Types of AA Meetings and What to Expect
What to expect at a meeting:
There are no requirements, dues, or fees. You just show up. At the meeting, they will start out by reading the preamble. The preamble is read at most meetings because it tells what A.A. is and what it is not. Often there are more readings. They may ask if there are any newcomers. If they do, you just need to raise your hand and say “Hey, I’m XXX” and they will welcome you. They may ask you if this is your first meeting but then they will get on with the meeting. After the meeting, they may offer you phone numbers and encourage you to call someone if you feel like drinking. You can always call our number (831-475-5782) 24/7 to speak with someone. We can also get you in touch with someone who can talk to you beforehand and maybe meet you there if you like.
All meetings are either open or closed
Open meetings (O) are open to the general public and are a good option if you want to bring a family member or friend for moral support although only alcoholics may share. In keeping with our singleness of purpose and our Third Tradition which states that “The only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking,” we ask that all who participate confine their discussion to their problems with alcohol.
Closed meetings (C) are limited to AA members and those who think they have a drinking problem. If you think you have a problem with alcohol, you are welcome to attend this meeting. We ask that when discussing our problems, we confine ourselves to those as they relate to alcoholism.
No matter what type of meeting you attend, you will likely be approached by some members who want to help you. Don’t be shy to ask for phone numbers, most of us are glad to give them. That way, if you feel triggered, you can pick up a phone rather than a drink. If no one approaches you, see the chairperson at the end of meeting and mention you are new.
The most important thing is to keep coming back. If your first meeting doesn’t suit you, try another. Keep getting phone numbers. Use them. Soon you will discover a group where you feel comfortable and be surrounded by people who freely offer you support on your journey of recovery.
The most common kinds of A.A. meetings and their abbreviations are:
Discussion (D). Whether closed or open, an A.A. member serving as “leader” or “chair” opens the meeting, using that group’s format and selects a topic for discussion.
Background for many topic meetings derives from A.A. literature, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (Big Book), Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, As Bill Sees It, Daily Reflections, and from the A.A. Grapevine.
Speaker (S). One or more members selected beforehand “share,” as described in the Big Book, telling what they were like, what happened and what they are like now.
Depending upon the group conscience for general guidelines, some groups prefer that members who speak have a minimum period of continuous sobriety. Speaker meetings often are “open” meetings.
Newcomers (N). Usually led by a group member who has been sober awhile, these are often question-and- answer sessions to help newcomers. Beginners’ meetings may also follow a discussion format, or focus on Steps One, Two, and Three.
Step (S), Tradition(T), Literature (Lit) or Big Book (BB). Because the Twelve Steps are the foundation of personal recovery in A.A., many groups devote one or more meetings a week to the study of each Step; some discuss two or three Steps at a time. These same formats may be applied to group meetings on the Big Book or the Twelve Traditions. Many groups make it a practice to read aloud from the Big Book or Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions at the beginning of the meeting.
Grapevine (GV)- These are meetings where A.A. topics from the A.A. Grapevine may be discussed.
Men’s (M), Women’s (W), Lesbian/Gay/Bi/Trans/Queer (LGBTQ): These meetings are gender-based.