AA is an international fellowship of individuals who meet to share experiences and support each other in achieving and maintaining sobriety. It is a non-professional, self-supporting organization whose sole purpose is to help people recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a sincere desire to stop drinking. Attendance by someone outside the fellowship depends entirely on the specific type of meeting being held.
The Difference Between Open and Closed Meetings
The question of who can attend an AA meeting is answered by the distinction between open and closed meetings, the two primary formats used by the fellowship. Closed meetings are reserved strictly for those who self-identify as having a drinking problem and want to stop drinking; they are for AA members and prospective members only. This restricted setting provides a protected environment where members can comfortably share personal experiences and sensitive details about their recovery with others who share the same challenge.
Conversely, open meetings are available to anyone interested in learning about the AA program. Non-alcoholics, including family members, friends, students, or members of the media, are welcome to attend these sessions as observers. These meetings often feature a speaker who shares their personal story, detailing their life while drinking, how they found AA, and how the program has helped them maintain sobriety.
The specific type of meeting, whether open or closed, is clearly stated on the local AA meeting schedule or directory. Closed meetings allow for intimate discussion focused entirely on recovery, while open meetings are designed to educate the public and demonstrate the nature of the fellowship. In both formats, the chairperson may request that all participants confine their discussion to matters related to recovery.
The Importance of Anonymity and Confidentiality
A fundamental principle of AA is the preservation of anonymity, which serves as the spiritual foundation for its traditions. Anonymity protects members from being publicly identified as alcoholics, which is an important safeguard for newcomers. Within the meeting room, members typically use only their first names to maintain privacy.
This practice stresses the equality of members, reminding them to place the principles of the program above individual personalities. The fellowship relies heavily on confidentiality, ensuring that what is shared within the meeting room remains there. Confidentiality creates a safe space, encouraging members to share their most personal struggles and experiences without fear that their stories will be circulated outside the group.
Non-alcoholics attending open meetings are expected to respect the anonymity of every member. This means not disclosing the names or identities of AA members to anyone outside the meeting. The protection of the group and the individual rests on this shared understanding of discretion and trust.
Finding and Preparing for Your First Meeting
Prospective attendees can easily locate local meetings using the “Find a Meeting” feature on the official AA website or by checking local AA intergroup websites. Many local offices also provide hotlines or apps that list meeting times, locations, and whether the meeting is open or closed. It is helpful to attend several different meetings, as each group has its own unique atmosphere and format.
There are no fees or dues required to attend any AA meeting, as the fellowship is self-supporting through the voluntary contributions of its members. During the meeting, a basket is typically passed to cover group expenses, such as rent and coffee, but contributions are not mandatory, and no one is turned away for not contributing. AA members are encouraged to contribute what they can, but non-members are asked not to contribute financially to maintain the organization’s self-supporting tradition.
When preparing for a first meeting, arriving a few minutes early is helpful for settling in and observing the environment. Newcomers are welcome to simply listen and observe, and there is no obligation to share or speak. If asked to introduce themselves, a simple first name is sufficient, and they can politely decline to speak further by stating they are just there to listen.