Meeting
Regular gatherings where people in recovery share experiences, strength, and hope to maintain sobriety. Meetings follow structured formats including speaker sharing, step study, or discussion, creating peer support networks essential for recovery maintenance.
TL;DR
Meetings are safe, peer-led gatherings where people share experience and hope to stay sober—no appointment, payment, or belief test required.
Expert Insights
“People today aren't as naive. They demand proof, not blind faith.”
— Discussion of 12-step methodology evolution
“Back then, many things were explained by God. Faith was strong, and it was a powerful tool—people were ready to accept sobriety in that form.”
— Historical analysis of recovery approaches
From the Sober.Live Knowledge Base
Key Points
- âś“Meetings run in many formats (speaker, step-study, online) so you can choose what feels right today.
- âś“First-timers can simply listen; no one calls on you or asks for personal details.
- âś“Regular attendance builds a sober network that texts, calls, and shows up when cravings hit.
- ✓Milestones like 30 or 90 days are celebrated with applause and a chip—small rewards that reinforce progress.
A recovery meeting is a one-hour, judgment-free space where people who want to stay sober meet to tell the truth, listen, and remind one another that they are not alone. You will find these gatherings in church basements, community centers, hospital conference rooms, and increasingly on Zoom or phone lines. Chairs are arranged in a circle, coffee is usually available, and a basket may be passed for voluntary donations—usually a dollar or two—to cover rent and literature.
What actually happens
Each meeting follows a simple format chosen by the local group. A chairperson opens with a moment of silence and reads the AA Preamble. Then the group may:
- Speaker meeting: one or two members share their full story for 15–20 minutes each.
- Discussion meeting: a topic like “resentment” or “gratitude” is read; members raise hands to speak for 3–4 minutes.
- Step study: the group reads and reflects on one of the Twelve Steps.
- Big Book study: passages from AA’s main text are read aloud and discussed.
At the end, birthdays are announced—30 days, 6 months, multiple years—and the room erupts in applause and hugs.
Your first visit
Walk in, grab a seat, and say “I’m new” if you like. No one will pressure you to speak; many newcomers simply listen. If you feel awkward, look for the greeter near the door or the person holding a “meeting after the meeting” sign—they often become your first sober contacts.
Choosing the right meeting
Try at least six different meetings before deciding what works. Some are early-morning, others late-night; some are gender-specific, LGBTQ+, or focused on young people. Online directories list times, formats, and whether the meeting is open (observers welcome) or closed (alcoholics only). If transportation is a barrier, search “online AA meetings” and join from home.
How meetings protect sobriety
Showing up regularly creates a safety net: phone numbers are exchanged, rides are offered, and members check in when you miss a week. The “burning desire” portion—usually the last five minutes—lets anyone share an urge to drink and receive immediate support. Over time, the stories you hear become your own relapse-prevention playlist, reminding you what works and what doesn’t.