Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a peer-led, anonymous fellowship for anyone who is interested in or wants to recover from alcohol use. AA follows a 12-Step model of recovery, which becomes pivotal to your recovery and strengthens the feelings of belonging and community. Given its robust presence in over 180 countries worldwide, it is likely that wherever you are, there is an AA meeting near you. In this guide, we will break it down so that you or a loved one can find the right AA meeting that meets your recovery needs and goals.
What Is Alcoholics Anonymous?
Alcoholics Anonymous, more popularly known as AA, is a free of cost, peer-led alcohol use recovery program. The basic premise of AA is that you can achieve and maintain sobriety in fellowship with those who understand and share in your journey toward recovery.
AA follows the 12 Steps, which believe in declaring powerlessness over alcohol use, seeking help, introspection, making amends, personal growth, and service. They have been a powerful force in many members finding sobriety around the world – over 2 million success stories, as we speak.
AA is neither a substitute nor a replacement for clinical care. It can co-exist and complement your rehab and other kinds of recovery options, such as outpatient care and sober living.
Types of AA Meetings: What to Expect?
There are several types of AA meetings – typically, you do not find your right one right away. You may have to switch between meetings to find one that matches your needs and goals. Nevertheless, here are the different kinds of AA meetings:
- AA Open and Closed Meetings
Open AA meetings are open to everyone – whether you want to learn about recovery, or even to family and loved ones of those struggling with alcohol use.
Meanwhile, closed AA meetings have a more intimate focus in that they only allow those who have the desire to recover from alcohol use. - AA Beginner Meetings
AA beginner meetings are led by a member who has been sober for a while and introduces newcomers to the concept of AA – like the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions. You can attend these meetings for introductory purposes. - AA Speaker Meetings
AA speaker meetings chose one or more members to share their recovery stories and where they are in their journey now. These meetings serve as an inspiration for those looking to recover. - AA Discussion Meetings
AA discussion meetings are led by a chair who opens and chooses a topic or discussion – this can be from The Big Book (the foundational text of AA), 12 Steps, 12 Traditions, and more.
AA discussion meetings lead to deep and focused conversations that provide insight and understanding. - AA Big Book, Step, or Tradition Meetings
Some AA meetings focus on Big Book readings, while others focus on navigating the 12 Steps/Traditions together, as a community. - AA Specialized Meetings
If you are looking for tailored AA meetings for your identity, then you will find that there are women, LGBTQIA+, veteran, and other such specialized AA meetings.
Where to Find AA Meetings Near You?
You can visit the Alcoholics Anonymous website and online directories to search for “AA meetings near me.” You will find a list of meetings near you – depending on the type of meeting you want to go to, you can choose one from the list. You can also seek referrals from your primary healthcare provider, therapist, counselor, and family/friends.
Typically, AA meetings are conducted in rehab centers, church buildings, office buildings, and community centers. However, if you do not want to attend them in person, then you can attend online as well. You will find Zoom links for online meetings.
What Happens At AA meetings?
When you enter the meeting, you will see members sitting either in a circle of chairs or small rows – similar to how AA is depicted in movies or TV shows.
The leader will welcome new and old members. Then, the meeting begins with a moment of silence followed by the Serenity Prayer.
The leader will ask if there are new members who want to introduce themselves. If you wish to, you can; otherwise, it is not mandatory.
Once the introductions are done, a member will read a few passages from The Big Book and the 12 Steps, or whatever the format of the meeting is that you choose to attend.
When the meeting ends, you will find members socializing with one another – a smile, a hug, and a chat. Many will come up to introduce themselves to you, and you can return the gesture. This provides a good opportunity to meet and learn from others.
What Makes An AA Meeting “Right” For You?
Finding the right AA meeting for you is not just about finding one that is near you or a certain format – it is about finding your comfort and community.
AA meetings do not have any specific rankings to put one over the other. Typically, you will find that the most effective meetings are ones where you feel safe, seen, and supported.
It is not quite the case that you will find the right meeting for you right away. You might have to shift between meetings, formats to find one that fits in with your needs and goals.
You might initially identify with a certain format or one that is close to you and choose that specific one to attend. This is okay. But even if you feel off, it is okay, too. Do not feel discouraged. Try another meeting. Keep showing up – you will find yourself right at home soon.
AA meetings believe that there is strength in vulnerability. Sharing your journey, struggles can be extremely challenging. You need to be in meetings where members respect you, avoid judging you, and honor your anonymity.
In the end, you will know in your heart when you have found the right meeting for you.
What Do You Need to Look For In an AA Meeting?
There are more than 123,000 AA groups all over the world – however, not every group is right for you. Basically, these are some things you need to look for when you attend an AA meeting:
- Is the meeting welcoming?
- Is the meeting well attended?
- Is there a good mix of newcomers and old-timers?
- Is there any pressure on you to do something you do not wish to?
- When you speak, do you feel you are being listened to without judgment?
- When others speak, are they being heard without interruption and judgment?
You will feel right at home when you find the right AA meeting for you. If you do not, it is okay. Keep looking, keep showing up.
What If AA Is Not Right For You?
There are many times that people do not find that AA is right for them in their recovery – it can be the spirituality aspect or the 12 Steps, or anything else. It is okay, there are non-12-Step meetings out there as well.
Meetings such as SMART Recovery, LifeRing Secular Recovery, Refuge Recovery, Women for Sobriety, and Moderation Management are alternatives to the 12-Step meetings.
If AA is not working out for you, then these are the other options you can look into. They focus on motivation, personal responsibility, and a sense of community toward recovery.
Are You Ready to Take This Step Toward Recovery?
If you are here, it is likely that you are searching for the right AA meetings for you. This is already a brave step, but with the many options and formats, it can feel confusing.
Please contact Sober Living West at (310) 218-5158 today; we will listen to your story and connect you with the right AA meeting that fits right in with your recovery needs and goals.