what to expect from an aa meeting

3 min read 22-12-2024

Are you curious about Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) but unsure what to expect? Attending your first meeting can feel daunting, but knowing what to anticipate can ease your nerves. This guide will walk you through the typical structure and atmosphere of a typical AA meeting, helping you feel more comfortable and prepared.

The Basics of an AA Meeting

AA meetings are peer-support groups for people recovering from alcohol addiction. They're based on the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, a program of recovery that emphasizes personal responsibility, spiritual growth, and community support. Importantly, AA meetings are completely confidential; what's shared in the meeting stays in the meeting.

What Happens at an AA Meeting?

1. The Meeting Starts: Meetings generally begin with a brief welcome and a reading from the AA literature, often the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. This sets the tone for the meeting and provides a shared framework for discussion.

2. Introductions (Optional): Some meetings encourage introductions, while others don't. This is entirely up to you. If you’d rather not introduce yourself, that's perfectly acceptable. No one will pressure you to share anything you're not comfortable with.

3. Sharing: The core of most AA meetings is sharing. Members take turns speaking about their experiences, struggles, and triumphs in recovery. This sharing is a crucial part of the support system. You can choose to share your experience or simply listen. Many newcomers choose to listen during their first few meetings.

4. The Focus on Recovery: Discussions revolve around the application of the Twelve Steps and how they help individuals manage their recovery. Themes often include overcoming cravings, dealing with triggers, and maintaining sobriety.

5. The Importance of Confidentiality: Everything shared in an AA meeting is strictly confidential. This safe space is essential for members to feel comfortable opening up and sharing their vulnerabilities.

6. The Meeting Ends: Meetings typically conclude with a closing statement, a moment of reflection, or a prayer (though non-religious meetings also exist). Some meetings may end with a group announcement about upcoming events or other AA-related resources.

Different Types of AA Meetings

AA offers a variety of meeting formats to cater to different preferences and needs:

Open Meetings: Anyone can attend open meetings, whether they're actively seeking help or simply interested in learning more about AA. These meetings often attract newcomers.
Closed Meetings: Closed meetings are exclusively for individuals who identify as alcoholics seeking recovery. The focus is on the shared experience and support within the group.
Step Meetings: Step meetings focus on specific steps from the Twelve Steps program, allowing for a deeper dive into particular aspects of recovery.
Beginner Meetings: Beginner meetings specifically cater to those new to AA, often providing a supportive and welcoming environment for first-timers. Many find these especially beneficial.
Topic Meetings: These meetings focus on a particular theme, such as managing stress, relationships, or dealing with specific challenges in recovery.

What to Bring to an AA Meeting

An Open Mind: The most important thing you can bring is an open mind and a willingness to explore the possibility that AA could help.
A Pen and Notebook (Optional): Some people find it helpful to take notes on what they hear or learn.
A Friend (Optional): Bringing a supportive friend can ease any anxieties about attending alone, though you are perfectly capable of attending on your own.

What Not to Expect from an AA Meeting

Judgment: AA meetings are generally welcoming and non-judgmental. Everyone is on their own journey of recovery. Members are there to support each other, not to criticize.
Pressure to Share: While sharing is encouraged, you are never pressured to speak if you're not ready or comfortable. Listening and observing can be just as valuable, particularly during your early meetings.
Immediate Cures: Recovery is a process, not a quick fix. AA offers support and tools, but success requires commitment and work.

Finding an AA Meeting Near You

You can find AA meetings in your area by visiting the Alcoholics Anonymous World Services website (aa.org). Their website offers a meeting search tool that allows you to locate meetings near you based on several criteria including type of meeting.

Attending your first AA meeting is a significant step. Remember to approach it with an open mind, be kind to yourself, and allow yourself to absorb the experience. The most important thing is to take it one meeting at a time.