top of page

Finding Your First AA Meeting

Writer's picture: Matt HanleyMatt Hanley

Updated: Feb 11, 2023


In a short answer, what is AA? AA stands for Alcoholics Anonymous, a self-help organization for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction.


How do I find a meeting? You can find AA meetings near you by visiting the Alcoholics Anonymous official website (aa.org) and using the "Meeting Search" feature. You can search by zip code, city, or state to find the nearest meeting locations and times. Is there an official mobile app?

Yes, there is an official Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) mobile app called "AA Grapevine." The app is available for both iOS and Android devices and provides users with access to AA literature, daily meditations, and a meeting search tool to find AA meetings near their location.

Is there a meeting finder app for aa?

Yes, there are several AA meeting finder apps available for both iOS and Android devices. Some popular options include:

  • AA Meetings (iOS and Android)

  • AA Big Book and 12 Steps (iOS)

  • Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Meeting Finder (Android)

These apps allow users to search for AA meetings near their location and provide details such as address, time, and map directions. How do I know if I should attend an AA meeting? You may consider attending an AA meeting if you are struggling with alcohol addiction and seeking support in your recovery journey. AA is a community of individuals who share their experiences, strength, and hope to help each other overcome their addiction and maintain sobriety.

If you are unsure whether AA is right for you, it may be helpful to talk to a healthcare professional or a substance abuse counselor who can help you determine if AA is a good fit for your needs and provide guidance on next steps. Do I have to be religious to go to an AA meeting? No, you do not have to be religious to attend an AA meeting. AA is a spiritual program that encourages individuals to develop a personal understanding of spirituality, but it is not associated with any particular religion or denomination. Members of AA come from diverse religious backgrounds and beliefs, and the program is designed to accommodate individuals of all beliefs and spiritual practices. The focus of AA is on recovery from addiction and building a support network for sobriety, rather than on religious doctrine.

Is AA a cult?

No, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is not considered a cult. AA is a self-help organization that provides support to individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. The program is based on the principles of honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness to change, and is designed to help individuals develop a support network for their sobriety journey. AA is not associated with any particular religious or political ideology, and members are free to hold their own beliefs and practices. While some may view AA's approach as controversial or unconventional, it is widely recognized as a legitimate and effective form of support for individuals seeking recovery from addiction.

What if I see someone that I know at my first AA meeting?

If you see someone you know at your first AA meeting, it's important to remember that AA is a safe and confidential space for individuals to share their experiences, strength, and hope in their recovery from addiction. Members are encouraged to respect each other's anonymity and not to discuss what is said in meetings outside of the group. If you're feeling nervous about seeing someone you know, you can take comfort in the fact that AA is a supportive community where everyone is there to help each other. If you feel comfortable, you can talk to the person and let them know that you appreciate their support and understanding. However, if you prefer to keep your attendance private, you are free to do so and can take steps to maintain your anonymity.

Should I attend a physical meeting or a virtual meeting for my first AA meeting?

The choice between attending a physical AA meeting or a virtual AA meeting is a personal one and depends on your individual needs and preferences. Both physical and virtual AA meetings provide a supportive environment for individuals seeking recovery from addiction. Physical AA meetings offer the opportunity to connect with others in person and build relationships within the recovery community. They also provide a sense of community and connection that can be helpful in your recovery journey. However, if you are unable to attend a physical meeting due to distance, scheduling conflicts, or health concerns, virtual AA meetings can be a convenient alternative. Virtual AA meetings allow you to attend meetings from the comfort of your own home and can be more accessible for individuals with mobility or transportation challenges. They also offer the opportunity to connect with individuals from a wider geographic area and can be a great way to maintain your sobriety if you are unable to attend physical meetings regularly. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and circumstances, and it may be helpful to try both types of meetings to see which one is a better fit for you. What are the requirements to join AA? The only requirement to join Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a desire to stop drinking. AA is open to anyone who is struggling with alcohol addiction, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, or background. There are no membership fees or dues, and no qualifications or criteria to join.

To become a member of AA, you can simply attend an AA meeting and express your desire to stop drinking and participate in the program. Members of AA share their experiences, strength, and hope with each other to help each other maintain sobriety and overcome their addiction. AA is a self-help organization that operates on the principle of mutual support and is designed to provide a safe and confidential environment for individuals to discuss their addiction and recovery journey.

What different types of AA meetings are there? There are several types of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings, each offering a different format and structure to meet the needs of individuals seeking recovery from addiction. Some of the most common types of AA meetings include:


  1. Open Meetings: Open meetings are open to anyone interested in learning about AA and its program of recovery, including friends and family members of individuals in recovery.

  2. Closed Meetings: Closed meetings are only for individuals who have a desire to stop drinking. These meetings provide a confidential and supportive environment for members to share their experiences, strength, and hope with each other.

  3. Discussion Meetings: Discussion meetings are a forum for individuals to share their experiences and discuss their recovery journey. These meetings provide an opportunity for members to learn from each other and build a sense of community.

  4. Speaker Meetings: Speaker meetings feature a guest speaker who shares their personal story of addiction and recovery. These meetings provide inspiration and motivation for members and offer a different perspective on the recovery journey.

  5. Step Meetings: Step meetings focus on the 12 Steps of AA, a program of action for recovery from addiction. These meetings provide an opportunity for members to work through the steps and discuss their progress in their recovery journey.

  6. Big Book Study Meetings: Big Book Study Meetings focus on the study and discussion of the "Big Book," the main text of AA. These meetings provide an in-depth exploration of the program's principles and offer a deeper understanding of the recovery journey.

  7. Virtual Meetings: Virtual meetings are online meetings held through video conferencing platforms. These meetings provide an opportunity for individuals to attend AA meetings from the comfort of their own home and can be more accessible for individuals with mobility or transportation challenges.

It is important to note that different AA groups may have their own specific format and type of meetings, so it may be helpful to try different meetings to find one that best fits your needs and preferences. Will there be coffee and snacks available at the meeting? At most Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings, coffee and light refreshments are usually provided. The provision of coffee and snacks is typically organized by members of the local AA community, and is intended to provide a welcoming and hospitable environment for individuals seeking recovery from addiction.

It is important to note that while coffee and snacks may be provided at some AA meetings, the focus of AA is on recovery from addiction and support from others who are also seeking recovery. The provision of coffee and snacks is secondary to the main purpose of the meeting, which is to provide a supportive and confidential environment for individuals to discuss their addiction and recovery journey.

Are there any costs associated with attending AA meetings? Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a self-supporting, non-profit organization, and there are no membership fees or dues required to attend AA meetings. However, some AA groups may pass a voluntary collection basket during meetings to cover expenses such as rent, coffee, and other supplies. These contributions are completely voluntary and there is no obligation to contribute.

In general, AA operates on the principle of mutual support, and individuals who have benefited from the program are encouraged to contribute what they can to help cover the costs of running AA meetings and supporting the organization. However, no one is turned away from AA for their inability to contribute financially. The focus of AA is on providing support for individuals seeking recovery from addiction, and the organization operates on the belief that all individuals, regardless of their financial situation, should have access to support and resources to help them overcome their addiction.

Does AA expect the newcomer to contribute to the collection basket?

At Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings, the collection of voluntary contributions, also known as a "passing the basket," is a common practice. However, there is no expectation or pressure for newcomers or anyone else to contribute. The decision to contribute is completely voluntary, and the focus of AA is on providing support for individuals seeking recovery from addiction, rather than on collecting money. If you do choose to contribute, the money is used to cover the costs of running AA meetings and supporting the organization, such as rent, coffee, and other supplies. However, AA operates on the principle of mutual support, and the organization's primary goal is to help individuals overcome their addiction, rather than to raise funds. It is important to note that AA is a self-supporting, non-profit organization, and no one is turned away from AA for their inability to contribute financially. The focus of AA is on providing a supportive and confidential environment for individuals to discuss their addiction and recovery journey, regardless of their financial situation.

What is a "home group" within AA? In Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), a "home group" refers to a specific AA meeting that an individual regularly attends and considers their primary AA meeting. A home group is a place where an individual can develop close relationships with other AA members and form a sense of community and support.

The concept of a home group is based on the idea that regular attendance at AA meetings is essential for recovery, and having a specific meeting that an individual considers their own can provide a sense of stability and structure. By regularly attending the same meeting, individuals can build relationships with others in the group, participate in service activities, and experience a sense of belonging within the AA community. The idea of a home group is not mandatory in AA, and some individuals may choose to attend different AA meetings at different times or regularly attend multiple meetings. The important thing is that individuals attend AA meetings that are helpful and supportive for their recovery.

How should I pick my AA home group?

The choice of an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) home group is a personal one and can depend on a variety of factors, including convenience, meeting schedule, location, and individual preferences. When choosing an AA home group, it is important to consider the following:

  1. Location: Consider a meeting that is convenient to your home or work.

  2. Schedule: Look for a meeting that fits into your schedule and that you can attend regularly.

  3. Group Size: Consider the size of the group and the level of interaction you prefer.

  4. Meeting Format: Some AA meetings have a speaker format, others have a discussion format, and others are led by a member. Choose a format that feels comfortable and supportive for you.

  5. Group Dynamics: Observe the group dynamics and the level of interaction among members. Look for a group that is supportive and welcoming to newcomers.

Ultimately, the goal is to find an AA home group where you feel comfortable and can establish relationships with other AA members for mutual support and encouragement. It is also important to keep in mind that recovery is a personal journey, and it may take time to find the right AA home group. Don't be afraid to try out different meetings until you find the right one for you. How often should I attend AA meetings when first getting involved in the program? The frequency of attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings is a personal decision and can vary depending on the individual's needs and circumstances. However, many AA members recommend attending multiple AA meetings per week, especially when first getting involved in the program.

The goal of AA is to provide support for individuals seeking recovery from addiction, and regular attendance at AA meetings can provide a structure and stability that is essential for recovery. The more AA meetings an individual attends, the more opportunities they have to learn from others in recovery, form relationships with other AA members, and develop a sense of community and support. It is important to keep in mind that recovery is a personal journey and the right frequency of AA meetings will vary for each individual. Some individuals may find that attending multiple AA meetings per week is helpful, while others may only need to attend one or two meetings per week. The key is to attend AA meetings that are supportive and helpful for your recovery. Ultimately, the frequency of attendance at AA meetings is a decision that should be made in consultation with a physician, therapist, or other healthcare professional, who can provide guidance and support in the early stages of recovery.

Can I bring a friend or relative to my first AA meeting? Yes, you can bring a friend or relative to your first Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting. Many individuals find comfort in having a familiar face with them for their first AA meeting, and having a friend or relative present can provide additional support during what can be a difficult and emotional experience.

However, it is important to keep in mind that AA meetings are a safe and confidential space for individuals to discuss their experiences with addiction, and bringing someone who is not in recovery themselves can be distracting or disruptive to the meeting. Additionally, it is important to respect the privacy and confidentiality of other AA members and the information they share during meetings. If you do bring a friend or relative to your first AA meeting, it is recommended that you discuss the purpose and guidelines of AA meetings ahead of time to ensure that they understand the importance of confidentiality and respect for the process. Overall, the goal is to create a safe and supportive environment for individuals seeking recovery from addiction, and bringing someone to your first AA meeting can be a personal decision that is based on individual needs and circumstances. Are there any age requirements in order to attend an AA meeting? No, there are no age requirements for attending Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings. AA is open to anyone who is seeking help for a drinking problem, regardless of age.

AA meetings provide a supportive environment for individuals to share their experiences, strengths, and hope with others who are recovering from addiction. The program is based on the principle of mutual support, and the goal is to help individuals achieve and maintain sobriety. Individuals of all ages, including teenagers and elderly individuals, can benefit from AA meetings and the support they provide. However, it is important to keep in mind that AA meetings are designed for individuals who are seeking help for a drinking problem, and may not be appropriate for individuals who are seeking help for other types of addiction or behavioral health issues. Ultimately, the decision to attend AA meetings should be made in consultation with a physician, therapist, or other healthcare professional, who can provide guidance and support in the early stages of recovery.

11 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

コメント

5つ星のうち0と評価されています。
まだ評価がありません

評価を追加
bottom of page