What Is the Difference Between Open and Closed AA Meetings?

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Open AA Meetings

Open AA meetings are open to anyone in the community, not just AA members. These meetings are both for the person seeking help with a drinking problem and those without an alcohol use disorder, including family members and spouses of AA members.

The open AA meeting format leaves space for anyone to learn about the AA program, members, and operation.

There are usually two different types of open AA meetings:

Speaker meetings
Discussion meetings

Speaker Meetings

In a speaker meeting, AA members share personal stories about topics like:

Their relationship with alcohol
Their experience with drinking
How they found AA
How AA has changed their lives

Speaker meetings allow both non-alcoholics and alcoholics to hear and relate to other experiences and know they’re not alone on this journey of recovery.

Open AA Discussion Meetings

Discussion meetings begin with a lead AA member sharing their experience and relationship with alcohol.

The discussion will then move on to topics brought up by anyone in the open AA meeting, which can include:

How they started with AA
How AA has helped them
How AA can help non-members
Common experiences among members and non-members

These are great meetings for everyone to break the barrier between members and non-members. Remember that these are open AA meetings with family members, friends, and other non-AA members in attendance.

Closed AA Meetings

Closed AA meetings only allow current or prospective AA members to attend. These meetings help you understand that you are not in this by yourself, and other members are right there with you, working on the same steps in the journey of recovery.

If you’re new to AA, there are many benefits of closed AA meetings, including being surrounded by others who have experienced similar situations and struggles, and also observing the benefits of staying in the program.

If you’ve been an AA member for some time, you can observe new members, see how far they have come in their journey, and provide support to them.

There are two different types of closed AA meetings:

Discussion meetings
Step meetings

Closed AA Discussion Meetings

Closed AA discussion meetings are very similar to open discussion meetings. They are led by an AA member who shares their experience with alcohol abuse and addiction, and then opens up the discussion to the group.

Closed AA meetings give attendees an outlet to share their experience with others on a similar journey. Having a support system with like-minded people is very powerful for your recovery process.

Remember also that you’re not required to share at these meetings, although you are encouraged to participate. If you want to attend a meeting just to listen and observe, that is completely fine. Just being in attendance is taking the right step toward a life of sobriety.

Closed Step Meetings

Step meetings discuss one of the 12 steps of AA. In these step meetings, you will be able to digest each of AA 12 steps more thoroughly than just reading them yourself.

There will be lessons within your journey for every step. The 12 steps are an ongoing practice for all people with substance use disorders. Revisiting these steps regularly can be very beneficial for your journey. Once you’ve progressed through the program’s steps, you will be able to help other members understand them and put them into action.

Open AA Meetings vs Closed AA Meetings

Both types of AA meetings are beneficial to members. However, deciding which ones to attend and how frequently you should attend each one can be difficult, especially as a new AA member. Of course, non-AA members can only participate in open AA meetings.

Choosing Open AA Meetings

These are some things to address before deciding to attend an open AA meeting. Open AA meetings are a great way to understand the program as a whole. It’s a great first meeting environment for the newcomer to the program. Remember that open AA meetings are for everyone, and anyone can attend. They’re also a great option when you would like support from family and friends.

Open AA Meetings are best if you want:

To see the perspective of someone who is currently in the AA program.
To hear the stories of others who are impacted by a person with alcohol use disorders.
Family and friends there to support you
To know what it’s like to recover from alcohol abuse
To know more about AA and how it can help you or a loved one recover

Choosing Closed AA Meetings

Closed AA meetings are a great way to hear the experiences of other AA members who are already involved, are new to AA, and are still deciding whether or not to join.

Closed AA Meetings are best if you:

Are interested in only hearing other members who have the same experience with alcohol as you do
Don’t want family or friends to be there
Want to share your experience with alcohol with others who have similar experiences
Want to hear others’ experiences with alcohol and how they are growing from the AA program
Want to focus on one of the AA 12 steps at a time

Online AA Meetings

Online meetings are readily available both in open and closed formats. These online AA meetings are mainly held over Zoom or Google Hangouts and are great because you can connect with people from almost anywhere in the world, which isn’t possible at in-person meetings.

Of course, you will be able to find people in your nearby community if that’s what you are looking for and most comfortable with. If you’re unable to join via Zoom or Google Hangouts, there are many options for conference phone calls.

Finding an AA Meeting

Finding an AA meeting to attend, whether open or closed, can be done easily online. It can take some time (and trial and error) to find a group that you truly resonate with, but remember, you don’t have to attend the same meeting every time.

Location, time, and day of the week are all factors that will draw in a slightly different crowd for every meeting. Simply showing up and experiencing the meeting for yourself is the best way to find a meeting that suits you and can help you on your recovery journey.

Of course, sometimes AA isn’t enough, especially if you’re just starting on your path to sobriety. If you want to discuss your rehab options, including detox and help with withdrawal, call 800-948-8417 Sponsored to get help today.