Walking into your first Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting can be a daunting experience. The fear of the unknown, combined with the weight of admitting you need help, can make the thought of attending a meeting overwhelming. However, understanding what to expect can help alleviate some of the anxieties and make the experience less intimidating. Let us guide you through the typical structure of an AA meeting, the kinds of discussions you might encounter, and the overall atmosphere, providing a roadmap for your first visit.
WHAT IS ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS?
Alcoholics Anonymous is a global fellowship of individuals who share their experiences, strength, and hope with each other to solve their common problem and help others recover from alcoholism. Founded in 1935, AA has grown to include millions of members worldwide. The core of AA’s philosophy is its Twelve Steps, a set of guiding principles outlining a course of action for recovery from addiction, compulsion, or other behavioral problems. AA’s primary purpose is simply to help alcoholics achieve sobriety.
WHO ARE AA MEMBERS?
AA members are people who have discovered and admitted that they cannot control alcohol. They have learned that they must continue without it to live normal, happy lives. Membership in AA is open to anyone who wants to do something about their drinking problem, and there are no age or education requirements to join.
AA members are not anti-alcohol and are not allied with any group, cause, or religious denomination. They welcome new members but do not recruit them. They also do not impose their experience with problem drinking upon others, but will share about it when they are asked to do so. AA members know their own sobriety depends on connecting with other alcoholics. Within AA membership can be found people of all ages and many different social, economic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. AA members are united by their common problem, alcoholism.
FINDING A MEETING
Before attending your first meeting, you’ll need to find one that suits your schedule and location. AA meetings are held in a variety of places such as community centers, churches, treatment centers, office buildings, and even online. The AA website and local directories can help you locate meetings nearby. Meetings are often categorized as open or closed: open meetings welcome anyone interested in AA’s program, while closed meetings are reserved for those who identify as alcoholics. Whether open or closed, AA group meetings are conducted by AA members who determine the format of their meetings.
THE STRUCTURE OF AN AA MEETING
Most AA meetings follow a similar structure, providing a consistent experience regardless of where you attend. Here’s a breakdown of what typically happens:
Greeting and Welcome
When you arrive, you will be greeted by members who will warmly welcome you. These members often serve as greeters or ushers. Don’t be surprised if people introduce themselves and offer a handshake or a smile.
The Opening
Meetings usually start with a few formalities. The chairperson or leader for the meeting will introduce themselves and begin with a reading from AA literature, often from the “Big Book” (Alcoholics Anonymous) or other AA-approved texts. The Serenity Prayer is commonly recited at the beginning of the meeting:
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”
Introductions
Newcomers are typically asked if they would like to introduce themselves. This is optional, and you are not required to speak if you are uncomfortable. A simple “Hi, I’m [Your Name], and I’m an alcoholic” is sufficient if you choose to introduce yourself.
Readings
There are several standard readings that might be shared at the beginning of a meeting, including:
- The Preamble: This explains what AA is and is not.
- How It Works: A reading from Chapter 5 of the Big Book that outlines the Twelve Steps.
- The Twelve Traditions: These are principles guiding the fellowship itself.
Sharing
The heart of an AA meeting is the sharing session. Members take turns sharing their experiences, struggles, and successes with the group. There are a few things to keep in mind during this time:
- Respect: Listen respectfully without interrupting.
- Confidentiality: What is shared in the meeting stays in the meeting.
- Voluntary Participation: You are not required to share. Feel free to just listen until you are comfortable.
Topic Discussion or Speaker
Meetings may focus on a specific topic or feature a guest speaker. In a topic discussion meeting, the chairperson might introduce a topic related to recovery, such as a particular Step, a concept like gratitude, or personal challenges like dealing with cravings. In a speaker meeting, one or more members will share their story in greater detail.
Fellowship
After the formal meeting, there is often time for informal socializing. This is a great opportunity to ask questions, seek advice, and build connections with other members.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING DISCUSSIONS
The discussions in an AA meeting are centered around personal experiences with alcoholism and recovery. Here are a few common themes you might encounter:
Experience, Strength, and Hope
Members share their journey of what it was like, what happened, and what it is like now. These stories can be powerful and moving, offering hope and inspiration to newcomers.
The Twelve Steps
The Twelve Steps are a central part of the AA program. Discussions often revolve around working the Steps, personal experiences with each Step, and how they’ve helped in recovery.
Challenges and Triumphs
Members talk about the challenges they face in their daily lives and how they overcome them. This could include dealing with cravings, rebuilding relationships, or finding new coping mechanisms. Triumphs, no matter how small, are also celebrated.
Practical Advice
You might hear practical advice on staying sober, such as avoiding triggers, finding new hobbies, or attending regular meetings. Members often share what has worked for them.
THE ATMOSPHERE OF AN AA MEETING
The atmosphere in an AA meeting is generally one of acceptance and support. Here are a few key ways of describing the environment of a typical AA meeting:
Non-Judgmental
AA meetings are a safe space where members are not judged for their past actions. Everyone is there because they have faced similar struggles, and this common ground fosters a sense of understanding and empathy.
Supportive
The primary purpose of AA is to support each other in achieving and maintaining sobriety. Members offer encouragement and support, both during meetings and outside of them. Many members form strong bonds and become an essential part of each other’s support network.
Anonymous
Anonymity is a core principle of AA. Members use only their first names and respect each other’s privacy. This creates a safe environment where people can share openly without fear of repercussions.
Inclusive
AA is open to anyone who wants to stop drinking. It doesn’t matter what your background is, what your story is, or how you got there. If you have a desire to stop drinking, you are welcome.
TIPS FOR YOUR FIRST AA MEETING
Go with an Open Mind
It’s normal to feel apprehensive before your first meeting, but try to go with an open mind. Remember that everyone in the room has been where you are now.
Arrive Early
Arriving a bit early can give you a chance to get settled and maybe even chat with a few members before the meeting starts. This can help ease some of your nerves.
Listen and Observe
For your first few meetings, you might want to just listen and observe. This is perfect fine and will give you a sense of how the meetings work and allow you to become more comfortable with the process.
Ask for Help
If you have questions or need support, don’t hesitate to ask. AA members are generally very willing to help newcomers and provide guidance.
Give it Time
Recovery is a journey, and it’s okay if you don’t feel completely at ease right away. Give yourself time to adjust and attend several meetings before deciding if AA is right for you.
YOUR FIRST AA MEETING
Attending your first AA meeting can be a significant step toward recovery. Understanding the structure, what to expect, and the supportive atmosphere can help reduce some of the anxiety you might feel. Remember, AA is a fellowship of people who have faced similar struggles and are there to support each other. By taking that first step and attending a meeting, you’re joining a community that can offer understanding, strength, and hope on your journey to sobriety.
Alcoholics Anonymous has helped millions of people worldwide find a path to recovery, and it can help you too. Take a deep breath, walk through that door, and give yourself the chance to experience the support and fellowship that AA offers.
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.
