What is Alcoholics Anonymous Really Like?

For a person who is still at odds whether or not they have an addiction attending that first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting may seem pretty overwhelming. Or even to the family member of an Alcoholic or Addict that attends these daily meetings that have hopefully changed them so much. They wonder what happens at these meetings. Can anyone attend? IS it some sort of cult?

I was this very person, I would drive all the way to the meeting place, park, and make some ridiculous excuse to not go in (i.e. the church is so big, where do I go in. I don't know anyone there. I'm not as bad as them.). The fact is its scary entering that first meeting. Whether you're new to AA or returning to AA.

Fortunately, once you bring yourself to enter those doors you will be welcomed. If your open, people will talk to you as if you been friends for years. If your quiet and would just like to observe you will not be judged or shunned for that either.

There are many different types of AA meetings, to start off, there are Open meetings, these meetings are open to alcoholics (or people who think they may have a drinking problem) and also to non-alcoholics, people who may be there in support of an alcoholic or just checking it out. There are also the closed meetings; this is only for alcoholics and people wondering if they may be alcoholic.

Now you also have meetings that discuss different topics; there is the Big Book meeting, this meeting will usually begin by reading a chapter or partial chapter of the Big Book and then discussing it, and what it means to you. You have a Beginners meeting, which obviously as named is for beginners. It is good for people in early sobriety because many of them are going through the same problems and stresses. Next is the Discussion meetings, these meeting as are most meetings are "lead" by a chair person, and then opened up for anyone to speak about what's on their mind. Finally there is the Step Study meetings, these meeting are a study of the 12 steps of AA. It usually starts by reading a step out of "The Twelve and Twelve" text and then discussing it and how it has affected you.

All meetings usually ask if there are any newcomers or visitors to AA or the meeting, at the beginning of the meeting, one is free to introduce themselves and of course not if you so chose. Also at the end it asked if there is anyone struggling with their sobriety today. If someone is, they can share aloud or pull someone to the side after the meeting and talk.

This is only a brief view of AA. It does describe the basics about what it's like at AA but really if you think you may be struggling with alcoholism it does not do the program justice. This program has save millions from the disease of alcoholism; it works for those that are willing.

There are no leaders at AA, one AA member with 20 years sobriety is not boss over the newcomer. There is no initiation or anything of the like. There are no fees or dues to pay. It is just a fellowship of people with a common problem that have found a common solution.