Simply a fellowship, without a rigid framework. When thinking about an Anonymous Alcoholics meeting for the first time, it is natural to feel fear of the unknown and to shrink from the thought of entering a rigid framework. But very quickly, you discover that there are no obligations or managers giving orders here. Instead, our meetings are based on one simple thing: a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover.

cannot always explain exactly why just listening to personal stories and interpretations of other members gives us a sense of elevation, but our experience proves that this presence and these informal contacts are critical and most important factors in maintaining our sobriety.

What types of meetings exist?

To allow everyone to find the place and style that suits them, there are several common types of meetings, all managed by the group members themselves.

Discussion Meetings (Topic): A group member serving as the leader opens the meeting according to the group format and chooses a topic for discussion, such as fear, honesty, humility, acceptance of others, or tools for recovery and members share their experience around this topic.

Speaker Meetings: At these meetings, one or two speakers are chosen in advance to share their personal stories. They describe what their lives were like in the past, what happened, and what their lives are like today in sobriety.

Beginners' Meetings: These are meetings usually conducted in a Q&A format, led by a member with long-term sobriety, and their main purpose is to help and guide new members in their first steps.

Step, Tradition, or Big Book Meetings: Meetings dedicated to learning and reading aloud together from our official literature, to deeply understand the foundation of personal recovery.

t is important to know that there are "closed meetings" intended solely for those who have a drinking problem and a desire to stop drinking, and there are "open meetings" which observers may also attend. In all types of meetings, there is absolutely no obligation to share if you do not wish to.

To ensure that the space remains protected for everyone, leaders frequently remind attendees of the importance of maintaining anonymity and ask those present: "To leave what you hear here, when you leave the room."

The Meeting Before the Meeting. Sharing is not limited just to the official room. Many of us find that our circle of friends expands significantly as a result of coffee and conversations before and after meetings. When members arrive early to set up chairs or clean the coffee pot, simple and easy opportunities are created to meet and talk with other members, which greatly eases the initial awkwardness.