We can all remember what it felt like on the first day of school or the first day at a new job. The uncertainty of a new experience can create anxiety, and the same feeling is common for people preparing to attend their first Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting.
Many people worry about what will happen, whether they will need to speak, or how the meeting is structured. The good news is that most people discover the environment is welcoming and supportive.
If you are thinking about going to AA for the first time, understanding what to expect at an AA meeting can help reduce uncertainty and make the experience more comfortable.
What is A.A.?
Alcoholics Anonymous, commonly called AA, is a peer support fellowship created in 1935 by Bill Wilson and Dr. Robert Smith. The organization focuses on helping individuals recover from alcohol addiction through a 12-step recovery framework built around accountability, honesty, and shared experience.
AA meetings are free and available in communities across the United States and around the world. Many people attend regularly as part of their long-term recovery support network.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, alcohol use disorder can range from mild to severe and often requires ongoing recovery support and behavioral changes.
The AA program encourages participants to approach recovery one day at a time. This mindset can help people focus on manageable progress rather than feeling overwhelmed by the long-term recovery process.
Many people participate in AA while also receiving care from professional alcoholism treatment facilities or outpatient counseling programs.
What Happens in an A.A. Meeting?
When entering a 12-step meeting you will likely be greeted warmly by whoever is gathered around the coffee station. Folks tend to congregate there and chitchat prior to the meeting. 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. literature. Other members will continue, one reciting the 12 steps of the program, and another reciting the 12 principles of recovery.
After this business is completed the meeting will open up to the members. People will introduce themselves, first name only, and identify themselves as an alcoholic before conveying their message. Some like to talk about a recent setback or challenge they faced, while others may want to share about a victory. At some meetings, one or two members might stand up and give their story and testimony about their recovery through the A.A. 12-step program.
What becomes very clear in A.A. meetings are the humble authenticity of the members. As members speak about their experiences or share their personal stories, it is truly beautiful to witness the raw, real, humanity on display. It becomes evident that substance use disorders touch all walks of life and do not discriminate.
During the meeting, members are advised not to engage in what is termed “cross talk,” meaning that interjecting opinions or advice is highly discouraged. People who decide to openly share something just want to be heard, not counseled. However, after the meeting there will be an opportunity to share your thoughts directly with the person if they are open to it.
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.
Expectations in AA Meetings
Understanding expectations in AA can help first-time attendees feel more comfortable.
AA meetings follow a few simple guidelines that help maintain a respectful and supportive environment. Members speak from their own experiences rather than offering advice or criticism.
Another guideline often mentioned is avoiding “cross talk.” This means members do not interrupt or respond directly to someone who is sharing during the meeting. The goal is to allow each person to speak openly without judgment.
New members often find that listening to others share their recovery journeys provides encouragement and reassurance that sobriety is possible.
Different Types of AA Meetings
If you attend several meetings, you may notice that the format varies depending on the group.
Common meeting styles include open meetings, closed meetings, speaker meetings, and discussion meetings.
Open meetings allow anyone to attend, including family members and people who want to learn more about recovery. Closed meetings are reserved for individuals who believe they have a problem with alcohol.
Speaker meetings focus on one member sharing their recovery story, while discussion meetings encourage group conversation around recovery topics or AA literature.
Trying a few different meetings can help you find a group where you feel comfortable and supported.
Accessing Local A.A. Meetings
Thankfully, A.A. meetings are plentiful, with lots of options each day in most areas. To locate a meeting near you, access the meeting locator page and click on your state. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it may be necessary for A.A. meetings to move to online platforms. To access online meeting times click here.
The 12-step program has withstood the test of time, remaining one of the essential recovery tools for people committed to overcoming substance use and rebuilding their lives. The A.A. “tool” is available free of charge, day or night across the globe, and is considered a source of strength, support, and encouragement for those who participate.
Ashley Addiction Treatment, formerly Father Martin’s Ashley, is a nationally recognized nonprofit leader in integrated, evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders and is accredited by The Joint Commission. We offer both inpatient and outpatient programs, holistic addiction treatment, drug detox, relapse prevention plans, family wellness programs and a variety of other services tailored to each patient’s needs.
For individuals attending their first AA meeting or searching for alcoholism treatment facilities, professional care can provide additional support during the recovery process.
To learn more about treatment options at Ashley Addiction Treatment, please reach out to our team or call 866-313-6307.
