You are not alone!

Maybe your life feels out of control and you just can't do it anymore. Maybe someone in your life is fed up with your drinking, but you aren't sure that's a problem. Maybe someone has suggested AA to you, but you really don't know anything about AA. Maybe the idea of sitting around in a group of people talking about their troubles doesn't appeal to you at all. Maybe you are attending AA meetings due to a court case. Maybe you have been to some AA meetings and you just don't feel welcome or like you belong there.

Most of the members of the North Hall group of AA said at least one of these things when they came to our hall for the first time. 

If you have found your way to this page, here are a few more answers to questions which may not be addressed on our Resources page:

What is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)?

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a fellowship of people who share their experiences, strengths, and hopes to help each other recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.

What is the North Hall group of Alcoholics Anonymous?

North Hall was started in 1974 by lesbian and gay people and was founded as a group with the support of some key straight allies. They established a safe space for alcoholics who happen to be members of the LGBTQIA Plus community.

If I'm not a member of the LGBTQIA Plus community, can I still go to North Hall?

Absolutely!!!! Our membership includes people from all walks of life and we welcome everyone.

Are meetings all the same? What is an Open meeting or a Closed meeting? 

There are a variety of formats for A.A. meetings and each meeting takes on the feel of their local area. At most meetings you will hear members talk about what drinking did to them and to those around them. Most also share what actions they took to stop drinking and how they are living their lives today. The purpose of all meetings 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.” We encourage you to tray meetings at a variety of groups to find the ones that feel like a good fit for you. The primary types include:

• Open Meetings: These are accessible to anyone interested in learning about AA's program of recovery, including non-alcoholics who may attend as observers. 

• Closed Meetings: Reserved for AA members or those who have a desire to stop drinking, providing a confidential space for individuals focused on quitting alcohol. 

• Speaker Meetings: Feature one or more members sharing their personal stories of recovery, offering hope and motivation to attendees. 

• Discussion Meetings: Participants engage in discussions on topics related to alcoholism and recovery, allowing members to share experiences and insights.

• Step Meetings: Focus on one of the Twelve Steps, providing an opportunity for members to delve deeper into each step's principles and application.

• Big Book Meetings: Center around readings from AA's foundational text, "Alcoholics Anonymous," commonly known as the Big Book, followed by discussions.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) also  offers a variety of meetings tailored to support diverse groups within the fellowship. These specialized meetings   provide safe and understanding environments where individuals with shared experiences can connect and support each other in their recovery journey. Here are some of the specialized AA meeting types:

• Women's Meetings: Designed specifically for women, these meetings offer a space to discuss issues and experiences unique to their recovery process.

• Men's Meetings: These gatherings focus on the experiences and challenges faced by men in recovery, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual support.

• LGBTQ+ Meetings: Tailored for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals, these meetings provide an inclusive environment to address the specific issues related to their experiences with alcoholism.

• People of Color Meetings: These meetings create a supportive space for individuals from various racial and ethnic backgrounds to share their unique experiences and challenges in recovery.

• Secular Meetings: For those who prefer a non-religious approach, secular meetings focus on sobriety without the emphasis on spirituality, accommodating atheists, agnostics, and others.

See the North Hall meeting schedule for details about our meeting type and specialized groups.

How long does a meeting last?

Most meetings last about an hour, though some may run a little longer.

Can I bring a friend or family member?

Yes. Some meetings, called "open meetings," welcome anyone interested in AA. Others, called "closed meetings," are only for those who identify as having a drinking problem.

Do I have to put my name on that list when I arrive? 

If a Greeter meets you when you arrive and asks if you would like to be on the list, its OK to say no.  We encourage you to consider being on the list for sharing, even if you are new and scared. Sharing helps the rest of us get to know you a bit, and lets us know how we can help you.

Do I have to talk at my first meeting?

No, you are not required to speak. You can simply listen if you prefer. Sharing is completely voluntary.

Do I have to pay to attend?

No. AA is self-supporting through voluntary contributions. While members may donate if they wish, there is no fee to attend.

What happens at a typical AA meeting?

Meetings usually begin with a reading of the AA Preamble and the Serenity Prayer. Members may then read from AA literature, share personal experiences, or discuss recovery-related topics. Some meetings focus on a specific step or tradition, while others are open discussions. At the end members typically form a circle and say the Serenity Prayer.

Are AA meetings religious?

AA is a spiritual program, but it is not affiliated with any religion. People of all beliefs (or none) are welcome. The concept of a "Higher Power" is open to individual interpretation.

Do I have to believe in God?

No, you do not have to believe in God to attend Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). AA is not affiliated with any religious organization, and the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. 

Will people judge me for being there?

No. AA members follow a tradition of anonymity and mutual support. Everyone in the room has struggled with alcohol in some way, and meetings are a safe, nonjudgmental space.

Will I see people I know?

It’s possible, but AA respects confidentiality. Members are expected to protect each other’s anonymity inside and outside of meetings.

What if I’m not sure I’m an alcoholic?

You are still welcome to attend. Many people come to meetings to listen and learn. AA does not diagnose anyone—only you can decide if you belong.

Additional Resources

• Is A.A. for You? A self-assessment - Twelve questions only you can answer. Only you can decide whether you want to give A.A. a try — whether you think it can help you.  Follow this link for some questions we tried to answer honestly.  See how you do.  There is no disgrace in facing up to the fact that you have a problem.

• A Newcomer Asks (AA PDF P-24) - Straightforward answers to 15 questions that those new to Alcoholics Anonymous frequently ask about getting sober in A.A.

• Frequently Asked Questions About A.A (AA PDF P-2) - Answers many of the common questions people have about alcoholism and A.A.: What is alcoholism? What are the Twelve Steps? How can I tell if I am really an alcoholic? Informative reading for those seeking help with a drinking problem, as well as for their families and friends. (Formerly 44 Questions)

• What to Expect at an A.A. Meeting - There are a variety of formats for A.A. meetings and each meeting takes on the feel of their local area. At most meetings you will hear members talk about what drinking did to them and to those around them. Most also share what actions they took to stop drinking and how they are living their lives today.

• Questions and Answers on Sponsorship (AA PDF  P-15) - Uses shared A.A. experience to answer 34 questions likely to be asked by persons seeking sponsors, persons wanting to be sponsors, and groups planning sponsorship activity.

See our Resources page for additional information and links