People who put their number in this book do so because they really do want to help. It isn’t required of anyone to do so but it keeps with the tradition of AA that when alcoholic calls for help, the helping hand of AA will be there. Inside the room, there are people sitting here and there; some talking together, some sitting alone. You take a seat by the door (just in case you want to make a quick exit) and as people passed by, some say hello, some nod, some stop and introduce themselves, alcohol and brain fog and some keep to themselves. 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.
How often do A.A. members have to attend meetings?
Closed meetings, however, are restricted to people who are members of AA. A typical AA meeting lasts 60 to 90 minutes, although this may vary depending on the type and format of the individual meeting. Some meetings may be as short as thirty minutes, while others may be as long as two hours. You can often find a posted schedule that includes the expected duration of the meeting.
Learning more about how meetings work and what happens during a meeting can help you feel more comfortable. Each meeting is different but may focus on sharing personal experiences, discussing different steps of AA, or listening to scheduled speakers. Both AA and NA meetings often center around the 12 steps, which are a series of principles guiding individuals in their recovery journey. Members may discuss how they are working through a particular step, what challenges they’ve encountered, and how the steps have helped them find sobriety and peace. These are open meetings and closed meetings, and many AA groups will have both at various times, but the length will be about the same. Open meetings usually have a speaker telling their story, and closed meetings are discussion-based.
Press Play for Advice On Finding Help for Alcohol Addiction
Attending AA or NA meetings is a crucial step in the recovery journey. These meetings provide a supportive community where individuals aa vs na can find encouragement, practical advice, and a sense of belonging. Whether you’re dealing with alcohol or drug addiction, these programs offer a proven path to recovery that has helped millions around the world. Feeling a little nervous about going to your first AA meeting is normal!
Who Can Join Alcoholics Anonymous
You can help people who are affected by alcoholism by making a donation to the Cleveland District Office. It is the problem drinker who is our concern. We cannot predict who will recover, nor have we the authority to decide how recovery should be sought by any drinking because of boredom other alcoholic. Relapse is a common topic, addressed with compassion and understanding.
- According to research, the answer is yes.
- How often or how little you attend AA meetings is ultimately up to you.
- Meetings are typically listed as « open » or « closed » meetings.
- May be a good fit is to attend a meeting.
- The Central office, intergroup, or answering service numbers throughout the world are available on the AA World Services website.
Meeting Guide
If you aren’t sure if you are an alcoholic, find an « open » meeting to attend in your area. Many non-alcoholics may attend these and no one assumes because you are there that you are alcoholic. Different meetings have different ways of doing things but, for the most part, they are run in a similar manner. After everyone completes sharing, the chairperson asks if there are any AA-related announcements. In some cases, they announce that it is time for the Lord’s Prayer, and everyone stands in a large circle, holding hands, and recites the prayer. AA meetings are usually listed as either being « open » or « closed. » Open meetings are available to anyone interested in AA.
Membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no other requirements to join this fellowship and attend a meeting. This is why we have meetings – to know that recovery is possible, to know that we can recover too, and to make contact with others who are like us. Friends and family members are welcome to attend open meetings.
There are no dues or fees, so it doesn’t cost anything to try it out. A 2020 review looked at 27 studies involving a total of 10,565 participants and noted that A.A. And other twelve-step programs are effective for increasing abstinence. The authors also reported that these programs appear to be as effective as other alcohol treatment methods. We also discuss who can join Alcoholics Anonymous and what research has found about the effectiveness of attending these meetings when overcoming alcohol misuse or abuse. Sober Speak aims to be a beacon of hope for alcoholics, addicts, their families, and friends.
By calling the helpline you agree to the terms of use. We do not receive any commission or fee that is dependent upon which treatment provider a caller chooses. There is no obligation to enter treatment. Imagine going through this process while being surrounded by those who are depressed or unmotivated. Their apathetic feelings toward recovery could be dangerously contagious.
