Open vs. Closed Meetings
Below you will find a general guideline in regard to Open and Closed meetings that can be applied to any 12-Step fellowship, not just A.A.
The term "A.A. Members" as it is used below is not related to The Antioch Recovery Club membership. You do not need to be an Antioch Recovery Club Member to attend meetings at the Club. If you have a desire to stop drinking, stop using drugs, or are in need of emotional support please come to a meeting.
If a meeting on our list that does not indicate whether it is Open or Closed, please consider calling the contact listed where applicable or, when attending, introducing yourself when the group is asked if it is anyone's first meeting. It is customary to "take group conscience" in regard to attendance.
The Difference Between Open and Closed A.A. Meetings
The purpose of all A.A. group meetings, as the Preamble states, is for A.A. members* to “share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.” Toward this end, A.A. groups have both open and closed meetings.
WHAT IS A CLOSED A.A. MEETING?
Closed Meetings are for A.A. members* only, or for those who have a drinking problem and “have a desire to stop drinking.”
WHAT IS AN OPEN A.A. MEETING?
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.A. group meetings are conducted by A.A. members* who determine the format of their meetings.
Reprinted from The A.A. Group …Where It All Begins, p. 13, with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc.
*The term "A.A. Members" as it is outlined above is not related to The Antioch Recovery Club membership. You do not need to be an Antioch Recovery Club Member to attend meetings at the Club. If you have a desire to stop drinking, stop using drugs, or are in need of emotional support please come to a meeting.