What to Expect at a Meeting

If you've never been to an A.A. meeting, walking through the door for the first time can feel like a big step. Here's what it's actually like.

The purpose of every A.A. meeting is the same: members share their experience, strength and hope with each other so that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. That's it. No one will lecture you, diagnose you, or sign you up for anything.

Open and closed meetings

Open meetings are available to anyone interested in A.A.'s program of recovery, including family, friends, and observers. Closed meetings are for A.A. members, or for anyone who has a drinking problem and a desire to stop drinking.

The Bethlehem meeting is a closed meeting. If you think you may have a problem with alcohol, that's all it takes — you belong.

What happens during the meeting

Meetings usually open with the A.A. Preamble and a few remarks from the chair. There may be a reading from A.A. literature, like the Big Book or Daily Reflections, followed by discussion on a topic, with members sharing from their own experience. The meeting lasts an hour and typically closes with a moment of silence or a short prayer.

Newcomers may be invited to introduce themselves, but it's entirely optional. You never have to speak. You can simply sit and listen — many people do exactly that at their first meetings. First names only is the custom, and what's shared in the room stays in the room.

Afterwards

People usually linger and chat after the meeting. You're welcome to stick around, or to slip out — both are completely normal. There are no dues or fees, no attendance is taken, and nobody will contact you unless you ask them to.

Still not sure if the meeting is for you? Reach out and we'll talk it through. And see Getting Here for directions.

Adapted from “Information About Meetings” at aa.org.