AANearMe.com
Newcomer Guide
If this is your first contact with AA, this page explains what to expect and how to take a simple first step.
A gentle place to begin
If drinking has become difficult to control, a meeting can be a simple first step. You do not need to have everything figured out before you walk in.
First meeting
Welcome. You do not need to know the language yet.
Many people arrive at AA unsure whether they belong, unsure what to say, and unsure whether recovery is possible. That is normal. A person can attend a meeting and simply listen.
You can listen
You are not required to speak at your first meeting.
You can ask questions
After the meeting, many members are willing to explain how things work.
You can come back
Many people try several meetings before finding one that feels comfortable.
Practical suggestions
- Try to arrive a few minutes early.
- Introduce yourself only if you want to.
- Listen for similarities instead of differences.
- Ask about beginner meetings.
- Consider getting phone numbers from sober members.
- Come back again, even if the first meeting feels unfamiliar.