Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings are gatherings where individuals who have a desire to stop drinking or maintain sobriety come together to support each other in their recovery journey. AA follows a 12-step program that helps members work through their addiction and achieve lasting sobriety. Here's what typically happens at an AA meeting:
Welcome and Introduction: The meeting usually begins with a welcome message, and sometimes a designated member may read a preamble that explains the purpose of AA and the principles of the program.
Sharing: A significant portion of the meeting involves members sharing their experiences, struggles, and successes related to alcoholism and recovery. Sharing is voluntary, and members can pass if they don't wish to speak.
Speaker Meeting (optional): Some AA meetings have a designated speaker who shares their personal story of addiction and recovery. These speakers often provide inspiration and hope to others.
Discussion: The meeting may include a discussion of AA literature, such as the "Big Book" (Alcoholics Anonymous) or the "12 Steps and 12 Traditions." Members may discuss specific steps or concepts from the literature to gain insights and perspectives on their recovery journey.
12 Steps: The 12 Steps form the core of the AA program. Members work through these steps with the guidance of a sponsor (an experienced member who acts as a mentor). The steps involve self-reflection, making amends, and seeking spiritual growth.
12 Traditions: AA also has 12 Traditions that guide the functioning of the organization. These principles emphasize unity, anonymity, and the common welfare of the group.
Support and Fellowship: AA meetings provide an atmosphere of understanding and fellowship. Members are encouraged to support each other, offer encouragement, and provide a safe space to discuss challenges.
Anonymity: Anonymity is a crucial aspect of AA. Members are encouraged to respect each other's privacy and not disclose anything shared in the meeting to outside parties.
Closing: The meeting typically ends with a closing statement or a brief moment of reflection, such as the Serenity Prayer.
AA meetings come in various formats, such as open meetings (where non-alcoholics can attend as observers) and closed meetings (only for individuals with a desire to stop drinking). Some meetings may have a specific theme, focus on newcomers, or cater to certain demographics, such as gender-specific or LGBTQ+ meetings.
AA meetings are free, and the organization relies on voluntary contributions from its members to cover expenses. The meetings offer a supportive and non-judgmental environment where individuals can find understanding and guidance on their path to recovery from alcoholism.