First Meeting Companion
Going to your first AA meeting?
You do not need to understand AA before you walk through the door. This is only a guide to what you may encounter; meetings differ.
Find a meeting
An open meeting can be attended by anyone interested in AA; a closed meeting is for AA members and people who have a drinking problem and a desire to stop drinking.
AA meetings also take place online and by phone. Use official AA meeting information rather than a generic 'national hotline' search result.
Meeting Guide (official AA.org page)
Where AA explains this
- Information About Meetings / What to Expect at an A.A. Meeting (Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.)
- Can I attend a meeting online or by phone? (Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.)
Before you walk in
Arriving a few minutes early can make the room feel less mysterious, but showing up late is still showing up.
Sit wherever you are comfortable.
If someone greets you, saying “This is my first meeting” is enough. You do not owe anyone your history at the door.
You may hear first names and last initials. Local customs vary.
Where AA explains this
- Information About Meetings / What to Expect at an A.A. Meeting (Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.)
What may happen
A chairperson may open the meeting, members may read AA material, and the meeting may be discussion, speaker, Step, Tradition, Big Book, beginners, or another local format.
You may see a basket passed for voluntary contributions. AA membership has no dues or fees.
Some meetings ask whether anyone is new or visiting. You may introduce yourself if you want to. You do not have to speak.
Where AA explains this
- Information About Meetings / What to Expect at an A.A. Meeting (Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.)
What do I have to say?
Nothing. It is okay to listen.
If you are invited to share and do not want to, a simple “I'll just listen today, thank you” is enough.
If you do want to introduce yourself, your first name is enough. You do not need to decide on a label before you are ready.
Where AA explains this
- Information About Meetings / What to Expect at an A.A. Meeting (Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.)
What if I know somebody there?
They are there for their own reason, just as you are.
Treat their presence with the same privacy you would want for yourself. You do not owe anyone outside the meeting an explanation for being there.
Where AA explains this
- Information About Meetings / What to Expect at an A.A. Meeting (Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.)
What about the basket?
Contributions are voluntary. If you are new and do not put money in, you have not done anything wrong.
The group's expenses and support of AA service are handled by the group according to its own conscience.
Where AA explains this
- Information About Meetings / What to Expect at an A.A. Meeting (Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.)
After the meeting
If you can, do not leave without talking to anyone.
One useful sentence is: “This was my first meeting. What should I do next?”
If someone offers a phone number and you are comfortable taking it, that gives you a real AA person to contact later.
You do not have to decide your whole future with AA tonight.
Where AA explains this
- Information About Meetings / What to Expect at an A.A. Meeting (Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.)
- Questions & Answers on Sponsorship (Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.)
If the meeting was not for you
Meetings differ in size, format, age mix, personality, and local custom.
One room is not all of AA. If you are willing, try another meeting before deciding you have seen the whole Fellowship.
Where AA explains this
- Information About Meetings / What to Expect at an A.A. Meeting (Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.)
The job of the first meeting is not to become good at AA. It is to get through one meeting and meet one or two people who know what this is like.