Member, the program offers a path to healing, connection, and purpose. Whether you choose in-person or virtual meetings, AA provides community, accountability, and hope for long-term recovery. Founded in 1935 in Akron, Ohio, AA has grown to include over 120,000 groups worldwide.
Can I attend an A.A. meeting with a family member?
If you’re a newcomer to the AA program you may feel like you are in outer space. You’re probably scared, maybe nervous and don’t know what to expect. Like any social situation, there are rules and traditions which people practice to keep things running smoothly. If you’re looking for meetings online or have a physical meeting list, you may not understand what each type of meeting is and what it represents.
This is also to show that recovery is attainable. If you are a newcomer, I recommend getting your first coin/keychain. You can expect lots of applause, people welcoming you, telling you to « keep coming back, » shaking your hand or hugging you. This will help you feel welcome and at home in the meetings. It is also meant to help you realize that you have made great progress just by attending a meeting. Somewhere in the meeting room will be a table of free pamphlets and books for purchase.
Sharing “Experience, Strength, and Hope”
Closed meetings are reserved for individuals who identify as having a desire to stop drinking, in keeping with AA’s traditions. It may take attending a few meetings before you are familiarized with the program and begin to feel comfortable in the setting. Also, since each meeting is slightly different, you may wish to visit several A.A. Gatherings before deciding on which is the best fit for you. Approaching recovery with a “one day at a time” mindset allows the individual to feel they have some control over their destiny. The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey.
What are closed or open meetings?
Its members support each other in maintaining sobriety. The chair usually opens the meeting with the A.A. Some call for a moment of silence and/or recite the Serenity Prayer. The chair will often ask if there are any people new to A.A.
Open vs Closed AA Meetings
Several YouTube videos are quoted throughout the article, discussing people’s experiences. 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. In some meetings, people are randomly called on, the thinking is, that it prevents the same people from constantly sharing, overriding the more shy, quieter people.
What is the 13th Step in AA?
If you’re wondering what happens at an AA meeting, you can rest assured that AA meetings are structured. It’s not a free for all, where everyone just shouts out what they want to say. Meetings are usually held in an average size what to expect at an a a. meeting alcoholics anonymous room with chairs and tables. Sometimes the chairs will be arranged in a circle, so everyone is able to face each other. Location can play a larger role than you might think. As you browse options with the help of location-based tools like the Meeting Guide, consider choosing a meeting close to home, work, school, or somewhere you already feel safe.
- Every member of AA has a network of family, friends, neighbors, and pets, other drivers on the road, employers, and many others who are affected by their drinking in a negative way.
- Remember that everyone in AA and NA had to walk intotheir first meeting at some point so you are not alone in feeling scared.
- Once seated, you’ll notice that the meeting follows a specific format where the “chair” of the meeting starts by greeting the group and then reciting something from A.A.
- Research suggests that attending meetings can lead to positive outcomes for many AA participants.
- After the meeting is over, be sure to stay for a few minutes and introduce yourself to others.
Tips for Your First AA Meeting
- Meetings, which may include family members or friends, closed meetings focus solely on fostering solidarity among alcoholics.
- Or maybe you’re concerned about whether you’ll need to get up and share your story at a meeting.
- Gatherings before deciding on which is the best fit for you.
- Background for many topic meetings derives from A.A.
That said, terms like “higher power,” “character defects,” and “prayer” can be triggers for some, and many meetings have gone out of their way to modernize the language. Let’s face it, the Big Book (Alcoholics Anonymous) written by AA founder Bill W. Back in 1939 used terms that didn’t age all that well.
Meetings are open to anyone committed to overcoming addiction, with different meeting formats catering to diverse needs. Going to your first Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting can be challenging. You likely don’t know what to expect or you have false images about AA meetings from the media, pop culture, and other alcoholics. Some people are ordered by a court to go to meetings and may feel resentful about being forced to attend.
The chairperson asks if any newcomers or first-timers are attending the meeting who would like to introduce themselves by their first name. You may or may not be one of them as this is an option and not mandatory. 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.
