When you have decided to journey toward recovery from alcohol use, it is likely you have heard about Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings. Since its founding in Ohio in 1935, it has boasted of a strong presence in 180 countries with nearly 123,000 meetings worldwide. It will be good for you to know the different types of AA meeting formats available – so that you can choose one that fits right in with your recovery needs and goals.
Open AA Meetings vs Closed AA Meetings
Open and closed AA meetings are among the most common meetings you will find.
- Open AA Meetings
An open AA meeting is open to every member of the community – alcoholic, non-alcoholic, family, and loved ones.
Typically, an open meeting will have a leader and speakers. The leader opens the meeting and introduces speakers. Speakers explain what AA is, or their interpretation of what it is, and their recovery journey. This can be an inspiration to the listeners as well. - Closed AA Meetings
A closed meeting, meanwhile, is a smaller meeting that consists of limited members. It is only for those who are actively seeking to recover from alcohol use.
Closed meetings are more intimate, but they are informal, too. All members are encouraged to participate, which can be beneficial to both newcomers and old-timers. It offers an opportunity to both learn and motivate/inspire.
Speaker AA Meetings
Speaker AA meetings are usually large gatherings, where one or more speakers are chosen to speak beforehand. As the leader introduces speakers, the speaker speaks about what they were before AA and how they are doing now.
Speaker meetings are both inspiring and entertaining – while they can be motivating, they will also have storytelling, humor, and more. They are also proactive, in that they can tell you the practical steps you can take in your own journey as well.
Discussion AA Meetings
Discussion AA meetings are led by a chair, who is chosen from the group. The chair chooses the topic for the meeting, which may be from the Big Book (foundational text), or 12 Steps, or anything else. These topics will then lead to deep conversations.
These conversations can offer understanding, insight, and motivation.
Big Book AA Meetings
The foundational text of AA is called “Alcoholics Anonymous.” However, this has come to be known as The Big Book.
In Big Book AA meetings, groups discuss the book – the problems and solutions. Members take turns to read from the book – they may read a paragraph or more – each time, a few pages are read. Afterward, members share their thoughts, interpretations, and experiences.
12-Step AA Meetings
AA is based on the core principles of the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions. Some meetings are focused solely on navigating these Steps together as a community.
In a nutshell, these 12 Steps involve declaring powerlessness over alcohol use, seeking help, looking inward, making amends, personal growth, and service. When you take one day at a time with these 12 Steps, it can help you in your recovery journey.
Other AA Meetings
- Specialized AA Meetings
Specialized AA meetings offer more targeted learning and support. They are meant for men, women, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, and more. They are tailored to your identity and specific struggles that can be too sensitive to discuss outside of these safe settings. - Special Interest AA Meetings
Special interest AA meetings are meetings for celebrities, lawyers, doctors, and other professionals where members want to maintain professional anonymity. - Agnostic and Atheist AA Meetings
A central aspect of AA meetings is spirituality, which can be difficult for agnostics and atheists to relate to. So, these meetings are conducted without referring to a deity.
Where Do AA Meetings Take Place?
AA meetings happen both in-person and online. During and after COVID-19, online AA presence has increased, with the majority of members opting to mix both in-person and online presence in a month.
In-person meetings are conducted in rehab centers, church buildings, office buildings, and community centers, mainly. Online meetings are conducted via Zoom links.
To find an AA meeting for you, you can refer to your primary healthcare provider, therapist, rehab center, or even family and friends. You can also visit the AA website to find a meeting near you/of your choice. You can also use Google to search for “AA meetings near me.”
What to Expect During an AA Meeting?
If you are new to AA, it will be beneficial for you to know what to expect during an AA meeting so that you can be prepared for it.
Typically, members either sit in a circle or in rows. The leader/chair will welcome both new and old members, followed by a moment of silence and the Serenity Prayer. Newcomers may be asked to introduce themselves, but this is not mandatory.
Once the introductions are done, depending on the format of the meeting you choose to attend, the meeting will be led/conducted accordingly.
When the meeting ends, members socialize with one another with smiles, hugs, and chat. Many members will introduce themselves to you, and this is a good opportunity for you to meet, learn, and even find a sponsor who will offer one-on-one support.
How to Find the Right AA Meeting For You?
When you are finding the right AA meeting for you – it typically depends on what is near you and the format you find comfortable or appealing. But despite this, it is not really the case that you find the right meeting for you right away.
You may have to switch between meetings to find one that fits in with your personality, needs, and goals. The idea is to keep showing up until you find the one.
Typically, the good AA meetings will be where:
- You feel welcomed.
- You do not feel pressured to do anything you do not feel comfortable with.
- You feel safe to share your struggles without the fear of judgment.
- Others feel safe to share their struggles, without judgment or interruption.
- There is good attendance and a mix of both newcomers and old-timers.
In a nutshell, when you find the right meeting, you will know it in your heart – it will feel like coming home.
Are You Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you think AA fits right in with your recovery needs and goals, then reach out to Sober Living West today.
It can be challenging to find the right meeting for you at the beginning, so we sit down with you to listen to your story and needs to connect you with the right AA meeting for you.
Please do not hesitate to call us today at (310) 218-5158 – we are here for you.