Learn About Finding Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings

Understanding Alcoholics Anonymous and How Meetings Work

Alcoholics Anonymous, commonly known as AA, is a mutual support organization founded in 1935 by two individuals seeking recovery from alcohol addiction. The organization operates on a volunteer basis with no central authority or professional staff. Members gather in meetings to share their experiences, support one another, and work through a twelve-step program designed to help people achieve and maintain sobriety.

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AA meetings vary widely in format and atmosphere, but they share core principles. Most meetings last between 60 and 90 minutes. During a typical meeting, members may listen to speakers share their personal stories of addiction and recovery, participate in discussions about the twelve steps, or simply observe without speaking. Some meetings focus on studying AA literature, while others are open to anyone curious about the program. A few meetings are closed, meaning only people who identify as having a desire to stop drinking can attend.

The organization has no membership fees or dues. Meetings are funded through voluntary donations—typically a basket passed around during the meeting where attendees can contribute whatever they can afford, often just a few dollars. This donation system keeps meetings accessible to people regardless of income level. The atmosphere in most meetings is welcoming and non-judgmental, though the specific tone and culture can vary significantly from one meeting location to another.

As of 2024, AA reports approximately 1.3 million members worldwide and operates in nearly every country. In the United States alone, there are over 60,000 meetings per week. Despite its widespread presence, AA remains decentralized—no single entity oversees all meetings. Instead, local groups are responsible for organizing their own meetings and handling logistics. This structure means finding meetings requires some investigation, as different groups may have different practices and schedules.

Practical takeaway: Before searching for meetings, understand that AA is a free, volunteer-run organization where people gather to support each other in recovery. Meetings are informal, widely available, and open to people at any stage of considering sobriety.

Types of AA Meetings and Their Different Formats

AA meetings fall into several categories based on their format and focus. Understanding these differences can help you find a meeting that matches what you're looking for. Speaker meetings feature one or two people sharing detailed stories about their addiction, what led them to AA, and their recovery journey. Other attendees listen without interruption. These meetings are good for hearing diverse perspectives and learning from others' experiences. Attendees can ask questions after the speakers finish.

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Discussion meetings involve a topic related to AA's twelve steps or recovery principles. A volunteer moderator introduces the topic and invites members to share their thoughts and experiences related to it. These meetings tend to be more interactive and conversational. They work well for people who want to engage with others and explore different viewpoints on recovery.

Step study meetings focus on in-depth examination of AA's twelve steps. Members often read AA literature aloud and discuss what the steps mean and how to practice them. These meetings appeal to people who want structured learning about AA's core teachings. Some step study groups work through all twelve steps over a full year cycle, meeting weekly.

Beginner meetings are specifically designed for people new to AA. They cover basic information about how AA works, what to expect, and how to get started. These meetings often feel less intimidating for first-time attendees because everyone present is at a similar stage. Many groups offer beginner meetings at regularly scheduled times to consistently welcome newcomers.

Closed meetings are limited to people who want to stop drinking or believe they have a drinking problem. Open meetings allow anyone—including family members, professionals, or people curious about AA—to attend. Online meetings have become increasingly common, especially since 2020, and operate via video conference platforms. These allow participation from home and can be helpful for people in remote areas or those with mobility limitations.

Practical takeaway: Research the format of meetings in your area. If one type doesn't appeal to you, try a different format—the variety available means you can find an approach that fits how you prefer to learn and connect with others.

Finding AA Meetings in Your Area

The most direct way to find AA meetings is through the official AA website, aa.org. This site contains a meeting finder tool where you can enter your location (city, state, or ZIP code) to see a list of meetings in your area. The search results show meeting times, locations, addresses, and sometimes notes about the meeting type and whether it's open or closed. This resource covers meetings throughout the United States and many international locations.

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Another reliable source is the AA intergroup office in your region. Most cities and counties have an intergroup office—a coordination center run by AA volunteers. These offices maintain current meeting schedules and can provide printed meeting schedules by mail if you prefer. To find your local intergroup office, you can search online for "[your city] AA intergroup" or call AA's main information line. The organization publishes a directory of intergroup offices that covers most populated areas.

Many people find meetings through word-of-mouth recommendations. If you know someone in recovery or have a healthcare provider who works with people struggling with alcohol use, they may know which meetings are well-attended and welcoming. Personal recommendations can be especially valuable because someone can tell you about the actual atmosphere and culture of a specific meeting, not just the format.

In larger cities, multiple meetings often occur daily at different times. A typical medium-sized city might have 15 to 30 weekly meetings at various locations. This diversity means you may be able to find meetings at times that work with your schedule—early morning meetings before work, lunch-time meetings, evening meetings after work, and late-night meetings for night-shift workers. Different meetings attract different crowds, so trying several can help you find one where you feel comfortable.

Mobile apps dedicated to AA meetings have grown in popularity. Apps like "Meeting Guide" and "AA Meeting Finder" allow you to search by location, view detailed information about meetings, and save favorites. These apps often include user ratings and comments, though remember that experiences vary significantly from person to person and from one visit to the next.

Practical takeaway: Start by using the official AA website's meeting finder tool or contacting your local AA intergroup office. Most areas have enough meetings that you can try several different ones to find the best fit for your schedule and preferences.

What to Expect at Your First Meeting

Walking into an AA meeting for the first time can feel nerve-wracking, but the environment is designed to welcome newcomers. When you arrive, someone at the door will likely greet you and may offer a brief overview of how the meeting works. It's common for AA members to introduce themselves by first name only—this anonymity is a core principle of the organization. You are never required to introduce yourself or speak during your first meeting. Many people sit quietly and observe during their initial visit.

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The meeting will typically open with someone reading AA literature—usually the preamble describing what AA is, followed by the twelve steps. These readings take about five minutes. After the opening, the meeting proceeds according to its format. In a speaker meeting, speakers will share their stories. In a discussion meeting, someone introduces a topic and members comment. Throughout, people are respectful and focused on recovery topics rather than casual conversation.

Most meetings include time for announcements near the end—information about special events, upcoming conventions, or other AA activities in your area. There will be a donation basket passed around. As mentioned earlier, this is entirely voluntary and covers rent for the meeting space, coffee, literature, and other basic expenses. After announcements, many meetings adjourn with a closing reading, often a prayer or reflective passage, followed by informal socializing where members chat, exchange phone numbers, and get coffee together.

The people in AA come from all backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses. You'll find construction workers, teachers, healthcare professionals, parents, young adults, seniors, and people from every racial and ethnic background. Meetings are drug-free, alcohol-free spaces. Though some meetings take place in bars or restaurants, no alcohol is served or consumed during the meeting itself.

One important aspect of AA culture is the concept of a sponsor—a more experienced member who works with someone newer to the program. You don't need a sponsor to attend meetings, but many people develop sponsorship relationships over time. A sponsor helps guide someone through the twelve steps and provides support between meetings. Sponsorship is entirely voluntary and based on mutual consent.

Practical takeaway: Attend at least two or three different meetings before deciding if AA feels right for you. There's significant variation from one meeting to the next, and finding a comfortable fit may require some trial and error.