Your first A.A. meeting
Walking into your first AA meeting can feel like a lot, but it's simpler than you think. You don't have to introduce yourself. You don't have to share. You don't have to be sure you're an alcoholic. You just have to show up. That's the whole truth about your first AA meeting.
This page walks through what to expect at your first AA meeting in District 10. For more, Alcoholics Anonymous shares what newcomers can expect at any meeting.
What actually happens
- You walk in. Someone may say hello; no one will press you to introduce yourself.
- Coffee and water are usually available. Sit anywhere.
- The meeting opens with a few short readings (about 5 minutes).
- People share their experience for 1-3 minutes each. You can pass.
- The meeting closes with the Serenity Prayer. You're free to leave whenever.
- Most meetings last 60 minutes. Some halls are open for fellowship after.
What you don't have to do
You don't pay anything (the basket is for members supporting the group's rent and coffee - newcomers don't contribute). You don't sign anything. You don't say your name. You don't disclose your last name, employer, or home town. You don't have to identify as an alcoholic. You can come every day or never come back.
Anonymity
Glossary - words you might hear
- Open meeting
- Anyone is welcome - alcoholics, family, students, the curious.
- Closed meeting
- Only people with a desire to stop drinking. Newcomers count.
- Big Book
- The book Alcoholics Anonymous. The first 164 pages plus personal stories.
- 12 Steps
- The recovery program A.A. proposes. You can hear about them without working them.
- Sponsor
- Another A.A. member who agrees to walk you through the steps - at your pace.
- Home group
- The meeting you decide to "belong to." It can change. You don't need one to attend.
- Discussion
- Members share on a topic. You can listen, share briefly, or pass.
- Big Book / Step / Tradition study
- Meetings that read a passage and discuss it. Same format, different reading.