How To Find The Right Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a free, peer-led, and anonymous fellowship of people recovering from alcoholism.

Using a 12-step program (aka the 12-Step Model), members support one another in their journey toward sobriety. There are no age or educational requirements for participation, and membership is open to anyone ready to overcome their addiction.

AA isn’t a one-size-fits-all program—thousands of meetings exist around the world, each with its own format, atmosphere, and identity. That said, every alcohol support group offers a different vibe, and finding one that matches your energy and goals may take some time.

If you’re new to AA, it’s completely normal to feel anxious or unsure about where to start. Many newcomers face a few hurdles before finding a group that truly feels like a good fit.

Keep reading to explore the different types of meetings out there, what to expect from your first AA meeting, and how you can start your search.

Types Of AA Meetings: Formats & What to Expect

There are several AA meeting formats to explore as a newcomer. Here’s a breakdown of each type:

AA Discussion Meetings

The leader or chairperson opens the meeting and chooses a topic for discussion. Topics typically derive from The Big Book (the foundational text of AA), Twelve Steps (a set of guiding principles), Twelve Traditions (focuses on how groups operate), As Bill Sees It, Daily Reflections, and AA Grapevine.

AA Speaker Meetings 

One or more members chosen prior to the meeting share what they were like before AA, what happened, and where they are now. Some meetings will require members to be sober for a certain period before being offered this opportunity.

AA Beginner Meetings 

These newcomer meetings are typically led by a member who’s been sober for a while to introduce the concept of AA. These may also have a discussion format, or hone in on Steps One, Two, and Three.

AA Step, Tradition, Or Big Book Meetings

Some AA meetings focus on studying the Twelve Steps, The Big Book, or the Twelve Traditions. Groups may rotate through each Step weekly or discuss multiple at a time. 

Open vs Closed AA Meetings

In addition to various formats, there are two main AA meeting types: open and closed.

Open meetings are available to anyone interested in Alcoholics Anonymous’s program. Non-alcoholics can also attend these meetings as observers.

Closed meetings are reserved for individuals who identify as having a desire to stop drinking, in keeping with AA’s traditions.

“If a person is at a ‘closed’ meeting, which is for people with a desire to stop drinking, then if one introduces themselves and does not identify as ‘alcoholic’ or as having a ‘desire to stop drinking,’ they may be asked to leave,” says Sally C, an AA member. 

What To Expect At Your First AA Meeting

When it comes to AA meeting locations, they typically are:

• Churches or religious buildings
• Office buildings
• Treatment centers
• Community or recreation centers
• Outdoor spaces, such as parks

If you’re not fond of in-person meetings, telephone and online meetings are also available. In some online video meetings, you may see each other’s faces, while others may keep the cameras off.

Regardless of the location, most Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are very casual, offering a low-pressure atmosphere. 

What Happens At AA meetings?

When you enter the meeting, you’ll likely find people settling into a circle of chairs or small rows.

“[It’s] a warm, welcome, safe, and non-judgmental space where you can be surrounded by a group of human beings working to stay sober that day,” says Mary Agnes, an AA member.

The chairperson or leader of the AA group will kick off the meeting with a moment of silence, followed by the Serenity Prayer. You’re not required to recite the prayer if you don’t want to.

After that, the chairperson may ask if there are any people new to AA who would like to introduce themselves. You don’t have to introduce yourself, but it can be helpful if you’re attending your first meeting.

Once introductions are over, someone will read a few brief passages from The Big Book, the foundational text of AA and its 12-Step Model. If you land in a newcomers-focused meeting, they may explain what AA entails and provide an overview of how the meeting is structured.

When the meeting concludes, people typically gather and socialize with one another. Some people may introduce themselves to you and offer their support or share their experiences with sobriety. While this can be an excellent opportunity to meet new people, don’t feel pressured to stay and chat. 

How To Start The Search For “Your” Meeting

With the understanding of the different settings and types of Alcoholics Anonymous meetings out there, you can start searching for your first meeting. 

“If you are a fan of apps, they have an app (both Android and IOS) called Meeting Guide,” says Brad M. DeRoma, LIAC, CCTP at Scottsdale Recovery Center. “This is an especially useful tool as it will locate meetings for you based on your current location. You can filter this based on days of the week, times of day, meeting format, language, and community. This will help you find meetings that are tailored to your needs.”

You can also visit aa.org or explore the AA meeting directory for local in-person and virtual meetings in your area. Most websites will include the meeting type, time, location, and any specific focus the group may have.

Location can play a larger role than you might think. As you browse options with the help of location-based tools like the Meeting Guide, consider choosing a meeting close to home, work, school, or somewhere you already feel safe. Convenience helps you stick with it.

Some people prefer to attend meetings farther from home to maintain privacy or avoid seeing familiar faces. “Some choose to find a meeting at a discreet location, even one in the next town or two over,” Sally says. “For most people, they will eventually run into someone they know at a meeting, and it is often said that it is good to remember that they are there for the same reasons.” 

As you search for a meeting, you want to identify a few meetings that work with your schedule. You don’t have to commit to one right away. “Plan to attend five or six different meetings to find one that feels welcoming and inspiring,” Mary Agnes says. Just showing up is the most important first step, and from there, you’ll begin to get a sense of what feels right and where you belong. 

Below are some additional tips that can guide you through the process of finding your fit:

• Keep showing up, even when things feel awkward at first:
• Ask for help:
• Consider a sponsor:
• Take small steps to engage:

Community & Comfort: What Really Makes An AA Meeting “Right”

When it comes to finding an AA meeting, it’s not just about location and format—it’s about connection. The most effective meetings make you feel seen, safe, and supported. 

While you might initially think that a Step or Speaker meeting is for you, even the most seemingly “perfect” format can be ineffective if the room feels cold or unwelcoming. On the flip side, a meeting you didn’t expect to enjoy can end up becoming a safe space because the people are kind and the vibes are right, which is why you don’t want to be too judgmental in the early days of recovery.

“Try not to judge—if you land in a room of older or younger people, you could find that to be more supportive and hopeful than you might expect,” Mary Agnes says. 

Vulnerability is a large part of your recovery. You’re sharing extremely personal stories—possibly for the first time—so it’s crucial to be in a space where you feel comfortable. Search for Alcoholics Anonymous meetings where members respect each other’s stories, honor anonymity, and avoid judgment. You’ll know in your heart if a space feels supportive or not.

Vibe-Check The Room

Ask yourself the following questions to determine if the vibe of the room aligns with what you’re looking for:

• Is there a welcoming energy in the room?
• Am I being listened to without interruption or judgment?
• Are people sharing in a way that feels real and grounded?

If anything feels even just a little off to you, it’s okay to keep looking elsewhere.

Tailoring Your AA Experience To Your Identity & Needs

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to recovery. Your Alcoholics Anonymous journey should reflect your identity, values, and lived experiences. Since its creation almost a century ago, AA has become significantly more diverse, offering a wide range of meetings that center on gender, sexuality, race, age, religion (or lack thereof), and many other aspects.

“AA meetings have also expanded to be inclusive of language and community-based needs,” DeRoma says. “For example, if your native language is Spanish, there are Spanish-speaking meetings. There are also meetings available that are gender-specific (male, female, transgender, non-binary, etc), LGBTQIA+, secular, and young-people inclusive.”

But at the same time, you don’t want to count out an AA meeting just because it isn’t centered around your identity. In some cases, that “perfect” group doesn’t include people just like you. Instead, it may be made up of people who can understand you on a deeper level than your background. With this in mind, try to keep an open mind as you interact with different groups, as you might be surprised at where you feel the most supported. 

Regardless of what you’re seeking in an AA meeting, know that you have many options to choose from to land on one that’s right for you. 

The Bottom Line

You’ve already taken a large step in your path to recovery by considering attending an AA meeting. With more than 100,000 meetings held worldwide, you’re sure to find one that aligns with your identity, needs, and values. While that first meeting can be very intimidating, it’s crucial to keep an open mind—remember, this one meeting isn’t the end-all be-all of your recovery.

“Allow yourself to explore what the meetings are all about and recognize that you are not alone,” DeRoma says. “You will find people are welcoming, inviting, and encouraging. They understand the struggle of alcoholism, and more importantly, the power of community and its impact on recovery.”

Now that you have a solid understanding of the different types of AA meetings out there and what to expect, your next step could be Googling something like “AA meetings near me” or calling the AA hotline to find the right one for you.

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