This is a quiet, introspective time where members are encouraged to think about the discussion, their own recovery, or any insights gained during the meeting. Some may choose to pray silently, while others may simply meditate or gather their thoughts. This moment of stillness allows individuals to internalize the meeting’s message and prepare to carry its lessons into their daily lives. It is a deeply personal and often emotional part of the closing, fostering a sense of connection to oneself and the group.
- So while AA members will likely approach you, especially if you identify yourself as new, the environment is meant to be welcoming rather than demanding.
- Whether it’s during open meetings, closed meetings, or speaker meetings, sharing becomes more comfortable over time.
- At most meetings, you will hear members talk about what drinking did to them and those around them.
- Finally, speaker meetings offer valuable insights into the principles and practices of AA.
Readings & Traditions: AA literature and 12 Traditions are read aloud to reinforce principles and unity
That’s because people in long-term recovery remember exactly what it felt like to attend their first meeting—the nerves, the doubts, the hope. One member, Barb M., relates that the thing she was most relieved about was the non-imposing feel that she got when she first began attending meetings. Or maybe you’re concerned about whether you’ll need to get up and share your story at a meeting. Learning more about what to expect in an AA meeting can help you feel more at ease and get more out of the experience.
Dispelling Common Myths About AA Meetings
- The Central office, intergroup, or answering service numbers throughout the world are available on the AA World Services website.
- Attending the meeting who would like to introduce themselves.
- After about 10 minutes, there are 50 people who are seated in a semi-circle of chairs.
- Ketamine has a unique mood controlling property and a number of studies have demonstrated a significant and rapid antidepressant effect of ketamine.
- Walking into your first AA meeting can feel overwhelming, but understanding what happens at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings can ease the fear.
The anticipation of attending your first Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting can be an intimidating experience. It’s natural to feel anxious about the unknown, especially if it’s something as personal as your first support group meeting. Adam Vibe Gunton is an American author, speaker and thought leader in addiction treatment and recovery. After overcoming homelessness and drug addiction, Adam found his life’s purpose in helping addicts find the same freedom he found.
You might even hear your own story in someone else’s words. AA meetings typically involve sharing personal experiences related to alcoholism, discussing recovery, and offering support. Meetings may follow a structured format, such as reading from AA literature or focusing on one of the 12 Steps. Following the opening, members are invited to introduce themselves. This is done in a simple, respectful manner, with no pressure to share more than one feels comfortable with.
There are discussion meetings where a topic is picked like honesty or amends and people take turns sharing their thoughts and experiences with them. There are also step study groups in which the group reads from AA materials like “The Big Book” or “12 & 12” and then discuss it collectively. AA meetings are held in all kinds of places—churches, community centers, even libraries. While most meetings follow a similar structure, open meetings welcome anyone interested. You’ll find AA members sharing their experience, strength and hope in a safe and welcoming environment. During a speaker meeting, the designated member typically begins by introducing themselves and their sobriety journey, often starting with their life before AA.
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Alcoholics Anonymous can be a powerful complement to addiction medicine and the structured support found in treatment centers. For those recovering from substance use, the fellowship offers real-world support that continues long after formal care ends. Though you’ll find different meetings with varying formats, one constant is mutual respect. Cross talk—interrupting or directly responding to another’s share—is discouraged to keep the space safe.
What Happens at Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings
Having someone you know by your side will help you feel more comfortable and more likely to let your guard down. If you know someone who attends 12-step meetings, ask them if you can tag along. If you don’t, grab someone you know from treatment and attend your first meeting together.
Each person typically shares their first name, followed by a statement about their sobriety status. The core of the speaker’s presentation focuses on their recovery process, including their experiences with the 12 Steps of AA, sponsorship, and attending meetings regularly. The speaker often emphasizes the role of spirituality, fellowship, and service in their recovery, offering a holistic view of how AA works.
Each meeting is different but may focus on sharing personal experiences, discussing different steps of AA, or listening to scheduled speakers. These what to expect at an aa meeting meetings are limited to alcoholics and those who think or know they have a problem with drinking. They provide an opportunity for members to relate their experiences with one another on problems related to drinking patterns and attempts to achieve stable sobriety. They also permit detailed discussion of various elements in the recovery program.
One of the most powerful aspects of speaker meetings is the inspiration they provide. Hearing someone who has successfully overcome alcoholism share their story can be deeply motivating for attendees, especially those in the early stages of recovery. The speaker’s transformation from a life of despair to one of hope and purpose demonstrates the potential for change. Additionally, the speaker often includes moments of humor, humility, and vulnerability, making their story relatable and engaging.
The rhythm and format of meetings create safety and consistency. You’ll notice that every group operates with slight variations, but the core purpose—supporting each other in recovery—remains constant across the board. Each AA gathering promotes honesty, accountability, and shared experience.
Sharing Time: Attendees voluntarily share experiences, struggles, and progress in a supportive, non-judgmental space
I hope I can ease some of the stress that comes along with going to your first meeting. A lot of people are under the impression that they get put under a spotlight at the front of the room and have to tell their entire life’s story at the first meeting they attend. “I’m Kate, um, I’m an alcoholic.” This is how Hollywood usually portrays AA, and it’s not that accurate. This respect helps every meeting feel like a refuge. In time, that environment of understanding fosters authentic connection and trust.
After the meeting is over, be sure to stay for a few minutes and introduce yourself to others. You never know who a great source of support could be. Now, for the rest of the meeting, each person will get a few minutes to speak to the rest of the group about the topic that was brought up and how it relates to their recovery. The purpose of this part of the meeting is to share each other’s experiences with one another. Once the meeting is officially opened, the chairperson will ask if there is anyone attending their first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. I suggest you raise your hand or speak out—yes, it lets everybody know you’re here to make some changes in your life.
Listening is just as valuable, especially when you’re getting a feel for the format and flow. Many people don’t speak during their first meeting—and that’s perfectly normal. Discussion meetings encourage topic-based sharing, whereas speaker meetings feature one person telling their full story—offering insight, inspiration, and a sense of belonging. Walking into your first AA meeting might feel intimidating, but the truth is, it’s a brave and voluntary step many have taken before you. Whether you’ve come from one of the local treatment facilities or decided on your own to seek help, just showing up means you’re ready for change.