How Long Do AA Meetings Last?

Most Alcoholics Anonymous meetings last one hour, but some — especially speaker meetings — may run for an hour and a half.

If you've had one too many nights ending on a friend's couch, still in your shoes and regretting that last drink, you might be considering a change. You've heard about AA — maybe your uncle has been attending for years and swears by it — and you're thinking of giving it a try. Naturally, you have questions. Who will be there? Do I have to introduce myself as an alcoholic? And, perhaps most pressing: How long do AA meetings last? Let's clear that up right away.

What Is an AA Meeting?

AA meetings are the foundation of the AA program. While you might picture a crowded room, that's not always the case. The very first AA meeting had just two people: founder Bill Wilson (Bill W.) and his friend Dr. Bob. According to AA principles, that's all it takes — at least two individuals sharing their "experience, strength, and hope" to help each other stay sober. It's a supportive, symbiotic process.

Meetings come in different formats:

• Speaker meetings: One person shares their recovery story.
• Discussion meetings: Members take turns sharing their thoughts and experiences.
• Book-focused meetings: These center on AA texts like the "Big Book" or "Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions" as discussion prompts.

Despite these differences, all meetings share a common goal: providing a space for sharing stories of recovery in a structured, supportive environment.

How Long Are AA Meetings?

Meeting lengths can vary, but most follow a predictable pattern.

Typical Meetings Last One Hour

The majority of AA meetings are scheduled for one hour. Why one hour?

• The "Goldilocks" zone: It's long enough to be meaningful without becoming overwhelming. Shorter meetings might not allow everyone to share, while longer ones can feel intimidating.
• Accessibility: An hour is easier to fit into a busy schedule between work, errands, and family time.

It's also common for an informal "meeting after the meeting" to take place, where members can chat, exchange contact information, or grab a coffee. This extra time reinforces the mutual support that AA is built on.

Some Meetings Might Be Longer

Not all meetings stick to the one-hour rule. Speaker meetings, for example, often run for 90 minutes to allow time for the speaker's story and group discussion. Special sessions, like workshops focusing on AA literature, might also be longer, especially if they involve group activities or "homework." These are typically for smaller, established groups looking to deepen their recovery work.

Additionally, members often take on service roles — setting up, cleaning up, handling contributions, or providing refreshments — which can extend the time spent at the meeting location.

What Happens During an AA Meeting?

Here's a general outline of what to expect in a typical hour-long meeting:

• Greetings and introductions: The meeting opens with a welcome and a summary of AA's purpose. Members often introduce themselves by name, sometimes adding "I'm an alcoholic," though no one is forced to use that label.
• Readings: Selections from AA literature, such as the "Big Book" or "Twelve Steps," may be read aloud.
• Sharing: In speaker meetings, one person shares for about 20 minutes. In discussion meetings, members take turns sharing in a "round-robin" style.
• Celebrating sobriety: Milestones are recognized with chips — from the white "24-hour" chip for newcomers to colored chips for longer periods of sobriety.
• Burning desire: The last few minutes are reserved for anyone feeling an urgent urge to drink, offering a chance to talk it out and receive immediate support.
• Closing: The group recites the Serenity Prayer together, often while standing in a circle.

What If AA Isn't Right for You?

If you've tried AA and it doesn't feel like a fit, that's perfectly okay. Many effective alternatives are available.

AA Meeting Alternatives

Today, there are numerous ways to change your relationship with alcohol:

• Therapy: Science-backed approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) help uncover and reshape subconscious beliefs about alcohol, making it easier to drink less naturally. CBT is the foundation of Quitemate's approach to cutting back or quitting.
• Mindfulness-based approaches: Practices like meditation increase awareness of thoughts and urges, giving you greater control. Research shows mindfulness can rewire the brain to improve focus, stress management, and decision-making.
• Other support groups: Groups like SMART Recovery use a meeting format but are based on scientific methods rather than spirituality.
• Technology: Apps like Quitemate offer science-backed tools, daily insights, urge-management techniques, and support from coaches and a community of users — all accessible from your phone.

Remember, the most important step is deciding to make a change. Congratulations on taking that step! With so many options available, you can find the path that works best for you.