Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are voluntary meetings for people who identify as alcoholics (closed meetings) or people that are interested in alcoholism (open meetings). These meetings usually follow a similar format and last for 60 minutes. Group consists of a core of voluntary members and different meetings take on different flavors. However, each group is committed to the anonymity of A.A. These meetings are usually conducted with maximum informality, and all members are encouraged to participate in the discussions. AA meetings are incredibly effective in helping people reduce the consumption of alcohol and achieve complete abstinence.

All meetings are either open or closed

These meetings allow participants to share freely about their experiences, ask questions, and offer advice to one another. This interactive format encourages peer support and creates a sense of community. Speaker meetings feature one or more Sober living house people sharing their personal recovery stories. Listening to others’ experiences can be motivating and inspiring, especially when you hear how others overcame challenges similar to your own. Finding the right type of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting is essential to your recovery journey. AA offers a variety of meetings to suit different needs, allowing you to choose what feels most comfortable and supportive.

Contacting AA

• Many find it a valuable resource in their journey to sobriety, while others may seek alternative approaches or a combination of methods to address their alcohol abuse and addiction.
• Literature, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (Big Book), Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, As Bill Sees It, Daily Reflections, and from AA Grapevine.
• The meeting may or may not then be opened for others to share.
• Also useful for those in contact with such people.
• Assembly has integrations with HCM/HRIS systems like ADP, Google, Office 365, and Slack.
• The effectiveness of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in achieving sobriety has been a subject of study and discussion over the years.

Beginners’ meetings may also follow a discussion format, or focus on Steps One, Two, and Three. The most important thing is to keep coming back. If your first meeting doesn’t suit you, try another. 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. Ultimately, AA’s effectiveness is subjective https://ecosoberhouse.com/ and varies from person to person.

GSIG Online Bookstore

All treatment calls are accepted by drug and alcohol centers advertising with the Call Affiliate LLC network. Sobriety is about dealing with life without having to use a substance like alcohol to help you cope. Explore AA’s history, principles, and self-support model with rare audio of co-founder Bill W and insights from members and staff. Take a tour of the General Service Office in New York City and meet the people who support A.A. Get an inside look at how work at GSO helps advance the mission of carrying the message of A.A. Explore Public Information, Bill W’s insights, and the global reach of AA, including the 2025 International Convention.

AA meetings are typically free to attend and are held in various locations, such as community centers, churches, or dedicated meeting spaces. To find specific types of AA meetings in your area, it is recommended to consult local AA resources, directories, or reach out to the local AA Intergroup or Central Office. At speaker meetings, one or two people share their story in greater detail, for a longer period of time.

These meetings offer inspiration, hope, and five types of alcoholics a connection with someone who has successfully overcome alcoholism. They work well for newcomers seeking motivation and guidance. Learning more about what to expect in an AA meeting can help you feel more at ease and get more out of the experience.

• Like AA, NA uses a 12-step framework to guide individuals through the process of recovery.
• Open meetings provide a broader perspective on the AA community and its impact.
• At speaker meetings, one or two people share their story in greater detail, for a longer period of time.
• For individuals specifically struggling with methamphetamine addiction, Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA) provides specialized support.
• There are also various other types of discussion meetings.

Speaker Meetings

They are an excellent option for newcomers seeking motivation and long-term members looking for continued inspiration. 6 For example, historically, formal addiction treatment has focused solely on the needs of straight men, which made it harder for women and adolescents to get the targeted treatment they needed. Some communities hold AA meetings focused on the individual needs of specific demographics. Part of why many individuals find AA useful is the community of individuals who have shared or similar experiences to theirs. You may find it more difficult to process certain aspects of your addiction in general meetings. This is a foundational principle of all types of AA meetings.