What Is a Closed AA Meeting? Are You Struggling with Sobriety? Find Out How You Can Join an Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting Today

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), during 2020-2021, excessive alcohol use was responsible for about 178,000 deaths and 4 million years of potential life lost each year, on average. More than one-third of these deaths and nearly half of the years of potential life lost in the US were due to binge drinking. [1] These numbers are staggering, but they emphasize the importance of finding adequate support. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol dependency, finding the proper support is crucial for recovery. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has been a beacon of hope for millions worldwide, offering a community of support for those committed to achieving sobriety. Within AA, different types of meetings are designed to cater to various needs. One such type is the closed AA meeting. But what exactly is a closed AA meeting, and how can it benefit you on your journey to sobriety?

Closed AA meetings are designed exclusively for people who identify as having a drinking problem. This specific criterion helps create a safe and focused environment where members can share their experiences, struggles, and successes with others who truly understand what they are going through. Unlike open meetings, which are accessible to anyone interested in learning about AA (including friends, family, and professionals), closed meetings are reserved for those who have a personal desire to stop drinking.

Admitting that you have a drinking problem and seeking help are the crucial and initial steps toward recovery. Whether you're new to AA or have been attending for some time, these meetings can provide the strength and solidarity you need to overcome alcohol dependency. You have to remember you're not alone. Millions have walked this path before you and have found hope and healing through Alcoholics Anonymous. Take that first step today and find a closed AA meeting near you. Your future self will thank you.

Check the AA meeting locator if you need immediate help or more information. Your journey to a sober life starts now.

What are the Different Types of AA Meetings?

Navigating the world of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can be overwhelming, especially when you're trying to figure out which type of meeting will best support your sobriety. AA offers a variety of meetings to cater to different needs and preferences. Let's break down the various types so you can find the one that's right for you.

• Open Meetings: Anyone interested in learning about AA can join open meetings. These gatherings are designed to educate the public about the AA program. You’ll hear members share their personal stories of addiction and recovery. These meetings are great for newcomers and for family or friends who want to understand more about alcoholism and how AA works.
• Closed Meetings: Only those who have a drinking problem and want to stop can attend these gatherings. These meetings offer a safe, private environment where members can openly discuss their experiences and struggles, knowing that everyone in the room shares a common goal of sobriety.
• Big Book Meetings: Both open and closed formats are available. These meetings focus on studying the "Big Book," AA's foundational text. Members read and discuss passages, exploring the principles of AA and how to apply them to their lives.
• Step Meetings: Both open and closed formats are also available. These meetings concentrate on the 12 Steps and the 12 Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous. Each meeting usually focuses on a specific step, with members sharing their experiences and insights related to that step. This is a great way to deepen your understanding of the recovery process. 
• Discussion Meetings: These are available in both open and closed formats. In discussion meetings, the group chooses a topic or the meeting leader, and members share their thoughts and experiences related to that topic. These meetings encourage active participation and can cover various recovery-related issues.
• Speaker Meetings: Both open and closed formats are available. A speaker meeting features one or more AA members who share their stories of addiction and recovery. These inspiring meetings offer insight into how different people have succeeded in their sobriety journey.
• Beginner Meetings: These meetings are tailored for newcomers. They provide an introduction to AA, explaining how meetings work, the importance of the 12 Steps, and what to expect in recovery. It’s a welcoming environment for those just starting their journey.
• Gender-Specific Meetings: Only members of the specified gender can join. These meetings are for men or women only, providing a space where members can discuss issues that might be more comfortable to address in a single-gender environment.
• LGBTQ+ Meetings: Anyone who identifies as LGBTQ+ and wants to stop drinking can join. These meetings offer a supportive space for LGBTQ+ individuals to share their experiences and challenges related to alcoholism, fostering a sense of community and understanding.
• Online Meetings: With the rise of virtual communication, many AA meetings are now available online. These meetings offer flexibility and accessibility, allowing members to connect from anywhere in the world.

The best way to find the proper "AA meetings near me" is to try different types and see which resonates with you. Meet schedules and locations are found through the local directories. Remember, the most important thing is to take that first step and attend a meeting. You're not alone, and support is available.

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What is the Difference Between Open Vs Closed AA Meetings?

Understanding the distinction between open and closed Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings is crucial for both people seeking help and those supporting them. Open AA meetings welcome anyone interested in learning about the AA program, including alcoholics, family members, friends, and the general public. These sessions aim to inform and educate about the nature of alcoholism and the principles of recovery, making them ideal for newcomers and those looking to understand the impact of alcoholism. Conversely, closed AA meetings are exclusively for people who identify as people with alcohol use disorder. These meetings provide a confidential and supportive environment where members can share personal experiences, discuss challenges, and develop strategies for maintaining sobriety. The emphasis on anonymity and mutual support in closed meetings fosters a more profound, intimate atmosphere essential for personal recovery.

The following table outlines the key differences between open and closed AA meetings, highlighting their unique purposes, participants, and environments.

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What to Expect at an AA Meeting if it's Closed?

If you're considering attending a closed AA meeting, it's natural to feel a mix of curiosity and apprehension. Knowing what to expect can ease nerves and help you feel more comfortable as you take this vital step toward recovery. Here’s a rundown of what typically happens in a closed AA meeting and what you can anticipate.

• Entry and Welcome: When you arrive at a closed AA meeting, you’ll be welcomed by fellow members. Closed meetings are intended solely for those who identify as alcoholics, so everyone present shares a common goal: to achieve and maintain sobriety. This shared purpose creates a sense of camaraderie and understanding from the outset.
• Confidentiality and Anonymity: Confidentiality is a cornerstone of AA. What is shared in the meeting stays in the meeting. This ensures a safe space where members can speak freely without fear of judgment or repercussions. Anonymity helps members feel secure, encouraging honest and open communication.
• Opening of the Meeting: Meetings typically begin with a reading of the AA Preamble, which outlines the principles of the fellowship. This is often followed by readings from AA literature, such as the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. These readings serve as a reminder of the group's purpose and guiding principles.
• Sharing and Listening: The heart of a closed AA meeting is the sharing session. Members take turns sharing their experiences, struggles, and victories in their journey towards sobriety. There's no obligation to speak; you can listen until you feel comfortable sharing your story. The sharing is done respectfully and uninterruptedly, fostering an environment of mutual support and empathy.
• Support and Encouragement: Throughout the meeting, you’ll witness high support and encouragement from fellow members. People often share their challenges and how they’ve overcome them, providing hope and practical advice. This peer support is invaluable, as it comes from those who truly understand what you’re going through.
• Closing the Meeting: Meetings usually conclude with a group prayer or a moment of silence. The Serenity Prayer is commonly recited, offering a moment of reflection and solidarity. Before dispersing, members may share announcements about upcoming events or other meetings, giving you opportunities to further engage with the community.
• Fellowship and Networking: After the formal meeting, there’s often a time for informal conversation and fellowship. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with other members, exchange contact information, and build a support network. Many find these interactions to be a critical component of their recovery journey.
• The Feeling of Belonging: One of the most significant takeaways from a closed AA meeting is the sense of belonging. Knowing you’re not alone in your struggle with alcoholism can be incredibly empowering. The group's shared experiences and collective wisdom can offer new perspectives and coping strategies, reinforcing your commitment to sobriety.

Attending a closed AA meeting can be a transformative experience. It provides a confidential, supportive environment where you can connect with others who share your challenges and goals. Participating makes you part of a community dedicated to helping each other achieve lasting sobriety.

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What Is a Closed AA Meeting? Connect and Recover with the Help of the Alcoholics Anonymous Directory

Alcohol abuse is a severe disease. According to the CDC:

• From 2019 to 2020, deaths from alcohol-induced acute pancreatitis increased by 50% (from 0.1 to 0.2).
• Deaths from mental and behavioral disorders due to alcohol use went up by 33% (from 3.0 to 4.0).
• Deaths from alcoholic liver disease rose by 23% (from 6.4 to 7.9). [2]

The good news is that research says about 50% of people who attended only AA or 12-step meetings were sober after one year. [3] This is huge as we are facing the urgent need for additional recovery resources to address the growing problem of alcohol-related health issues.

A closed AA meeting can significantly help as it is a confidential gathering exclusively for people who identify as having alcohol use disorder, providing a safe and supportive environment to share personal experiences and challenges related to alcohol dependency. These meetings foster a sense of community and mutual understanding, where members can openly discuss their struggles and successes without fear of judgment.

By utilizing the AA meeting locator, individuals can quickly locate these closed meetings and connect with others committed to recovery. This resource offers a vital support network, ensuring those in need can find the specific help and fellowship necessary to navigate their path to sobriety.

You've come a long way! Acknowledge and celebrate each sobriety day as a significant milestone in your healing journey. Utilize the sobriety calculator to track your progress and maintain motivation toward continued recovery.

Resources:

[1] Data on Excessive Drinking - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (.gov)

[2] Alcohol-induced Death Rates in the United States, 2019–2020 - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

[3] Kaskutas LA. Alcoholics Anonymous Effectiveness: Faith Meets Science. J Addict Dis. 2009;28(2):145-57. Doi: 10.1080/10550880902772464. PMID: 19340677; PMCID: PMC2746426.