The thought of attending an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting makes many first-timers apprehensive. How would it feel to walk into a room full of people? Will you be bombarded with questions? Are you expected to interact with other members? Will you be required to follow specific rules of conduct?
These and many more questions swarm through your mind on your first alcoholic anonymous meeting. While it's natural to get a little intimidated, there's nothing to worry about. At the end of the session, you will be happy you chose to attend the meeting. Nevertheless, we'll explain what all you can expect at your first AA meeting.
AA assemblies are of two types. There are open and closed meetings. Open meetings are open to all irrespective of whether you are an alcoholic or not. Closed meetings are those that invite members who have accepted they have an alcoholic problem and have resolved to give it up. The group of members is a cosmopolitan one including people from different backgrounds and age groups.
You will realize that most AA sessions are conducted in a church compound or a room attached to the church. Many mistake that these sessions have to do with God and religion. This is a misconception. It not associated with religion but spirituality. When you step into the room, you will observe members seated in a circle or semi-circle with the convener or chairperson seated in the middle. The session starts with a loud reading of the AA preamble. After this the chairpersons leads the group in prayer. Members familiar with the serenity prayer recite it along with the chairperson.
Social interaction starts once the prayer session is over. At this stage, the chairperson generally enquires about newcomers or first timers. First-timers are asked to introduce themselves. However, it is not mandatory. If you are unprepared or still feel insecure about revealing your name, you can choose to introduce yourself at a later session when you find yourself better prepared.
An Alcoholics Anonymous meeting is also called a 12 step meeting. During each session members read parts of AA literature and share their experiences with the group. Every sharing starts with a brief introduction - "I am ______ and I am an alcoholic". Members share their past alcoholic experiences, their current motivations and their efforts to give up their drinking problem. After one has related their experience all the attending members thank him or her. As a rule, you are not allowed to comment or interrupt another person who is speaking.
Most meetings are structured to include various activities. Guest speakers are called in to deliver lectures and seminars on a specific topic. However, unstructured programs usually concentrate on personal sharings and discussions only.
A contribution basket is passed around before the meeting comes to a close. This is a voluntary donation and not a compulsion. You can donate any amount in the basket. The meeting is concluded with a solemn prayer. Members mingle and interact after the close of the meeting.
Most Alcoholics Anonymous organizations across the globe follow a similar format. However, there may be slight variations based on the locality or the country.
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