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Mar 27, 2024 · Yes, many members attend both open and closed meetings. Joining closed meetings allows you to share your experiences in a more intimate setting. On the other hand, open meetings give you the opportunity to connect with newcomers and the broader AA community. Overall, joining both meetings can be beneficial for your recovery journey.
- Overview
- Closed 12-Step Meetings
- Reasons for Closed 12-Step Meetings
- Open 12-Step Meetings
- Primary Purpose of Open Meetings
- Open vs. Closed: Which Meeting Is Right for You?
- A Word From Verywell
On published schedules of 12-step meetings, some are designated as open meetings, while others are shown as closed meetings. Open meetings are open to the public, while closed meetings are for members only—however, each program's guidelines define who counts as a member.
This article discusses the differences between an open AA meeting and a closed AA meeting (and similar 12-step groups). It also explores how to determine which type of meeting might be right for you.
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Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon Family Groups, and Adult Children of Alcoholics meetings are generally closed meetings unless otherwise stated. Closed meetings are limited to members and prospective members only.
It is up to individuals to determine if they are qualified for membership based on the following criteria from Tradition 3 of the 12 step groups:
•ACOA: The only requirement for membership in ACOA is a desire to recover from the effects of growing up in a family affected by alcoholism or another dysfunction.
•Al-Anon Family Groups: The only requirement for membership is that there be a problem of alcoholism in a relative or friend.
•Alcoholics Anonymous: The only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking.
•Debtors Anonymous: The only requirement for DA membership is a desire to stop incurring unsecured debt.
The spiritual foundation of all 12-step groups is anonymity. Members of the group can choose to attend closed meetings, knowing that everyone in the meeting is guided by the group's steps and traditions. This encourages each member to maintain their own anonymity and the anonymity of others in the meeting.
In a closed meeting, members can speak openly and honestly about their problem or situation, knowing that everyone else in the room has experienced similar situations.
If the meeting is an open meeting, members understand that there may be visitors from the public or even the media in the meeting, and they conduct themselves accordingly.
Usually, but not always, open meetings are speaker meetings, at which one person has been designated to speak, telling their story—what it was like, what happened, and what their life is like now. The speaker knows ahead of time that the meeting is an open meeting and that there may be non-member visitors present.
However, open meetings can also be discussion meetings. During open discussion meetings, AA members will share their experiences with the rest of the group. They might talk about why they started attending AA and how the group has helped them. These open meetings may focus, in particular, on how non-members can help support their loved one who is a member of the group.
Open meetings can be attended by any, including but not limited to:
•The general public
•People who don't have a drinking or substance use problem
The designation of a meeting as "open" does not change the meeting's primary purpose of the group. Generally speaking, when attending one 12-step meeting, members do not mention their membership in other 12-step groups during the meeting to keep the meeting focused on its primary purpose.
One of the benefits of an open meeting is that the individual's partner or other loved ones can attend. This can be helpful for a variety of reasons. Individuals in recovery can feel supported as they work toward recovery, and the loved ones who are closest to them can learn more about their experiences and the recovery process.
Having social support has been linked to a number of important benefits, including better treatment retention and a reduced risk of relapse following treatment.
If a meeting is not designated either open or closed on a published schedule, in most cases, it should be considered closed.
How do you determine whether a closed or open meeting is the right choice for you? Both types of 12-step meetings can be helpful, but there may be times you want to select one over the other.
You may want to attend an open meeting if:
•You are thinking about joining AA or another 12-step group
•You want to hear more from people who are affected by alcohol or substance use
•You want to have non-member friends or family come along to support you
•You're interested in learning more about the recovery process
Twelve-step groups such as AA can play an important role in recovery. It is important to consider what you might gain from each type of meeting these groups offer, whether they are open or closed. If you are interested in joining AA or attending an open meeting to learn more, you can find meetings in your area or online by visiting the Alcoholic Anonymous website.
How Can I Find Support Groups Near Me?
3 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
1.Alcoholics Anonymous. Information on Alcoholics Anonymous.
2.Moon TJ, Mathias CW, Mullen J, et al. The role of social support in motivating reductions in alcohol use: A test of three models of social support in alcohol-impaired drivers. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2019;43(1):123-134. doi:10.1111/acer.13911
Meetings are typically listed as "open" or "closed" meetings. Open meetings are available to anyone interested in Alcoholics Anonymous’s program of recovery from alcoholism. Nonalcoholics may attend open meetings as observers. Closed meetings are for A.A. members only or for those who have a drinking problem and “have a desire to stop ...
Open Meetings are available to anyone interested in Alcoholics Anonymous’ program of recovery from alcoholism. Nonalcoholics may attend open meetings as observers. At both types of meetings, the A.A. chairperson may request that participants confine their discussion to matters pertaining to recovery from alcoholism. Whether open or closed, A ...
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Toward this end, A.A. groups have both open and closed meetings. Closed meetings are for A.A. members only, or for those who have a drinking problem and “have a desire to stop drinking.” Open meetings are available to anyone interested in Alcoholics Anonymous’ program of recovery from alcoholism. Nonalcoholics may attend open meetings as ...
Oct 5, 2022 · Open AA meetings are ones that anyone can attend. This means newcomers who are attending their very first AA meeting and want to learn more about the organization as well as non-alcoholics—the friends, family, or coworkers of those with a drinking problem. The majority of AA meetings, however, are closed. This means that they are limited to ...
An open meeting of A.A. is a group meeting that any member of the community, alcoholic or nonalcoholic, may attend. Nonalcoholics may attend opens meetings as observers. The only obligation is that attendees not disclose the names of A.A. members outside the meeting. A typical open meeting will usually have a “leader” and other speakers ...
