If you recognize that you have a problem with alcohol and want help, you may benefit from Alcoholics Anonymous, a group that provides assistance with recovery. If you conduct a search of “AA meetings near me,” you may see a lot of options, depending on the size of your city. You can divide these meetings into two broad categories: open and closed. Before you decide on a meeting, you’ll want to know the difference between the two.
What Is an Open Meeting?
An open meeting allows anyone who is interested in the program to attend. The focus of these meetings is on helping people in recovery from alcoholism, but non-alcoholics may attend. They are observers only in the meetings and may include family and friends of an attendee or even the press.
Discussion revolves around topics pertaining to alcoholism and recovery. The leader of the meeting is one of the members. They determine the format of the meeting based on the needs of those who attend. Many open meetings follow the speaker format, where someone speaks about their experiences to help those just beginning recovery.
What Is a Closed Meeting?
A closed AA meeting is restricted to people who want to stop drinking or those in recovery from alcoholism. They are either members or are considering membership in AA. No one else is allowed to attend these meetings. Discussion is on topics relevant to the program.
The format may vary based on the choice of the meeting leader. It may include a round-table discussion, a special speaker, or a focus on one of the 12 steps of the program.
Which Meeting Is Best for Me?
Both open and closed meetings offer benefits for people in recovery from alcoholism. If you’re just starting on the path to recovery, you may feel more comfortable in a closed meeting.
Closed meetings provide autonomy for members. No one outside the group knows what is said. Everyone in the group has either gone through the same issues or they are currently working through them. Members often find it easier to share their stories in a closed meeting.
Open meetings allow anyone to visit. Members can consider this fact when they speak during the meeting. If you’re thinking about joining AA, an open meeting allows you to see what the program is like before you commit. It’s also valuable for family members of alcoholics to learn how to support their loved ones.
You may attend an open meeting to learn more about what others have experienced in their recovery. You can hear success stories that may inspire you to join AA.
How Can I Find the Right Meeting?
When you search for “AA meetings near me,” you may come up with numerous results. In some cities, there are multiple meetings each day. You’ll find open and closed meetings in person, over the telephone, and online.
With so many options available, you can find a meeting close to where you live or work and at a time you can attend. Early in the recovery process, many members attend multiple meetings in a week. They may continue to attend at least one meeting per week for several months.
To narrow down your options even further, you may want to consider the type of meeting you prefer. Speaker meetings have one person speaking while everyone else listens. Discussion meetings encourage participation by everyone in the group. The discussion may revolve around one of the steps or a topic in AA literature.
Step or Tradition meetings typically focus on one step of the program at a time until all 12 have been studied. Beginner meetings are designed for people just beginning recovery. These meetings may revolve around the first two or three steps of the program.
Searching for AA Meetings Near Me
If you’re ready to stop drinking or have a loved one who needs help, you can begin with a search for “AA meetings near me.” You’ll find resources online that list meetings close to where you live or work. These lists include information, such as whether the meeting is open or closed. When you find the right meeting, it can help you start your recovery and provide the support you need.
