Understanding AA Meeting Formats: A Guide to Finding the Right Support

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has helped millions of people worldwide achieve and maintain sobriety. If you're considering attending AA, it's helpful to understand the different meeting formats available. This guide explains the main types of AA meetings—open, closed, speaker, discussion, and step study—to help you find the right fit for your recovery journey.

Key Meeting Types

• Open vs. Closed Meetings: Open meetings welcome anyone curious about AA, while closed meetings are for those who identify as alcoholics.
• Speaker Meetings: Focus on personal stories of addiction and recovery shared by a main speaker.
• Discussion and Step Study Meetings: Discussion meetings involve group talks on recovery topics, while step study meetings concentrate on AA's 12 steps.

Open vs. Closed AA Meetings

When looking for AA meetings nearby, you'll notice "open" and "closed" labels. Knowing the difference can help you choose the right environment.

Open Meetings

Open meetings invite anyone interested in AA, including:

• People dealing with alcohol addiction
• Friends and family of those in recovery
• Students or professionals learning about AA

These meetings offer a welcoming introduction to AA's community and principles, making them great for newcomers or supporters.

Closed Meetings

Closed meetings are only for individuals who identify as alcoholics. They provide a private, confidential space to share personal challenges and successes without outside observers. This setting can feel safer for those wanting to speak openly about their experiences.

Speaker Meetings

Speaker meetings center on a main speaker who tells their story of addiction and recovery. A typical meeting includes:

• An introduction by the chairperson
• The speaker's detailed personal journey
• Time for questions or shared reflections from attendees

These meetings inspire hope and show how AA can lead to lasting sobriety, benefiting both new and long-term members.

Discussion Meetings

Discussion meetings encourage group conversation on recovery-related topics. The format usually involves:

• A topic introduced by the chair or group
• Open sharing of experiences and insights
• A closing summary of key takeaways

These sessions build community and let participants learn from each other's perspectives.

Step Study Meetings

Step study meetings dive deep into AA's 12 steps, offering a structured path to recovery. They typically include:

• Reading and discussing AA literature on specific steps
• Sharing personal challenges and progress
• Group support for applying the steps in daily life

This format is ideal for those seeking a methodical approach to understanding and working the steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What's the difference between open and closed meetings? Open meetings allow anyone to attend; closed meetings are only for those who identify as alcoholics.
• What happens at a speaker meeting? A speaker shares their recovery story to motivate and inspire the group.
• How do discussion meetings work? The group talks about a chosen topic, sharing experiences and advice.
• What are step study meetings? They focus on studying and applying AA's 12 steps in a supportive group setting.
• How can I find AA meetings near me? Check the official AA website, local community centers, hospitals, or online directories for listings.

Knowing the various AA meeting types can guide you to the support that best suits your needs. Whether you're drawn to the inspiration of speaker meetings, the interaction of discussion groups, or the structure of step studies, taking that first step to find a meeting is what matters most.