Questions about AA meetings
 

I am researching the AA meetings in my town to try to find one that would fit me. I was wondering if someone could help me out by explaining what the difference between open discussion and closed discussion is. Can anyone just show up to both? I found one meeting that I was interested in because it said that it was for beginners but it also says closed discussion. Also, I know a lot of people here are new like me and have never been to an AA meeting. A lot of the fear I have is because I have no idea what to expect. I am not totally ready to share with anyone, I don't think. Could someone please just walk me, and anyone else that has these same questions, through what an AA meeting is like. In particular, what it is like for a new person. Thank you!!

Hi,

I'm not an AA person, but I believe open meetings are meetings that anyone can attend. Whereas, closed meetings are for alcoholics only. So, closed discussion would be a discussion meeting for alcoholics only.

Others will be along who can give you more info on what a meeting is like.

Hi!

I go to AA..

Open meetings are open to anybody, not just people who are admitted alcoholics. Closed meetings are for folks who are admitted alcoholics.

Discussion meetings generally pick a topic and folks share their experience, strength, and hope on that.

You don't have to share EVER if you don't want to. You can introduce yourself, or not. There are really no rules.

I think that a newcomer meeting would be perfect for you! I have a suggestion if you want to get the most out of the meeting: Introduce yourself when they ask if anybody is there for the first time. LISTEN. Get some phone numbers. Have an open mind. Try to see yourself in folks' stories.

Give it a shot!

Karen

thanks karen. i hope to build up the courage to attend a meeting for newcomers that i found in my town next week.

Samantha,

It took me quite awhile to build up the courage to go to meetings, but I gotta tell ya, it's the very best thing that I've ever done. I've learned alot. Made friends. Stayed sober.

I'd take ya with me to one if I was closer!

Nomomerlotmama nailed it for you, Samantha. If you get to the meeting, that's huge. I wasn't able to introduce myself to anyone when I first went to a meeting by myself. (The first meeting I went to I was bombed so shyness wasn't a problem). I sat in the back and listened. I actually kept going to that meeting, sitting in the back, listening, and gradually I was a part of it. People recognized me, knew me, said hello. I didn't speak at the meeting for almost a year, but learned quite a bit. Now they can't shut me up...

Do you have to go to a beginner's meeting for the first one? I feel like I need to go tomorrow, but the meeting with a beginner's tag on it doesn't fit my schedule. Thanks!

Well...
A closed meeting is for alcoholics only
while other meetings are for anyone interested
in learning about addiction + alcoholics..

Good to know you are moving forward
AA=Awesome Adventurs
:laughing:

Please read here for more information

http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...-about-aa.html

You can go to any meeting you want. Just pick one that you can make and go tomorrow and listen.