Closed A.A. Meetings

What Are Closed A.A. Meetings?

Closed A.A. meetings are gatherings exclusively for people who have a desire to stop drinking or think they might have a drinking problem. Unlike open meetings, which welcome anyone interested in learning about A.A., closed meetings are reserved for those who identify with the struggle of alcohol addiction.

The "closed" designation isn't about secrecy or exclusivity—it's about creating a safe, confidential space where people can share freely about their experiences with alcohol without worrying about judgment from those who might not understand the disease of addiction.

These meetings form the backbone of A.A.'s peer support system, providing an environment where members can discuss their struggles, successes, and challenges in recovery with others who truly understand what they're going through.

Who Can Attend Closed Meetings?

According to A.A.'s Third Tradition, "The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking."This simple yet profound statement defines who can attend closed meetings.

People Who Qualify

Self-Identification

A.A. operates on the principle of self-identification. This means that no one else decides whether you qualify for membership—only you can make that determination. You don't need to:

• Be diagnosed with alcohol use disorder by a professional
• Have had dramatic consequences from drinking
• Be abstinent from alcohol to attend
• Commit to anything beyond attending the meeting
• Label yourself as an "alcoholic" if that term doesn't feel right
• Have "hit rock bottom" or lost everything

Common Misconceptions

Many people avoid A.A. because they don't think they're "bad enough" or that their drinking problem is "serious enough." Here are some important clarifications:

Why Are Some Meetings Closed?

The closed meeting format serves several important purposes that enhance the recovery experience and create optimal conditions for healing and growth.

Creating Psychological Safety

Closed meetings create what psychologists call "psychological safety"—an environment where people feel comfortable being vulnerable and authentic. This happens because:

• Everyone in the room shares similar struggles with alcohol
• There's less fear of judgment from people who don't understand addiction
• Members can discuss sensitive topics without worrying about outside interpretation
• The shared experience creates immediate understanding and empathy

Enhancing Confidentiality

While all A.A. meetings emphasize confidentiality, closed meetings provide an additional layer of privacy protection:

Encouraging Honest Sharing

The closed format often leads to more honest and detailed sharing because members:

• Feel understood by others with similar experiences
• Don't need to explain basic concepts about addiction
• Can discuss specific challenges without providing background context
• Are more likely to share struggles and setbacks
• Feel comfortable discussing emotions and fears related to drinking

Focusing on Recovery

Closed meetings can maintain a laser focus on recovery-related topics without needing to educate or explain the program to observers. This allows for:

• Deeper discussions about specific steps and recovery concepts
• More detailed sharing about daily challenges in sobriety
• Focus on practical recovery tools and strategies
• Advanced discussions about sponsorship and service work

What to Expect at a Closed Meeting

Your first closed meeting might feel intimidating, but understanding the typical format and atmosphere can help you feel more prepared and comfortable.

Atmosphere and Environment

Closed meetings typically have a warm, welcoming atmosphere characterized by:

• Acceptance: No judgment about where you are in your relationship with alcohol
• Understanding: People who truly "get it" because they've been there
• Hope: Stories of recovery and positive change
• Honesty: Frank discussions about the realities of addiction and recovery
• Support: Encouragement and practical help from peers

Common Meeting Formats

What You Might Hear

In closed meetings, you'll likely hear people discuss:

• Personal stories about their drinking and how it affected their lives
• Challenges they're facing in early recovery or maintaining long-term sobriety
• How they use A.A. tools (steps, sponsor, literature) in daily life
• Gratitude for their recovery and the changes they've experienced
• Honest struggles with fear, anxiety, relationships, or other life issues
• Practical advice about handling triggers, stress, or difficult situations

Guide for First-Time Attendees

Attending your first closed A.A. meeting takes courage. Here's what you need to know to feel more comfortable and get the most from your experience.

Before the Meeting

During the Meeting

Your main job at your first meeting is simply to listen and observe. Here are some guidelines:

• Listen openly: Try to identify with the feelings and experiences, not just the details
• Don't feel pressured to share: "I'm just listening today" is perfectly acceptable
• Keep your phone silent: Meetings are device-free zones
• Take what you like: You don't have to agree with everything you hear
• Ask questions after: Many people will be happy to talk with you after the meeting

If You Decide to Share

If you feel comfortable sharing at your first meeting, keep it simple:

After the Meeting

Many meetings have informal fellowship time after the formal meeting ends. This is a great opportunity to:

• Ask questions about A.A. or specific meetings
• Get phone numbers from people who seem approachable
• Learn about other meetings in the area
• Connect with people who have similar backgrounds or interests
• Find out about sponsorship or how to get involved

Benefits of Closed Meetings

While both open and closed meetings serve important purposes in A.A., closed meetings offer unique benefits for people struggling with alcohol.

Peer Connection and Understanding

The shared experience of alcohol problems creates immediate connection and understanding:

• No need to explain why you drank or how alcohol affected you
• Instant recognition of feelings like shame, fear, or loss of control
• Understanding of the physical and mental aspects of addiction
• Validation that your experiences are real and shared by others
• Connection with people from all walks of life who share this common struggle

Practical Recovery Support

Closed meetings provide practical, experience-based guidance:

Emotional and Spiritual Growth

The closed meeting environment supports deep personal growth:

• Safe space to process difficult emotions related to drinking and its consequences
• Opportunity to develop emotional intimacy and vulnerability in a supportive environment
• Exposure to diverse perspectives on spirituality and personal growth
• Development of emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills
• Practice in giving and receiving support

Accountability and Motivation

Regular attendance at closed meetings provides structure and accountability:

• Regular check-ins with people who care about your recovery
• Motivation through hearing others' success stories
• Gentle accountability for working the steps and staying engaged
• Support during difficult times when you might be tempted to drink
• Encouragement to continue growing in recovery

Types of Closed Meetings

Closed meetings come in various formats, each offering different benefits and experiences. Understanding these differences can help you find meetings that best suit your needs and preferences.

Finding the Right Closed Meeting

Not all meetings will feel like the right fit, and that's perfectly normal. A.A. members often say "try different meetings until you find your home group." Here's how to find meetings that work for you:

Factors to Consider

• Meeting size: Some people prefer intimate small groups, others like larger meetings
• Demographics: Age, gender, professional background, or cultural factors that help you connect
• Meeting format: Discussion, speaker, step study, or literature study
• Location and timing: Convenient times and locations that fit your schedule
• Group personality: Some groups are more serious, others more lighthearted
• Length of sobriety: Some prefer newcomer-focused meetings, others want mixed experience levels

The "Home Group" Concept

Many A.A. members eventually choose a "home group"—a regular meeting where they:

• Attend consistently (usually weekly)
• Take on service responsibilities (making coffee, setting up chairs, etc.)
• Develop deeper relationships with other members
• Feel a sense of belonging and commitment
• Get more involved in group decisions and activities

Meeting Shopping Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources

Learn more about different types of A.A. meetings and recovery resources: