What to Expect at an A.A. Meeting
What Happens at Meetings
The chair usually opens the meeting with the A.A. Preamble and a few remarks. Some call for a moment of silence and/or recite the Serenity Prayer. The chair will often ask if there are any people new to A.A. attending the meeting who would like to introduce themselves. It isn’t mandatory to identify yourself, but it might be helpful if you are attending your first meeting. Many meetings begin with a reading from the Big Book — frequently a portion of Chapter 5 (“How It Works”) or Chapter 3 (“More About Alcoholism”). A statement about anonymity in A.A. as a valuable privacy principle for new and longtime members might be read. Many meetings close with members joining in a moment of silence followed by a prayer, or perhaps by reciting the Responsibility Statement or other A.A. text.
After the Meeting
People gather and talk, and there is a social air in the room once the meeting is over. Some may introduce themselves to you and offer their help or share their experiences getting sober. While many members find this time after the meeting valuable, it is up to you if you want to stay and socialize.
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For more information about what to expect at an A.A. meeting, visit Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. at: https://www.aa.org/information-about-meetings.
For Newcomers
This Is A.A. - An introduction to the A.A. recovery program
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An introduction to A.A.: describes who A.A.s are and what they have learned about alcoholism. For all who think they may have a drinking problem.
Frequently Asked Questions About A.A.
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Answers many of the common questions people have about alcoholism and A.A.: What is alcoholism? What are the Twelve Steps? How can I tell if I am really an alcoholic? Informative reading for those seeking help with a drinking problem, as well as for their families and friends.
Questions and Answers on Sponsorship
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Uses shared A.A. experience to answer 34 questions likely to be asked by persons seeking sponsors, persons wanting to be sponsors, and groups planning sponsorship activity.
The "God" Word: Agnostic and Atheist Members in A.A.
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Ten agnostic/atheist members share their experience of finding meaningful recovery in A.A., showing there is room in the Fellowship for believers and non-believers alike.
