetings are for AA members or those wanting to stop drinking |
| Anonymity | Anonymity and privacy are respected |
| Confidentiality | Anything shared in the meeting is treated as confidential |
| Religion | Not a requirement; meetings may include prayers, but there is no obligation to participate |
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What You'll Learn
Anonymity and confidentiality are paramount
Meetings are often held in churches or community centres, but AA groups are not affiliated with these organisations. They are simply convenient and affordable venues. Meetings are also held in a variety of other places, such as parks, beaches, or other outdoor settings.
The only expectation of members is that they show common respect to each other and share a desire to stop drinking. AA meetings are relaxed, friendly, and open. They are not religious gatherings, and you do not have to believe in God to attend.
AA meetings are a safe, confidential space where people can talk about their addiction to alcohol, discuss the challenges they face, and offer support to one another. Members support each other by sharing their experiences and providing tips for what has helped them on their recovery journey.
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Meetings are open or closed
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings are either open or closed. Open meetings are available to anyone interested in AA's program of recovery from alcoholism. Non-alcoholics may attend open meetings as observers, and open meetings are also open to non-alcoholics who think they have a problem with drinking, such as family and friends supporting a loved one. Closed meetings, on the other hand, are for AA members only or for those who have a drinking problem and want to stop drinking.
AA meetings are held in-person, online, or on the telephone. They are conducted by AA members, who determine the format of their meetings. Meetings typically last 60 to 90 minutes, although some may be shorter or longer. The chairperson for the day sits in the middle of a semi-circle of chairs. The meeting begins with the chairperson reading the AA Preamble, then leading a group prayer, the Serenity Prayer (short version). The chairperson may also ask if there are any newcomers attending the meeting who would like to introduce themselves by their first name. However, this is not mandatory, and newcomers can simply observe and listen if they prefer.
At both types of meetings, it may be requested that participants confine their discussion to matters pertaining to recovery from alcoholism. Members support each other by sharing their stories of what they were like, what happened, and what life is like for them now. There are also Steps meetings where AA's 12-Step program of recovery is discussed in detail, as well as various other types of discussion meetings. Members may also share their experiences, strength, or hope relating to a particular step. The chairperson will also announce any AA news relevant to the group.
There is no charge for attending an AA meeting, and no forms to fill in. However, a collection is usually taken at the end of each meeting to cover the costs of renting the hall and providing refreshments. Only AA members can contribute, but there is no obligation to do so. Most meetings end with the Serenity Prayer. It is important to note that attendees do not have to be religious or believe in God to go to AA meetings.
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No fees, forms, or intrusive questions
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings are free to attend and do not require any forms to be filled out beforehand. There is no obligation to speak at meetings, and members are not met with intrusive questions.
AA meetings are open to anyone interested in AA's program of recovery from alcoholism. Non-alcoholics may attend open meetings as observers. Closed meetings are for AA members only or for those with a drinking problem who want to stop drinking. At both types of meetings, participants may be asked to confine their discussion to matters pertaining to recovery from alcoholism.
Meetings are conducted by AA members, who determine the format. They are held in-person, online, or over the telephone, and members decide when, where, and how often they will meet. Meetings can take place anywhere a room can be rented, including churches, community centres, parks, beaches, or other outdoor settings.
There is no signing in, no appointment to make, and no obligation to return to any meeting or to AA. Members' privacy and anonymity are respected, and they are only addressed by their first names. Meetings typically last 60 to 90 minutes, although this may vary.
While there are no fees to attend, a collection is usually taken at the end of each meeting to cover costs such as renting the hall and providing refreshments. Only AA members can contribute, and there is no obligation to do so.
AA meetings are relaxed, friendly, and informal. Members are invited to share their stories of what they were like, what happened, and what their life is like now. However, if anyone isn't in the mood to talk, it's fine to decline, and members are not pressured to speak if they don't want to.
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Members share experiences and recovery stories
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings are a safe, confidential space for people with a drinking problem who "have a desire to stop drinking". AA meetings are usually "open" or "closed". Open meetings are available to anyone interested in Alcoholics Anonymous’s program of recovery from alcoholism, including non-alcoholics who may attend as observers. Closed meetings are for AA members only or for those who have a drinking problem and want to stop drinking.
At AA meetings, members share experiences and recovery stories. The meeting chairperson opens the meeting with the AA Preamble and a few remarks, sometimes calling for a moment of silence and/or reciting the Serenity Prayer. The chairperson may also announce any AA news relevant to the group. The chairperson then asks if there are any newcomers who would like to introduce themselves by their first name. This is not mandatory, and newcomers can simply observe and listen.
Members are invited to share their stories of what they were like, what happened, and what life is like for them now. They support each other by sharing experiences, listening to one another, and providing tips for what has helped them on their recovery journey. Members are under no obligation to speak if they don't want to. The meeting may also include readings from AA literature, including the "Alcoholics Anonymous" book (commonly referred to as "The Big Book") and "Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions".
AA meetings are relaxed, friendly, and informal. There is no charge for attending, and no forms to fill in. Meetings are typically held in churches or community centres, and last 60 to 90 minutes.
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Meetings are held in-person, online, or by phone
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings are held in-person, online, or by phone. In-person meetings occur in a variety of places, including churches, community centres, parks, beaches, and other outdoor settings. AA meetings are informal, relaxed, and friendly, and there is no pressure to speak if you don't want to.
If you are new to AA, you may feel nervous about attending your first meeting. However, there are no forms to fill in, no fees to pay, and no obligation to return. You can simply take a seat and listen to the stories members tell about their drinking and recovery. You can choose to speak to people or keep to yourself until you feel more comfortable.
AA meetings are typically led by a chairperson, who opens the meeting with the AA Preamble and a few remarks. The chairperson may also lead a group prayer, such as the Serenity Prayer, and ask if there are any newcomers who would like to introduce themselves. However, this is not mandatory, and you can choose to remain anonymous.
Online AA meetings are also available, and you can find meeting schedules and passwords on the AA website. Additionally, if you feel the need for a drink and need help, you can call the phone numbers provided by AA to get support.
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Frequently asked questions
AA meetings are relaxed, friendly, and open. They are usually held in churches or community centres, but can also be held in parks, beaches, or other outdoor settings. The meeting begins with the chairperson reading the AA Preamble, leading a group prayer, and the Serenity Prayer. Members share their stories of what they were like, what happened, and what life is like for them now. The chairperson may ask if any newcomers would like to introduce themselves by their first name, but this is not mandatory. Meetings typically last 60 to 90 minutes.
No, you do not have to speak at an AA meeting. You can just listen to the stories of other members. If you do choose to speak, it is a good idea to limit your share to the time allowed and to topics related to alcoholism. It is against the rules to interrupt or talk to someone else during their sharing time.
Yes, your privacy and anonymity will be respected at AA meetings. Members only use their first names, and pledge to treat anything you say as confidential. However, it is important to remember that violating someone's anonymity by gossiping about what you hear at a meeting can be dangerous, as people who attend AA are struggling and need support.
