NA and AA Meeting Formats

A Deep Look into the Various Anonymous Meeting Types

Are you looking for information about NA and AA meeting formats in anticipation of attending your first AA meeting? Congratulations – you are about to experience strength and hope in ways that you never imagined. In 12-step meetings, existing membership is always open to newcomers and will gladly guide you through your first challenges.

The only requirement to attending is a desire to stop drinking or using drugs and stay sober. Discovering more about the AA meeting formats before you go can help you pick the best meeting type to meet your needs.

Changes Healing Center highly recommends Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings to our clients. We know that different people have different ways of dealing with an addiction, and 12 steps greatly enhance formal counseling.

Please read on to learn about the different formats of NA and AA meetings.

The Most Common NA and AA Meeting Formats

Let’s address the elephant in the room before discussing NA and AA meeting formats. NA and AA meetings sometimes use outdated language, such as “addicts,” “alcoholism,” and “alcoholics.” Some reading this post may find the terminology offensive or triggering.

We acknowledge how these terms can stigmatize and avoid them in our clinical setting whenever possible. We never want to offend or label readers.

However, this article seeks to honor the Twelve Traditions of the NA and AA 12-step programs, which have used words like “alcoholics” for decades. For this article, we will use the actual language of the program as we discuss different AA meeting types.

AA Meeting Format 1: Beginner Meetings

The beginner meeting begins the recovery program for newcomers to the group. This in-person meeting is a perfect space to become familiar with some of the basic concepts, including:

• The Serenity Prayer
• Refresher on the Lord’s Prayer
• The AA/NA Responsibility Statement
• The Big Book
• Starting the personal recovery journey

New members find a safe, confidential space for asking questions and interacting with other members.

AA Meeting Format 2: Open Meetings (Good Alternative for a First AA Meeting)

The open meeting format is exactly what its name implies. It’s an opportunity for anyone interested in learning more about using the Twelve Steps addiction and recovery to attend. Open Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are for individuals in recovery, family, friends, or the general public.

It’s a welcoming space with the primary purpose of giving the recovery community and their allies solutions to addiction, a common problem.

AA Meeting Format 3: Closed Meetings

The closed meeting is open only to those who identify as “alcoholics” or “addicts.” This meeting format does not welcome outside contributions. The privacy of closed meetings allows attendees to speak honestly without worrying about judgment.

It’s perfect for anyone who wants additional confidentiality. Some choose a closed meeting or the first meeting. This AA meeting format allows open up and share with other participants when ready to make their own contributions.

Candlelight meetings are an example of a special format of what are typically closed meetings.

AA Meeting Format 4: Speaker Meetings

Speaker meetings are when one member shares a personal addiction and recovery journey with other “alcoholics.” The goal of these AA meeting formats is to inspire and bring hope to those who may still be working through the AA literature or Twelve Steps. Speaker sessions may be closed meetings or open meetings.

AA Meeting Format 5: Discussion Meetings

The discussion meeting can be livelier than many other meetings, thanks to its focus on open discussions. These AA meetings cover a specific recovery-related topic. It’s usually focused on AA literature.

This AA meeting format is ideal for those most engaged when discussing their thoughts and experiences. Group decisions are made by a democratic process called “group conscience.”

AA Meeting Format 6: Online Meetings

Most AA meeting formats have historically been in-person. With technology evolving today, different meetings are popping up all over the internet – the online AA meeting. Online meetings offer members a convenient way to attend when unable to make it in-person.

It’s ideal for people with mobility challenges, who live rurally, or those who just have busy lives to check in and talk once a week.

In this meeting, people gather virtually and share their stories. These AA meeting formats can be open, closed, or follow any other format. AA’s local and central office websites do a very good job of describing each virtual meeting.

AA Meeting Format 7: Big Book Meetings

Big Book groups take inspiration from the AA Big Book in a format similar to discussion meetings. Those who want the most structured and formal experience when attending Alcoholics Anonymous may benefit from these AA meeting formats.

It’s a good first meeting for those entirely new to recovery, as the structured setting provides a clear roadmap to sobriety.

AA Meeting Format 8: Alcoholics Anonymous Affinity Groups

Alcoholics Anonymous strives to be inclusive to all and wants to make AA literature and Twelve Traditions available to all who struggle with alcoholism. Members who share some identity experiences may feel safer attending meeting formats for their communities.

These AA meeting formats are usually closed and include affinity groups based on minority races, genders, and sexual orientations.

Treatment Facilities: When You Can’t Stop Drinking or Using Alone

Narcotics or Alcoholics Anonymous meetings alone may not be sufficient for many struggling with substance use disorders. It’s an excellent start for many – you can ask questions, learn from others, and gain inspiration from the “alcoholics” who attend.

However, some people need additional support; Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are not enough for the most severe addictions. That’s especially true for someone who also has other mental health concerns, such as a dual diagnosis. In those cases, Changes Healing Center can help.

You can expect to receive custom-tailored, evidence-based care, including the following:

• Confidential insurance verification: We accept most private/group health plans and AHCCCS (Arizona Medicaid). Call our admissions office to take advantage of this service.
• Medical detox: Start your rehab with a medically supervised detox. Our nurses will make detoxification as comfortable as possible with FDA-approved medications addressing the worst symptoms.
• Customized treatment: You will receive private counseling, where we to discover the core cause of your addiction to drugs or alcohol to help you address it at the root. You will also receive therapy in small groups.
• Aftercare planning: Before you complete your treatment, you’ll work in counseling sessions to develop a relapse prevention or aftercare plan. You’ll develop a guidebook of safe people to call if you feel triggered, places to avoid, new activities to remain sober, and a list of local Narcotics or Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

Connect With Changes Healing Center for Help Today

Are you ready to reach out for additional professional support for alcohol or drug abuse and any related mental health conditions?

AA and NA provide many with a good basis for recovery, but admitting you need more assistance proves that you are strong, courageous, and ready to stop drinking or using your drug of choice.

Reach Out Changes Healing Center today – our team is ready to help you get the recovery support you need. You deserve a happier, healthier new life.

FAQs about Alcoholics Anonymous and AA Meeting Formats

Here are some of the things our clients want to know about AA and NA but are often afraid to ask.

How Many NA and AA Meetings Exist?

You might wonder how many meetings there are around the world. According to Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, there are over 123,000 Alcoholics Anonymous groups around the globe in about 180 nations. Members number over 2 million.

Narcotics Anonymous World Services reports explain that they offer support by hosting 76,075 weekly meetings worldwide each week in over 50 countries.

Why Are There So Many AA Meeting Formats?

The many AA and NA meeting formats are specifically designed to meet the various needs of its members. The different meeting formats each vary somewhat in how they support the “alcoholics” and “addicts” they serve.

What Should I Expect at My First Meeting?

Members arrive a few minutes early at most meetings (except online). The room takes on a very social air as experienced members welcome new people to the group. New group members can listen, observe, and talk if they feel comfortable doing so. The various meeting formats have different meeting structures, and you’ll quickly pick it up quickly after your first AA meeting.