What You Can Expect at Your First Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Meeting

Navigating your first AA meeting can be intimidating, but understanding what typically happens can help ease your nerves. Here's what you can generally expect:

Before the Meeting

• Finding a Meeting: Use an online directory or call the AA national hotline to locate a meeting near you.

• Arrival: Meetings are usually held in churches, community centers, or other public spaces. Arriving early gives you time to settle in and introduce yourself.

• Introduce Yourself (Optional): When prompted by the chairperson, use your first name and indicate that you're new ("newcomer" or "newbie").

During the Meeting

• Opening: Meetings typically begin with a reading from AA literature, followed by a moment of silence or prayer.

• Sharing: Members take turns sharing their experiences, struggles, and successes in their recovery journey. Sharing is always optional.

• Discussion: Sometimes, meetings include discussions on specific topics related to recovery, led by a chairperson or designated group member.

• Closing: Meetings often conclude with a reading from AA literature, followed by the Serenity Prayer.

After the Meeting

• Socializing: Many groups provide time for socializing after the formal meeting, offering a chance to connect and ask questions.

• Literature: You might be offered AA literature, such as the Big Book, to gain deeper insights into the AA program.

Meeting Formats

• Open Meetings: Anyone, whether or not they have a history of drinking, is welcome to attend.

• Closed Meetings: Only AA members are allowed.

• Beginner Meetings: Specifically geared toward individuals who are new to AA.

• Discussion Meetings: Focus on discussing a particular recovery-related topic.

• Speaker Meetings: Pre-selected members share their personal stories of recovery.

• Step Meetings: Focus on specific steps of the AA twelve-step program.

Sharing

• It's Optional: You're never pressured to share unless you feel comfortable.

• Active Listening: Pay attention to others' stories and experiences.

• Share When Ready: Take your time and only share what you're comfortable with.

Remember

• You're Not Alone: AA is a supportive community working towards a shared goal: sobriety.

• Be Patient: Recovery is a process, and everyone's journey is unique.

• Ask for Help: Feel free to reach out to other members or the chairperson with questions or concerns.