Attending your first Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting can feel daunting. You may wonder what the expectations are, how the meetings are structured, or if you’ll be asked to share personal details. These questions are completely normal, and the good news is that AA offers a supportive, judgment-free space where you can engage at your own pace. In this blog, we’ll address some of the most frequently asked questions about AA meetings to help you feel more confident and informed as you take this important step in your recovery journey.
What Is AA?
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is an international fellowship of men and women who have struggled with alcohol addiction. The primary goal of AA is to help members achieve and maintain sobriety through peer support and a structured recovery program known as the Twelve Steps. AA meetings are a core part of the program, providing a space where people can share their experiences, challenges, and successes.
When Did AA Start?
AA began in 1935, co-founded by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith in Akron, Ohio. The program was established to offer mutual support for those struggling with alcoholism. The foundational text of AA, known as the AA Big Book, was first published in 1939 and continues to guide the organization today.
Who Owns AA?
AA does not have an “owner.” It operates as a decentralized, non-profit organization run by its members. The principles of AA are designed to ensure that no one person or group controls the organization, maintaining an emphasis on community and shared responsibility.
Do I Have to Talk at an AA Meeting?
The short answer is no. Sharing at an AA meeting is completely voluntary. Many newcomers are nervous about speaking, and that’s perfectly okay. You can choose to listen and observe until you feel comfortable sharing. The supportive and non-judgmental atmosphere of AA means that your presence alone is welcomed and valued.
Over time, as you become more familiar with the group and its dynamics, you may feel more inclined to share. But there is no pressure, and many people find comfort in knowing they can participate at their own pace.
What Are AA Meetings Like?
AA meetings provide a space for people in recovery to come together, share experiences, and support one another. They can vary in format but generally fall into a few common categories:
- Open Meetings: These are open to anyone, including non-members who may want to learn more about AA.
- Closed Meetings: These are reserved for people who identify as having a problem with alcohol. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, you can ask someone beforehand or simply attend an open meeting.
- Speaker Meetings: A member shares their personal story of recovery, often describing what life was like before, during, and after addiction.
- Discussion Meetings: Attendees discuss a topic related to recovery or the Twelve Steps.
- Step Meetings: These focus on one of the Twelve Steps of AA, providing insight and discussion on the step’s meaning and application.
How Long Are AA Meetings?
AA meetings typically last about one hour. Some meetings may be shorter or longer, but most follow a consistent schedule to make it easy for members to attend regularly.
Is AA Free?
Yes, AA is free to attend. There are no dues or fees for membership. Most meetings do collect a voluntary contribution to cover basic costs such as room rental or coffee supplies, but this is completely optional. The guiding principle of AA is that its services should be freely available to anyone who needs help with alcohol addiction.
Is AA a Cult?
This is a common misconception. AA is not a cult. It is a fellowship of people who come together to support one another in achieving sobriety. There is no requirement to believe in a particular doctrine, and members are free to interpret the program in a way that makes sense to them. AA’s Twelve Traditions ensure that the group remains autonomous, self-supporting, and free from outside influence.
What Are the Twelve Steps of AA?
The Twelve Steps are a set of guiding principles for recovery. They outline a process of self-examination, accountability, and spiritual growth (though the “spiritual” aspect can be interpreted broadly). Here are the Twelve Steps in brief:
- We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
- Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
- Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
What Is a Sponsor in AA?
A sponsor is an experienced AA member who helps guide you through the Twelve Steps and provides personal support. Sponsors are usually people who have been sober for a significant period and can share their experience, strength, and hope. Having a sponsor can make the recovery process less overwhelming, as they provide one-on-one guidance and accountability.
Many people find a sponsor by attending meetings regularly and getting to know other members. It’s recommended to choose someone with whom you feel comfortable and who has a solid understanding of the Twelve Steps.
How to Find AA Meetings
Finding an AA meeting is easy. The official AA website (www.aa.org) provides an AA meeting schedule for locations around the world. Many local AA groups also have websites or hotlines that can help you find meetings in your area. You can choose meetings based on time, format, or location to suit your needs.
Does AA Work?
AA has helped millions of people achieve and maintain sobriety since its inception. While success rates vary, studies have shown that regular attendance and active participation in AA significantly increase the likelihood of long-term recovery. The peer support, accountability, and structure provided by the Twelve Steps can be incredibly effective for those committed to the program.
Tips for Attending Your First AA Meeting
- Arrive Early: This gives you time to settle in and ask any questions you might have.
- Stay Open-Minded: Everyone’s recovery journey is different; be open to hearing diverse perspectives.
- Take a Friend: If you’re nervous, bringing a supportive friend can help.
- Listen and Learn: There’s no pressure to speak; you can learn a lot just by listening.
- Keep Coming Back: Recovery is a process, and consistency is key.
In conclusion, attending an AA meeting for the first time can be a big step, but it’s one that can lead to a healthier, sober life. Whether you choose to speak or simply listen, know that you are welcomed into a community of people who understand your struggles and are ready to support you. AA meetings are free, voluntary, and designed to be as inclusive and accessible as possible. By understanding what to expect, you can walk through the door with confidence and hope.
About Cumberland Heights
Cumberland Heights was founded in 1966 with a firm, focused mission: to transform lives, giving hope and healing to those affected by alcohol or drug addiction.
We’re a nonprofit organization, a resource of leading clinical expertise, and the first Tennessee addiction treatment center to achieve certification from the American Society of Addiction Medicine. We’re also a community. At Cumberland Heights, staff, alumni, and advocates walk with each patient through every step on the journey to recovery, helping them rewrite their story – a story of hope, healing, and happiness.
We exist to serve those who are seeking addiction treatment in Middle Tennessee, and we have a Cumberland Heights program near you! Our main campus is located in Nashville, Tennessee, but we have treatment centers across the state of Tennessee in Jackson, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Murfreesboro, Franklin, Clarksville, Crossville, Cookeville, and more.
We’re here to help. If you or a loved one would like to learn more about Cumberland Heights, click here or call 615-314-3856.
