Noah Vinter
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings are a safe space for alcoholics to share their experiences, strength, and hope with each other to solve their common problem and help others recover from alcoholism. The meetings are often categorized as open or closed, with open meetings welcoming anyone interested in AA's program and closed meetings reserved for those who identify as alcoholics. While it is not mandatory to identify oneself as an alcoholic at the beginning of the meeting, it is often encouraged. A simple Hi, I'm [name], and I'm an alcoholic is sufficient for an introduction. The chairperson or leader of the meeting will then introduce themselves and begin with a reading from AA literature, often from the Big Book (Alcoholics Anonymous) or other AA-approved texts, such as a statement about anonymity in AA as a valuable privacy principle for all members.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Introductions | Alcoholics introduce themselves as "Hello, my name is [first name] and I'm an alcoholic". |
| Anonymity | Members only use their first names and pledge to treat anything said during the meeting confidentially. |
| Readings | The meeting leader or chairperson may begin with a reading from the Big Book, such as Chapter 5 ("How It Works") or Chapter 3 ("More About Alcoholism"). |
| Discussion topics | Topics for discussion are selected by the meeting leader or chairperson and are often derived from AA literature, such as the Big Book, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, As Bill Sees It, Daily Reflections, and AA Grapevine. |
| Socializing | After the meeting, there is an opportunity for members to socialize and chat informally, usually over tea or coffee. |
| Duration | Meetings typically last 60 to 90 minutes, although they may vary in length depending on the type and format, ranging from 30 minutes to two hours. |
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What You'll Learn
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings are strictly anonymous, so members only use their first names
- Meetings are usually led by a group member who has been sober for a while
- AA members are not anti-alcohol and are not allied with any group, cause, or religious denomination
- The Serenity Prayer is commonly recited at the beginning of the meeting
- The purpose of all meetings is for AA members to share their experience, strength, and hope with each other
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings are strictly anonymous, so members only use their first names
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings are a safe space for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction to come together and support each other in their journey towards recovery. The group's philosophy is centred around the idea that "one alcoholic helps another."
Anonymity is a cornerstone of AA meetings, and members are only required to introduce themselves by their first names. This strict anonymity is a valuable privacy principle for all members, and it is not mandatory to identify oneself as an alcoholic. While some may choose to do so with introductions such as "Hi, I'm [name], and I'm an alcoholic", it is not a requirement, and members are free to simply state their first name.
The meetings are typically categorised as open or closed. Open meetings are available to anyone interested in the AA program, including non-alcoholics who may attend as observers. Closed meetings, on the other hand, are exclusive to AA members or those who acknowledge they have a drinking problem and want to stop. Regardless of the meeting type, attendees are expected to respect each other's privacy and maintain confidentiality outside the group.
The meetings usually begin with a reading from the "Big Book," specifically Chapter 5 ("How It Works") or Chapter 3 ("More About Alcoholism"). This is followed by a discussion centred around a topic selected by the group leader or chairperson. The discussions are often derived from AA literature, such as the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.
At the core of AA meetings is the sharing session, where members voluntarily share their experiences, struggles, and successes in a confidential setting. This sense of anonymity and shared purpose fosters a friendly and supportive atmosphere, allowing members to connect, learn from each other, and find strength in their collective journey towards recovery.
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Meetings are usually led by a group member who has been sober for a while
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings are usually led by a group member who has been sober for a while. These members are selected beforehand and share their experiences, strength, and hope with the group. The purpose of these meetings is to help newcomers by showing them a way to recover from alcoholism.
The chairperson or leader of the meeting introduces themselves and begins with a reading from AA literature, often from the "Big Book" (Alcoholics Anonymous) or other AA-approved texts. The Serenity Prayer is commonly recited at the beginning: "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference."
Newcomers are typically asked if they would like to introduce themselves, but this is optional. A simple "Hi, I'm [name], and I'm an alcoholic" is a common introduction. However, members are free to introduce themselves as they see fit, whether as a "Member of Alcoholics Anonymous," a "Recovered Alcoholic," or a "Recovering Alcoholic." The only requirement for membership is a desire to quit drinking.
At the end of the meeting, there may be a moment of silence, followed by a prayer or the reciting of the Responsibility Statement or other AA text. Members are also given a meeting schedule and contact information for support.
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AA members are not anti-alcohol and are not allied with any group, cause, or religious denomination
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings are a safe space for those with a drinking problem who wish to stop drinking. The only requirement for membership is a desire to quit drinking. AA meetings are not affiliated with any particular religion, and members are not required to be religious or believe in God. While meetings often end with a prayer, this is directed at a higher power, which could be nature or the collective energy of the group.
AA meetings are also not affiliated with any specific group or cause. The sole purpose of AA meetings is to help alcoholics recover from alcoholism. The program is based on one alcoholic helping another. AA meetings are open to anyone who wishes to recover from alcoholism, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, income, or profession.
While some members may introduce themselves as alcoholics, this is not a requirement, and members are free to choose how they identify themselves. Anonymity is a key principle of AA meetings, and members are only addressed by their first names. The meetings are strictly confidential, and anything shared within the group is kept private.
AA meetings are typically listed as "open" or "closed". Open meetings are available to anyone interested in the AA program of recovery from alcoholism, including non-alcoholics who may attend as observers. Closed meetings are restricted to AA members or those who have a drinking problem and wish to stop drinking. At both types of meetings, discussions are confined to matters pertaining to recovery from alcoholism.
The format of AA meetings may vary, but they often include readings from the Big Book, such as Chapter 5 ("How It Works") or Chapter 3 ("More About Alcoholism"). Meetings may also include sharing personal experiences, discussing the different steps of AA, or listening to scheduled speakers. The chairperson may also announce any AA-related news and provide opportunities for newcomers to introduce themselves, although this is not mandatory.
While AA members are not anti-alcohol, they are committed to helping each other recover from alcoholism and supporting each other in staying sober. The program has been effective in helping alcoholics recover for many years, and members are encouraged to share their experiences, strength, and hope with each other.
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The Serenity Prayer is commonly recited at the beginning of the meeting
The Serenity Prayer is commonly recited at the beginning of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings:
> God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.
AA meetings are typically listed as "'open' or 'closed'". Open meetings are available to anyone interested in AA's recovery program, while closed meetings are reserved for those who identify as alcoholics or those who think they have a drinking problem. At both types of meetings, participants may be asked to confine their discussions to matters pertaining to recovery from alcoholism.
Meetings usually start with a few formalities. The chairperson or leader for the meeting will introduce themselves and begin with a reading from AA literature, often from the "Big Book" ("Alcoholics Anonymous") or other AA-approved texts. The purpose of all meetings is for AA members to share their experiences, strength, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others recover from alcoholism".
There is no requirement to identify as an alcoholic at the beginning of the meeting. Anonymity is a valuable privacy principle for new and longtime members, and members only use their first names. While it is not mandatory to identify yourself, it may be helpful if you are attending your first meeting. Newcomers are typically asked if they would like to introduce themselves, but this is optional, and they are not required to speak if they are uncomfortable.
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The purpose of all meetings is for AA members to share their experience, strength, and hope with each other
The purpose of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings is for members to share their experiences, strengths, and hopes with each other. By doing so, they can help each other solve their common problem of alcoholism and support each other in their recovery. AA meetings are typically listed as "'open' or 'closed'. Open meetings are available to anyone interested in the program of recovery from alcoholism, including non-alcoholics who may attend as observers. Closed meetings, on the other hand, are restricted to AA members or those struggling with drinking.
At the beginning of an AA meeting, the chairperson or leader will open the meeting and select a topic for discussion. The topic is often derived from AA literature, such as the "Big Book" ("Alcoholics Anonymous"), "Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions", or other AA texts. The chairperson may also announce any relevant AA news or updates for the group. Following this, members usually introduce themselves, although this is not mandatory. Some may choose to share their names and identify as alcoholics, while others may prefer to simply listen and absorb the experience.
During the meeting, members are given the opportunity to share their stories and experiences. They may talk about what they were like before, what happened, and what they are like now. This sharing of experiences, strengths, and hopes is at the core of the AA program, as it allows members to connect, relate, and support each other in their recovery journey. It is important to note that while some meetings may have religious elements, such as reciting the Lord's Prayer, participation in these activities is not mandatory, and AA welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and beliefs.
The format of AA meetings may vary, but they typically last between 60 to 90 minutes. Some meetings may be shorter or longer, depending on the group's preferences and guidelines. AA meetings are usually held in churches or community centres, creating a friendly and social atmosphere. After the meeting, there is often an opportunity for members to socialise, chat, and offer support to each other. This time is valuable for many members, as it fosters a sense of community and mutual understanding.
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Frequently asked questions
The chairperson or leader of the meeting introduces themselves and begins with a reading from AA literature, often from the "'Big Book'" or other AA-approved texts. Newcomers are typically asked if they would like to introduce themselves, but this is optional. A simple "Hi, I'm [name], and I'm an alcoholic" is sufficient if they choose to.
No, it is not mandatory to identify yourself as an alcoholic at an AA meeting. However, it might be helpful if it is your first meeting. You do not have to speak at all—you can choose to just listen.
After the meeting, there is an opportunity for those who want to stay and chat informally, usually over tea or coffee. Many people find this time after the meeting valuable. You will be offered a meeting schedule and shown how to find other meetings. You will also be given the contact details of people you can call if you feel the need for a drink and need help.
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