Each AA group follows the rules and guidelines of the AA program, but they can have their own agenda and mandate. There are several different types of AA meetings:  Step meetings: Follow the 12 steps outlined by Alcoholics Anonymous. Each meeting focuses on one of these steps. The step will be read out loud and commented on by members. Not everyone in the group will be on that step, but everyone gets a chance to talk about what the step means to them. Big Book meetings: These meetings use a reading for the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous to spark discussion. Several pages may be read aloud by a volunteer and members take turns reading a portion of the Book. There is a round the room discussion of a chosen topic from the Book. Speaker meetings: These meetings are less participatory, as a single speaker will be talking for most of the meeting. The speaker will recount their experiences with alcohol and AA to instruct and guide other members. Some of these meetings will be open to the general public. Location specific meetings: A meeting can be formal or casual, based on the setting of the meeting. Church meetings (run by a church, not just a meeting held at a church) may be styled toward whichever religion is sponsored by the group. There are also smoking and non-smoking meetings offered, though with recent bans on smoking indoors, smoking meetings are less common. Beginner meetings: These are meetings for people who are new to AA and want to learn more about the program. The agenda and structure for these meetings will likely follow the traditional AA structure.  Open and closed meetings: Open meetings are for anyone and Closed meetings are for alcoholics only. Many groups don’t adhere to this distinction and it is not uncommon for regular participants in a meeting to be unclear whether their meeting is officially open or closed. Family and friends of an AA members, as well as observers, are welcome at open meetings. Closed meetings are reserved for those who consider themselves alcoholics or who are investigating the possibility for themselves. Newcomers are always welcome to closed meetings.  Special purpose meetings: AA clubs often offer alternative to traditional drinking opportunities, such as alcohol-free holiday meetings and parties. These meetings are a safe place for alcoholics to go for the Super Bowl or to celebrate Halloween. Some meetings can focus on an event in a club member’s life, such as a wedding or death of a loved one. Look for a list of meetings online on the Alcoholics Anonymous website, located here. You can also search online for the contact number of your local drug and alcohol commission. They often have local meeting lists available in their office. Any local treatment facilities will also provide you with a free local list of meetings.  Once you find your first meeting, you will be able to get a list of other meetings there. The meeting list will provide the name of the meetings, the time and place of the meetings, and what kind of meetings are available in your area. Besides the types of AA meetings, there are also certain group distinctions for each chapter. For example, meetings may be mixed (male and female), men only, or women only. Meeting schedules are indicated by codes (MO for men only, WO for women only) if a meeting is restricted. This is one of the best ways to find a meeting that is right for your recovery. If you know someone who attends AA meetings or who is an existing member of AA, talk to her about which type of AA meeting might be the right fit. It also may feel less scary or intimidating to attend an AA meeting based on a recommendation from someone already in AA. If you have a friend or acquaintance who is an AA member, ask her if you can attend your first meeting in her group or together in a different group. You can also contact the your local AA Central Office and ask for a volunteer to call someone in AA who would be willing to go to a meeting with you. Going to AA takes courage, so don’t be afraid to reach out to existing AA members for support.
لاحظ الأنواع المختلفة لاجتماعات زمالة مدمنو الكحول المجهولين. حدد موقع اجتماع قريب منك. أسأل شخصًا ما في مرحلة التعافي ليرشح لك اجتماعًا بعينه. جد رفيقًا يحضر معك الاجتماع الأول.