What Are A.A. Meetings and How Do They Work?

Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) is an international program dedicated to assisting individuals on their journey of alcohol recovery, aiming to help them attain and maintain sobriety. Attending A.A. meetings is free of charge, and they are widely accessible.

In this article, we will explore what A.A. meetings are, how they can be helpful, who is eligible to participate, and the effectiveness of these meetings in overcoming alcohol misuse or abuse.

History of Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous was founded in 1935 by Bill W. and Dr. Bob S. in Akron, Ohio. Both Bill W. and Dr. Bob had their own paths to recovery, but it was when they met face to face that they realized the transformative power of confiding in a "fellow sufferer" to achieve lasting sobriety.

The first A.A. group comprised only Bill, Dr. Bob, and a patient from an Akron hospital. In 1939, the program experienced significant growth, largely due to the publication of the book, Alcoholics Anonymous, commonly referred to as the "Big Book." The group gained even more recognition in 1941 following an article published in the Saturday Evening Post.

Who Can Join Alcoholics Anonymous

To become a member of A.A., the sole requirement is a desire to stop drinking. There are no further conditions for joining this fellowship and attending meetings.

Some members choose to attend A.A. meetings independently, while others may be motivated by pressure from a loved one or as a court-mandated requirement, such as after being arrested for driving under the influence.

However, the organization emphasizes that it is not concerned with who referred an individual to A.A. Their sole focus is on the person seeking assistance.

It is often assumed that A.A. is affiliated with a particular religion due to references to "God" and "higher power" in its literature. However, the fellowship stresses that membership is open to anyone, regardless of their beliefs or lack thereof.

What Are A.A. Meetings?

There are two primary types of A.A. meetings: open and closed. Open A.A. meetings are accessible to anyone, while closed A.A. meetings are reserved for members only. The majority of A.A. meetings are closed.

A.A. meetings follow four main formats:

Beginners

These meetings are designed for individuals new to Alcoholics Anonymous. They are typically led by a member who has successfully maintained sobriety and can involve discussions or a deeper exploration of the first three steps of the program's Twelve Steps.

Discussion

These meetings are led by a "leader" or "chair" who selects the topic of discussion for the gathering. Common topics include the Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, and Daily Reflections.

Speaker

This format involves one or two pre-selected members sharing their personal experiences with alcohol addiction and recovery. Some groups have a requirement that speakers have maintained their sobriety for a certain duration before taking on this role. Speaker meetings are generally open to the public.

Step, Tradition, or Big Book

During these meetings, materials from various A.A. resources are read aloud to the group.

What to Expect at an A.A. Meeting

A.A. meetings commence with the chair opening the session. Some meetings may then recite the Serenity Prayer or observe a moment of silence. Newcomers are encouraged to introduce themselves, although this is not mandatory.

Often, the next step is to read a passage from the Big Book, accompanied by a reminder of the importance of member privacy and anonymity. A.A. meetings typically conclude with a prayer, a moment of silence, recitation of the Responsibility Statement, or a reading from another A.A. text.

Effectiveness of A.A. Meetings

While A.A. meetings are widely accessible, do they deliver positive results? Do they genuinely assist attendees in achieving and maintaining sobriety? According to research, the answer is affirmative.

A 2020 review encompassing 27 studies involving 10,565 participants revealed that A.A. and other twelve-step programs are effective in promoting abstinence. The authors also reported that these programs appear to be as effective as other alcohol treatment methods.

Additional studies have examined the overall effectiveness of peer support during substance use recovery, finding that it contributes to various positive outcomes. Individuals with co-occurring substance use and mental health issues also experienced improved outcomes.

Is Alcoholics Anonymous for You?

Although A.A. meetings are not based on a specific religion, they do incorporate spiritual aspects. For some individuals, these aspects of the program may pose a challenge.

It is also essential to recognize that the effectiveness of A.A. depends, in part, on finding a meeting that aligns well with an individual's needs and preferences. For example, a meeting primarily attended by homeless individuals may not be as beneficial for individuals from different backgrounds or situations.

Fortunately, A.A. offers a wide range of meetings catering to different demographics and circumstances. The only way to determine if A.A. may be a suitable option is to attend a meeting. There are no membership fees, so it is free to explore whether it is a good fit.

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use or addiction, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 to obtain information on support and treatment facilities in your area. For additional mental health resources, refer to our National Helpline Database.

How to Find an A.A. Meeting

Individuals residing in North America can locate a local A.A. meeting through the Alcoholics Anonymous website. The website offers an A.A. meeting search option and allows users to select a specific state or region to view all meeting locations in that area.