The referred person is responsible for returning the proof of attendance. Sometimes a referral source asks for proof of attendance at A.A. The nature and extent of any group’s involvement in this process is entirely up to the individual group.
Luckily, there are rules in place that what to expect at an aa meeting discourage participants from offering advice or sharing their opinions about someone else’s life. Some make the argument that even positive comments could lead to a slippery slope of neutral and negative statements over time. So, it’s best to eliminate crosstalk to create a safe and organized environment for everyone, so people aren’t talking out of turn. Keep in mind, that you don’t need to have your whole story planned out either. You can just talk freely and say whatever is on your mind.
The Role of AA Literature and the Big Book
You might choose to volunteer at a local shelter or donate time to helping seniors. You may even end up sponsoring someone else one day. The key is to serve others and find your purpose in life now that alcohol is not in it. A meeting starts with a bunch of traditional readings, and a chairperson will ask for volunteers to do these readings. While members may be happy about seeing new faces in a meeting, they won’t go out of their way to make you the center of attention. With similar experiences as yours, they know better than to overstep and presume boundaries.
Your group members will be supportive, compassionate and proud of your accomplishments. People who put their number in this book do so because they really do want to help. It isn’t required of anyone to do so but it keeps with the tradition of AA that when alcoholic calls for help, the helping hand of AA will be there. Midway through the meeting, there is usually a period for local AA announcements, and a treasurer passes the hat to defray costs of the meeting hall, literature, and incidental expenses. The meeting adjourns, often followed by informal visiting over coffee or other light refreshments.
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By knowing what others have been through, you’ll get a more rounded idea of what AA meetings are like. The program emphasizes a higher power as each individual understands it, but there is no specific religious doctrine. The Central office, intergroup, or answering service numbers throughout the world are available on the AA World Services website. In larger cities, “where and when” booklets that list AA meetings throughout the week often exist. It isn’t required of anyone to do so but it keeps with the tradition of AA that when alcoholic calls for help, the helping hand of AA will be there.
Common Meeting Formats
- There’s no assigned seating, and nobody expects you to do or say anything until you’re ready.
- If you aren’t sure if you are an alcoholic, find an “open” meeting to attend in your area.
- Each meeting is different but may focus on sharing personal experiences, discussing different steps of AA, or listening to scheduled speakers.
- This is done in a simple, respectful manner, with no pressure to share more than one feels comfortable with.
When you walk in you will likely see some people standing around getting coffee or sitting at chairs. There is no need for you to do anything at this point besides for find a chair and sit! There is often somebody leading the group who will open with a few standard readings. You never have to speak, you never have to do the 12 steps, you never have to identify as an alcoholic, you don’t even have to believe in God. You could go there and sit down and just listen, never saying a single word for your entire life if you wanted to. Some people are under the impression that they’re required to share their experiences during meetings.
Alcoholics Anonymous meetings provide a judgment-free space for people struggling with alcohol addiction. Its members support each other in maintaining sobriety. If you’re attending your first AA meeting, it’s completely okay to stay quiet.
A central practice of AA is sharing experience, strength and hope. Members speak from the heart, offering pieces of their journey to encourage others. Walking into your first AA meeting can feel overwhelming, but understanding what happens at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings can ease the fear. If you have a desire to stop drinking, you’re not alone—many members once felt the same way. Here’s what you can expect when you take that courageous first step. After the announcements, the meeting pauses for a moment of reflection.
Recovered On Purpose provides free tools to help you shape and share your recovery story in a way that inspires others and honors your journey. The twelve steps are practical spiritual actions that help people recover, while the twelve traditions preserve unity within AA groups. Together, they form the structural and philosophical backbone of the fellowship.
Connect With Adam And Recovered On Purpose With A Message Below
This emotional connection can strengthen attendees’ commitment to sobriety and encourage them to actively participate in their own recovery. The focus is on honesty and authenticity, as members are encouraged to speak from the heart without fear of criticism or ridicule. This openness helps build camaraderie and reinforces the shared goal of sobriety. When you do feel ready, you’ll find that even a simple introduction helps begin your connection to the group. Whether it’s during open meetings, closed meetings, or speaker meetings, sharing becomes more comfortable over time.
- Every share adds to the collective strength in the room.
- By knowing what others have been through, you’ll get a more rounded idea of what AA meetings are like.
- But there is no obligation to share if that would make you uncomfortable.
- AA meetings are held in all kinds of places—churches, community centers, even libraries.
- Some groups, with the consent of the prospective member, have an A.A.
Just as in the movies, everyone responds with, “Hello (first name)!” After they complete their “story” everyone in the room thanks them. Inside the room, there are people sitting here and there; some talking together, some sitting alone. You take a seat by the door (just in case you want to make a quick exit) and as people passed by, some say hello, some nod, some stop and introduce themselves, and some keep to themselves. We cannot predict who will recover, nor have we the authority to decide how recovery should be sought by any other alcoholic. Various platforms are used depending on what the group members prefer.
Feel free to call us to speak with one of our counselors. We can inform you about this condition by giving you relevant information. Please know that each call is private and confidential. It’s not difficult to find an AA meeting regardless of where you live. Start by searching online for “AA meetings near me.” Depending on your settings, the search engine will return localized results.
If you’d rather bring a loved one along who is not in recovery, find an open meeting. These meetings are open to those in recovery and anyone who supports them. If you have never attended an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting before, the idea of walking into a room full of strangers and sharing your story can be intimidating. Feeling anxious or overwhelmed before your first AA meeting is normal. Whether someone arrives from addiction treatment centers or on their own, the goal is to stop drinking and begin truly living. Through sharing with other members, many find clarity and hope relating to stories just like theirs.
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There is no pressure to speak; individuals share only when they feel ready, and even then, they can choose to pass or simply listen. This voluntary nature ensures that everyone feels comfortable and in control of their participation. Finally, speaker meetings offer valuable insights into the principles and practices of AA. The speaker may reflect on lessons learned, such as the importance of honesty, patience, and perseverance. They might also share how they continue to apply the 12 Steps in their daily life, even years into sobriety. This practical advice can guide attendees in their own recovery efforts, providing a roadmap for personal growth and sustained sobriety.
BetterHelp can connect you to an addiction and mental health counselor. The core of the meeting involves members sharing perspectives and experiences related to an identified topic. Hollywood is instrumental in the misconceptions people have about AA meetings. It often depicts these gatherings in a way that highlights newcomers, which can be anxiety-inducing for some. Alcoholics Anonymous is a well-established program that’s been around for a long time.
