Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) interacts or collaborates with other institutions to provide vital support and resources to individuals grappling with alcoholism and alcohol abuse. It operates primarily on contributions from its members and does not accept external funding to maintain autonomy and preserve its primary purpose of helping individuals achieve and maintain sobriety. These meetings foster a sense of community and allow members to learn from one another’s insights. They are suitable for those who value shared experiences and mutual support. Discussion meetings encourage open dialogue among participants on various aspects of recovery.
What is AA? How it Works, History & Types of Meetings
It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. Closed meetings are only for those who identify as alcoholics. If you’re on a court card or attending to placate a family member but you aren’t sure whether you are alcoholic you shouldn’t attend a closed meeting. It’s common at closed meetings for everybody to introduce themselves in turn, and identify as an alcoholic in turn. If you cannot identify as alcoholic you may be asked to find a different meeting.
What is a Closed AA Meeting?
- Service entities full control of their local meeting information while collecting it in one place, making it easy for anyone to find a meeting.
- Examples include meetings for young adults, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, or professionals.
- It is important to consider what you might gain from each type of meeting these groups offer, whether they are open or closed.
- Anyone who has a desire to do something about their drinking can join.
While AA is faith-based, it is not about indoctrination or forcing people to find religion—it’s about supporting people as they work to change their relationship with alcohol. If you are interested in attending a closed meeting for any of these groups, it may be good to check beforehand to make sure that you are considered a member. My experience at Oregon Trail Recovery was top tier. They genuinely want to see every person that comes in succeed and live a happy life in recovery. We cannot predict who will recover, nor have we the authority to decide how recovery should be sought by any other alcoholic. Online and telephone meetings are also available.
- Design for Recovery provides structured sober living in Los Angeles, California.
- These same formats may be applied to group meetings on the Big Book or the Twelve Traditions.
- However, many AA meetings emphasize the practical aspects of recovery, such as sharing personal experiences, discussing challenges, and offering mutual support.
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In 1939, the program expanded, largely due to the publication of the book, Alcoholics Anonymous, which is known as the «Big Book.» The growth of people’s interest in A.A. Increased more after a 1941 article in the Saturday Evening Post about the group. As it is widely known, was founded in 1935 by Bill W. While each of these men had 5 types of alcoholics their own journey of recovery, it wasn’t until they met face to face that they realized the power of speaking with a «fellow sufferer» for achieving complete sobriety. If you’re planning on becoming a part of a 12-step community, learning the language is the first step. While it may seem intimidating at first, it will get easier.
Fortunately, there are many different types of meetings for people from different backgrounds or with similar situations. There are no dues or fees, so it doesn’t cost anything to try it out. Often, the next step is to read a passage from the Big Book and reinforcement about the importance of member privacy and anonymity. Meetings typically close with a prayer, moment of silence, recitation of the Responsibility Statement, or by reading a section of another A.A.
Any gathering of two or more alcoholics who wish to recover and have no other affiliation may call themselves an A.A. Membership at the group https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/does-alcohol-weaken-our-immune-system/ level is open to all who have a desire to recover from alcoholism. There are no dues, fees, requirements or restrictions of any kind.
Instead, its only concern is the person attending. John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE is board-certified in addiction medicine and preventative medicine. He is the medical director at Alcohol Recovery Medicine. For over 20 years Dr. Umhau was a senior clinical investigator at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Meeting Guide offers an online support site where users can easily find answers to frequently asked questions.