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More About Alcoholics Anonymous
A.A. works through members telling their stories at local meetings of what we used to be like, what happened and what we are like now. The A.A. program, known as The Twelve Steps, provides a framework for self-examination and a road to recovery, free of alcohol.

Going to an A.A. meeting is simple. Locate a meeting here and turn up. That’s it. There’s no signing in, no money to pay, no appointment to make. There are no intrusive questions, no obligations. Your privacy and anonymity will be respected. You’ll never be met with a demand to come back or even participate. You can go to different meetings as often or as little as you wish.

Many of us had no idea what to expect from our first meeting. For some of us, the idea was quite scary, so we were greatly relieved to find that our fears were groundless. AA meetings are relaxed, friendly and open.

If you still feel apprehensive and would like a local member to meet you at a meeting or pick you up, please call 519-438-1122 and ask the operator to speak to a local member. You will receive a call back from someone who will be more than happy to help you.

Read the below FAQ to explain a bit more about what to expect at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.

What are meetings like? Will I have to talk? Meetings are very informal. Just take a seat and listen to the stories. Members will tell about their drinking and their recovery. You can talk to people if you want to, or keep to yourself until you feel more comfortable.

Do I need to sign up? No. There’s nothing to sign. If, at some stage, you want to join a particular group, just say so. If you don’t want to join any group, that’s okay too. No one should tell you what to do about your drinking. If you want to keep drinking, that’s your business. We suggest that, if you want to stop drinking, you try doing what we did.

How much will it cost? There is no charge for attending an A.A. meeting. Usually, a collection is taken at the end of each meeting to cover the costs of renting the hall and providing refreshments. Only members contribute. There’s no obligation, but most people put in a dollar or two.

Do I have to get up and speak in front of people? The meeting will consist of members telling their stories, but if anyone isn’t in the mood to talk, it’s fine to decline. You may be invited to speak, and it’s quite okay if you don’t want to.

Is Alcoholics Anonymous a religious organization? No. Quite a few meetings are held in church halls, but that’s only because they’re convenient and affordable venues. A.A. groups are in no way affiliated with the churches or other organizations whose meeting rooms we rent. The program is certainly a spiritual one, but what that means is left up to the individual to decide.

What types of meetings are there? By far the most common type of meeting is called a “Topic Discussion Meeting”. Members discuss topics related to their own alcoholism. “Speaker Meetings” are meetings where an individual member tells their story of what they were like, what happened and what life is like for them now. There are also Step Meetings where the 12-Step program of recovery is discussed in detail.

What are closed or open meetings? “Open” meetings are meetings that anyone is welcome to attend. “Closed” meetings are for A.A. members or people who are new to AA who want to stop drinking.

How many people are at a meeting? This varies greatly. In cities, a typical meeting might have 10-20 people. Some big meetings might have 50+, and some only have a handful. In remote areas, some meetings might have only two or three members.

Who will I see at meetings? You’ll find all sorts of people – all genders, young, old, well off and not well off.