This myth alone can convince people not to attend an AA meeting. Beyond personal worksheets, there are valuable resources offered by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services. The AA Grapevine shares stories from members worldwide, while Anonymous World Services distributes literature and media that support recovery across all stages. If you’ve ever felt like you would like to introduce yourself beyond just a name in a meeting, sharing your full story can be life-changing. AA teaches the power of honesty, and that same strength can help others through your voice.
Our trusted behavioral health specialists will not give up on you. When you feel ready or just want someone to speak to about therapy alternatives to change your life call us. Even if we cannot assist you, we will lead you to wherever you can get support.
A simple “Hi, I’m Name, this is my first aa meeting” is more than enough. Most meetings are held in informal settings like community centers or churches, and they begin with the AA Preamble, which outlines the group’s purpose. Sharing is voluntary, and it’s common for newcomers to introduce themselves as visitors without sharing their story.
Where Meetings Happen
The atmosphere during this time is intentionally non-judgmental and supportive. Newcomers are often greeted with warmth and encouragement, and there is no expectation to share deeply or at all if one is not ready. The goal is to create a safe space where everyone feels acknowledged and accepted, regardless of where they are in their recovery journey. This openness helps build trust and camaraderie, which are essential for the healing process in AA. Meeting discussions can vary, but they often revolve around the program’s core principles, such as the Twelve Steps, to give you a framework for personal recovery. While AA certainly has spiritual components, you don’t have to be religious to attend and benefit from the meetings.
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who have experienced problems with drinking. Anyone who has a desire to do something about their drinking can join. Meetings typically last 60 to 90 minutes, although some may be shorter or longer. You can often check the meetings posted schedule to learn more.
After about 10 minutes, there are 50 people who are seated in a semi-circle of chairs. They are the meeting chairperson for that particular day. An AA meeting refers to an Alcoholics Anonymous support group meeting.
- You can often find a posted schedule that includes the expected duration of the meeting.
- For people who are serious about quitting drinking, it’s reassuring to know that AA groups are literally everywhere.
- Speaker’s meetings feature a person chosen to talk about their experience, strength, and hope in regard to their recovery.
- Each tradition is designed to protect the integrity of the program and ensure that the focus remains on recovery rather than external influences.
Online Therapy Can Help
However, once you walk in, be aware that you will be among friends, peers, and a network of support. There are a lot of misconceptions about the 12 steps, and if you go into your first AA meeting with your mind already made up, you will likely not get much out of it. First, you’re not required to speak if you don’t feel comfortable. Just try listening to others and finding the similarities and connecting to their words. Perhaps you haven’t lost your job due to your addiction. You may have also watched addiction affect your loved ones.
How Long Are AA Meetings?
- In addition to reinforcing principles, the readings serve as a tool for education.
- Feeling a little nervous about going to your first AA meeting is normal!
- By reading them aloud, members reinforce their commitment to unity, anonymity, and the non-professional nature of the fellowship.
- This moment of stillness allows individuals to internalize the meeting’s message and prepare to carry its lessons into their daily lives.
- Members speak from the heart, offering pieces of their journey to encourage others.
These traditions outline the spiritual and organizational principles that guide AA groups worldwide. By reading them aloud, members reinforce their commitment to unity, anonymity, and the non-professional nature of the fellowship. Each tradition is designed to protect the integrity of the program and ensure that the focus remains on recovery rather than external influences. This practice helps newcomers understand the structure of AA and encourages long-time members to recommit to its values.
There’s no assigned seating, and nobody expects you to do or say anything until you’re ready. A typical AA meeting might take place in a quiet church basement, a spare room in a central office, or a shared space in local office buildings after business hours. The setup is modest—folding chairs in a circle, a coffee pot nearby, and a stack of AA pamphlets or the Big Book Alcoholics Anonymous on a table. There’s a sense of calm, a readiness for something meaningful to begin. Progress is another key aspect of Sharing Time, as members celebrate milestones and achievements, no matter how small. From days or weeks of sobriety to years of continuous recovery, these successes are met with applause and encouragement.
What Are the Different Types of AA Meetings?
The meeting begins with the chairperson reading the AA Preamble, then leading a group prayer, the Serenity Prayer (short version). Each person who attends AA is unique, but they share a common goal of wanting to address their problem with drinking. Some may want to mentor others, while others want to observe and participate less. Members of AA support one another by sharing their experiences, listening to one another, and providing tips for what has helped them on their recovery journey.
The prayer helps set a reflective what to expect at an aa meeting and communal tone for the rest of the meeting. Meetings can be “open,” allowing anyone to attend, or “closed,” limited to those with a desire to stop drinking. The only requirement to attend an AA meeting is that you have the desire to stop drinking. (AA is) a bunch of drunks talking to a bunch of drunks… People who understand you and you who understand them.
If you live near a large city, you can potentially have a dozen or more meetings you can attend. Each one is independently run, too, so you can find a group that works for you. For people who are serious about quitting drinking, it’s reassuring to know that AA groups are literally everywhere.
Continue to read more about the symptoms of ketamine addiction, effects, and treatment. AA meeting lists should also note if a particular meeting space is ADA-compliant or not. If maintaining sobriety is your goal, know that AA welcomes you with open arms, just as you are. The decision of how much or how little to participate remains entirely yours throughout the process.
Unbreakable Recovery: The Truth About Alcohol Rehab Centers!
Following the recitation of the prayer, the meeting facilitator or chairperson will proceed with announcements. This is a brief period where practical information is shared with the group. Announcements may include details about upcoming meetings, special events, service opportunities, or changes to meeting schedules. It is also a time for members to share personal milestones, such as sobriety anniversaries, or to request support for challenges they are facing. The tone remains respectful and focused, ensuring that the meeting’s purpose is upheld while addressing logistical or communal needs.
