Originally Posted by
LexieCat 
I think AA meetings are enlightening and helpful, but they are NOT a substitute for Al-Anon. I'm sure you would feel welcome at any open AA meeting--discussion or speaker's meetings are the best. Step meetings or Big Book studies are probably much more helpful for alcoholics--the focus of the Steps is much different.
It's not appropriate for anyone who isn't an alcoholic to share at an AA meeting. If you are called on, or they are going around the room, just say "I'll pass" or "I'm here to listen." It's fine to talk to people before or after the meeting, though.
My sponsor is a double-winner and he encouraged me to attend some open AA meetings in addition to my usual Alanon meetings, the only suggestion is that I do not speak about drinking related topics. So I speak about the emotional and spiritual malady aspects. I find the AA 12-and-12 tremendously helpful, it made a lot my behavior clear that went into my Alanon 4th and 5th step work. I always identify as a "grateful member of alanon".
OTOH the AA meetings I attend are only open ones so there is perhaps a greater openness there for what might otherwise be considered outside issues. Some in the 12-and-12 AA meeting do hospital & institution meetings, I go with them as an Alanon. Lots of the folks in detox or jail have a lot of experience with loved ones in various addictions and have never heard of Alanon, the needs & pain are so deep and complex that anyone carrying some kind of message helps. Its a very profound experience, I would suggest it to anyone who wants some extra traction in their recovery.