So, you’ve been asked to attend some AA meetings. Or you want to attend some AA meetings. You are probably wondering what to expect. Unless you’ve been to AA before, then perhaps you may think you know what to expect. But, luckily, every AA meeting is a little different. That means you can lay aside your expectations and just enjoy the experience.

How to find an AA Meeting. The oldest way is to look in the phone book, under Alcoholism. No matter where you are in the world, you’ll find a listing for Alcoholics Anonymous. On the Internet search “AA meetings in (your city).” On your smart phone, search for applications under the topics “AA Meetings” or “12 Step Recovery.”

Open or Closed? If you believe you’re alcoholic, try a “closed” meeting, as they are for alcoholics only. If you’re unsure about your status, try an “open” meeting. The most important thing is to GO! It’s really recommended you try about eight meetings before you make a decision about whether or not AA is for you.

Do I have to talk? No. Every AA group is different, however, they all essentially operate the same. You may or might not be asked to share or talk. It’s definitely ok to pass. You don’t have to announce yourself as an alcoholic or share anything unless you want to. It’s helpful to arrive at the meeting a little early, that way you can get a seat and not draw too much attention to yourself as a newcomer. The folks that are early to meetings are usually pretty sturdy AA members; they come early to set up and welcome people just like you. The people you meet will help you adjust to how the meeting works and what to expect. Just tell them you’re new to AA, and that this is your first meeting.

What to bring. The most important thing to bring along is an open mind. It helps to bring a little willingness too. Listening is the best gift you can bring almost anywhere. If you listen in on an AA meeting, often you will be able to identify with or relate to folks who are talking. Of course you can bring a friend in case you’re nervous or scared, but unless your friend is an alcoholic, it’s best to go to an open meeting. Bring a dollar bill (or two) for the donation basket. It’s customary in AA to pay the rent by passing a collection basket. This usually happens about half way through the meeting.

Try to remember that everyone in the room had been new to AA just like you. They all had to find their way to their first AA meeting, they all had to ask questions and feel a little uncomfortable.

Do I have to stay for the whole meeting? No. But if you can, try and stay for the entire meeting. If you can’t, if you’re just too uncomfortable or perhaps too emotional, it’s definitely ok to leave. Be polite, try and wait for a pause in people’s sharing before you exit. Try to remember that everyone in the meeting is really there to carry a message of hope to you and are wanting to offer their support to someone new to AA just like you.

EShepard from Tuscon, AZ, has more than 10 years working as a therapist with families struggling with addiction.

Twelve Steps to  Alcohol Recovery

The twelve-step program developed by Alcoholics Anonymous is the most wide-spread and best-known of all approaches to alcohol recovery. With a global reach and meetings available to almost anyone, AA has been a source of strength and support for recovering alcoholics since 1935.

Membership in AA requires no dues or fees.  AA does not ally itself with any political cause or religious organization.  The only requirement is a sincere desire to stop drinking, and a commitment to help others gain and retain sobriety.  There are several types of meetings, which include speaker meetings, discussion meetings and step meetings.  In the first type, a speaker tells about the effect of alcohol on his or her life and how life has changed since coming to Alcoholics Anonymous.  In discussion meetings, a member speaks more briefly about his or her experience and then leads a discussion on some aspect of alcohol recovery.  Step meetings are focused on one of the twelve steps.  Speaker meetings are usually open to anyone, while step meetings are usually limited to AA members or prospective members.  Discussion meetings may be open or closed.

Find Alcohol Recovery Support Near You

You can find an AA meeting almost anywhere.  Even the smallest communities usually have one, and population centers of any size will have numerous options.  You can find AA listed in the phone book, or look up meeting schedules online.  For those who find it difficult to attend regular meetings, virtual meetings are held online.  Here, too, you can find specialized meetings for the deaf, for members of the military, for the GLBT community, for specific ethnicities and for specific professions.  You can also find online meetings conducted in a wide variety of languages.

Alcohol Recovery Is Possible for You

When alcohol addiction has a grip on your life, things can seem pretty hopeless. You may have lost relationships, jobs, or more importantly, your self-respect. Don’t give up! Alcohol recovery is possible. Many thousands of people before you have done it, and you can too.

The fact that you are looking here to find some help is a great beginning. SoberRecovery.com is an important resource that can help you find a program that will set you on the road to recovery. You may, however, be feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the choices, so here are some ideas to help you narrow down your choices.

Where to Find Alcohol Recovery Programs to Fit Your Needs

First, you need to decide which criteria are most important to you. If monetary considerations are primary, please review our information on financing, and check with individual programs to find out whether they offer any financial support. You may find that the alcohol recovery program you want is more affordable than you thought. And remember, there is nothing more important than investing in your recovery. The rest of your life depends on it.

If your family and friends will be involved in your recovery, location may be a key concern. You’ll want to be close enough so that they can attend counseling sessions without too much inconvenience. You should also consider whether you would like to be in a single-gender or mixed environment, and whether you want to follow a 12-step program or one of the many alternative approaches.

Of course you’ll want to put some thought into your decision, and that’s why we’ve provided you with such a wide range of choices. Don’t delay your decision too long, though. Act now, and get started on the rest of your life.