The Difference Between Open and Closed AA Meetings

A gray-haired woman in a green dress wearing thick-rimmed glasses and a serpent-shaped chakra necklace walks up to the speaker’s stand. “When I was 10,” she starts, “I drank a whole bottle of whiskey from my parents’ liquor cabinet. I never drank whiskey again — the smell still makes me sick.” However, Jenny, as she introduces herself, went on to drink more — a lot more — for the following 50 years. She is now three years sober and is sharing her story at an open speaker meeting in a local school auditorium. There’s a crowd of about 100 people listening — some sit in the front and talk to her after the meeting is over, others stand by the door and quietly duck out a few minutes early. The people might be on different paths, but they’re respectful towards Jenny and excited about her hopeful message.

Down the hall, in the same school there’s another meeting. It’s in a classroom, and there are about 20 people sitting around in a circle. The meeting is about to start, and some are sipping coffee, while others are catching up. It’s a closed meeting, and the energy here is a bit different, with talk of steps, sponsors, and plans for an upcoming convention for young people in AA.

While all AA meetings have the same overall purpose, there are subtle differences between the various types. What is an open AA meeting? And how does it compare to a closed AA meeting? Let’s dive into the details while keeping an eye out for alternatives in case it turns out that neither one is right for your journey (and that’s perfectly fine!).

What Is an AA Meeting?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the differences between open and closed meetings, let’s get an idea of what AA — and AA meetings — are all about. For an in-depth look, check out “How Does Alcoholics Anonymous Work?” For now, here’s a brief overview. 

• AA is a fellowship of people who help each other quit drinking. The brainchild of stockbroker Bill W., who started it in 1935 after alcohol nearly killed him, AA is a peer-led group that uses spiritual principles to help others quit booze and support them in the process.
• It’s anonymous and free. Anonymity is big here (after all, it’s in the name!). There’s still some stigma about alcohol misuse out there, and having a place to go where no one will know about it can help many of us take the first step to recovery.
• It’s based on the “12 Steps.” The cornerstone of AA, the “12 Steps” have become synonymous with the organization. They’re all about admitting that booze has gotten the better of us, diving deep into aspects of our behavior and personality that contributed to the problem, repairing the damage to the extent that we can, and living in a new way that’s responsible and honest.
• Sponsorship, mutual support, and meetings are all essential components. Many members choose to “work the steps” with a sponsor who has already done the same. However, everyone in the meeting is part of a support network designed to help one another along the way.
• AA is a global thing. Today, there are millions of AA members around the world. The Big Book (Alcoholics Anonymous) written by Bill W. back in the 1930s, has four editions and has been translated into more than 70 languages.

All in all, it’s helpful to view the AA program in terms of “obsession and compulsion” — the actual drinking as well as the time we spend thinking about it. While the former looks obvious (the smell alone is a tell-tale sign), the latter is trickier. There are those who leave booze behind but continue to obsess over it for years (or even decades).

This is where meetings come in. Experience (and science) shows that sharing stories of recovery is a great way to spark change. And in whatever format the sharing process takes place, stories are at the heart of all AA meetings. Some might feature a speaker; others are group discussions, while a few focus on the Big Book or the 12 Steps. However, all meetings are a way of joining forces against a common enemy — alcohol — whether that battle is in the physical world or in the mind. (Want to learn more? Check out “Defining Cravings: Resisting Alcohol’s Allure.”)

What Is an Open AA Meeting?

At an open meeting, everyone is welcome. Whether or not we have a problem with alcohol, we can attend the meeting.

Here’s who might show up:

• People in recovery. The majority of the people at any meeting will be folks recovering from alcohol misuse (whether it’s an active problem or one that has been “dormant” for years).
• Newcomers. Open meetings are a great place for newcomers trying to get a feel for AA to see if it’s right for them.
• Friends and family. Going to meetings might be intimidating at first, and bringing a trusted friend or family member can make a difference. At an open meeting, that’s possible!
• The sober-curious. Those trying out the sober lifestyle to get a taste of the benefits (there are many!) might be interested to see how AA works.
• The (simply) curious. Finally, there are those who simply want to see for themselves what AA meetings are all about. This is your chance!

Regardless of who you are or what you’re looking for, as long as you have an open mind, open AA meetings are an open door.

Pros and Cons of Open AA Meetings

There are some pros and cons to meetings that allow anyone and everyone to join.

Pros: 

• They’re great for newcomers. Open meetings might feel more accessible, especially in the early days when we don’t have a solid footing in our changing relationship with alcohol. Maybe we’re not quite sure AA is right for us — and that’s perfectly fine!
• They allow for friends and family to tag along as support. Bringing a member of our support team (even if they’re not questioning their alcohol use) can be just what we need to feel comfortable walking through that door.
• They give a good overview of what AA is all about. Finally, those curious to find out what AA is all about will find answers here!

Cons:

• Some might find it harder to “go deep.” Alcohol misuse is a sensitive topic, and we might not be up for baring our soul knowing that our neighbor, colleague, former classmate, or other people who can’t relate are in the audience.
• They can feel like a revolving door. While this isn’t true across the board by any means, there might be a bit more commotion with people stepping out and coming back in, arriving after the meeting has started, or leaving before it ends. 

What Is a Closed AA Meeting?

Closed meetings are for those who are struggling with alcohol or those who’ve struggled in the past. They provide a safe space to get into deep discussions, share stories, and provide mutual support. It’s comforting to know that everyone else has been where we are, whether that was 3 decades, 3 days, or 3 hours ago.

Who Might Show Up?

There are a few people who might fall into this category:

• Those who drank in the past and those who have found a way to stop — and are happy about it! There’s usually a core group of “happily sober” people who will pick a particular meeting to be their “home group.” And while there’s nothing wrong with picking an open meeting for that purpose, many prefer the extra anonymity and camaraderie that develops in closed meetings.
• Those who stopped drinking but can’t stop thinking about it. Once again, meetings — including closed ones — also aim to help us get over the obsession with booze that can linger long after we’ve put down the bottle.
• People who stopped drinking recently. Newcomers are welcome here as well. Once again, people will go out of their way to make them feel welcome by providing unconditional, judgment-free support.
• People who are still drinking. Yep, that’s right. According to the AA preamble, “The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.” Those who downed a bottle of wine before the meeting (or even slipped out in the middle to top it off with booze stashed in their backpack) are still welcome. After all, they probably need to be there the most.

Depending on what you’re looking for, closed meetings might be a better fit!

Closed AA Meetings: Pros and Cons

Like open meetings, closed ones come with some advantages and disadvantages.

Pros:

• It might be easier to share what’s on our mind. Sure, that friend or colleague might still show up. The (big) difference is they’re in the same boat we are.
• They’re a great place to meet potential sponsors and friends. Closed meetings are for people committed to change, so we can have our pick of potential supports to add to our team. This is where strong bonds are formed and nurtured.
• They’re more focused. With everyone there for the same purpose, there are fewer distractions (such as side conversations or people wandering in and out).

Cons:

• They can get more intense. On the flip side, the closeness and vulnerability of closed meetings could get a bit too intense for some. 
• They might be a bit more intimidating. While all meetings will have a unique feel, some of the closed ones could be a little too “hard-core” when it comes to following the AA path. For example, we might feel more pressure to start doing the steps, get a sponsor, or stay in touch with other members. It’s all meant well, but if we’re not ready for it, it could scare us off.
• They tend to be very “gung ho” about AA. In a similar way, we might get the side-eye (or even more direct criticism) if we voice our disagreement with AA principles or suggest there are alternatives. As far as most committed AA members are concerned, there’s not too much wiggle room here. That’s probably one of the biggest overall weaknesses of AA in general (luckily, there are plenty of alternatives — more on that later!).

Open vs. Closed AA Meetings: Which One Is Right for Me?

The answer depends on a few factors. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• What are my goals? First and foremost, we need to be clear about our own goals around alcohol. If you’re trying to leave booze behind for good, closed meetings can provide the type of long-term support you’re looking for. That said, many open meetings can do the same and are also a great way to meet people in recovery. On the other hand, if you’re not sure where you stand on alcohol or simply want to see what real-life meetings are like, an open one is the way to go.
• Am I planning to listen or share? Along the same lines, if you’re scoping out a meeting to see if AA is right for you and are planning to listen, an open meeting might feel more comfortable. It’s all about the crowd, though — there are many open meetings that do have that “cozy” feel, so it’s ultimately a matter of trial and error to find “your people.” 
• Do I prefer a specific meeting format? A hard-core 12 Step or “Big Book” meeting (where participants read passages from the Big Book) is unlikely to be an open one. If you want something that feels more like a workshop with active participation, you’ll probably find that it’s closed. 
• Do I want to bring someone with me? Hesitant to show up alone but don’t know anyone else on the same journey? Bring a friend along to an open meeting!

If you find that both open and closed meetings are a turnoff for you, fear not! There are other alternatives out there.

AA Meeting Alternatives

For those who decide that AA meetings — open or closed — are just not for them, there are alternatives!

• Therapy. There are many therapy options out there these days. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is all about restructuring our thoughts and uncovering cognitive distortions, which is crucial in alcohol misuse recovery. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) contains elements of mindfulness and addresses a variety of relevant issues, such as relationships and handling stress. (For more information, check out “How Can Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Help With Alcohol Misuse?” and “How Can Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Help With Alcohol Misuse?”)
• Other meetings. While AA is the most well-known, there are other support groups out there! For example, SMART Recovery is based on CBT principles and science, but still has the supportive group dynamics of AA.
• Mindfulness-based approaches. Various forms of meditation, yoga, and other mindfulness-based approaches are scientifically proven to help with alcohol misuse by allowing us to coast through cravings and have more control over our impulses. It’s all about stepping back and observing our thoughts! (Want to learn more? Take a look at “How Can Yoga Help Us Drink Less Alcohol?” and “Practical Tips for Incorporating Mindful Living Practices to Support Sobriety.”)
• Technology. Apps such as Reframe have changed the landscape of recovery and are a treasure trove of resources. It’s a library of the latest research-backed information, craving-busting tools, a motivational coach, and a supportive community right there in the palm of our hand!

As we can see, getting help doesn’t have to be all about AA. The most important thing is finding what works for you, because it’s your life!

An Open Mind

In the end, whichever meetings are right for you — open, closed, or neither (if you find that AA isn’t right for you) — the key is to keep an open mind. Everyone’s path is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. Keep exploring, and check out Reframe as a sidekick for your journey!