Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsClosed 12-Step MeetingsReasons for Closed MeetingsOpen 12-Step MeetingsPurpose of Open MeetingsOpen vs. Closed
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Closed 12-Step Meetings
Reasons for Closed Meetings
Open 12-Step Meetings
Purpose of Open Meetings
Open vs. Closed
On published schedules of12-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.
Press Play for Advice On Addiction Recovery
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 fromTradition 3of the 12 step groups:
If you are interested in attending a closed meeting for any of these groups, it may be good to check beforehand to make sure that you are considered a member.
Reasons for Closed 12-Step Meetings
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.
Recap
Primary Purpose of Open Meetings
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.
Open vs. Closed: Which Meeting Is Right for You?
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 might prefer closed meetings if:
It is also important to note thatonline meetingsare also an option. Like in-person meetings, online AA meetings can either be closed or open. This can be a great option due to the convenience and accessibility of the meetings.
Open MeetingsOpen to the general publicExperiences can be shared with friends or family there to support youYou’re open to learning more about recovery, AA, or another 12-step groupClosed MeetingsLimited to members and prospective membersExperiences are shared with other members of the groupYou’re working on a step and want input from members/others with the same experiences
Open MeetingsOpen to the general publicExperiences can be shared with friends or family there to support youYou’re open to learning more about recovery, AA, or another 12-step group
Open to the general public
Experiences can be shared with friends or family there to support you
You’re open to learning more about recovery, AA, or another 12-step group
Closed MeetingsLimited to members and prospective membersExperiences are shared with other members of the groupYou’re working on a step and want input from members/others with the same experiences
Limited to members and prospective members
Experiences are shared with other members of the group
You’re working on a step and want input from members/others with the same experiences
A Word From Verywell
How Can I Find Support Groups Near Me?
3 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Alcoholics Anonymous.Information on Alcoholics Anonymous.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.13911Alcoholics Anonymous.What’s the difference between open and closed AA meetings?.
3 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Alcoholics Anonymous.Information on Alcoholics Anonymous.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.13911Alcoholics Anonymous.What’s the difference between open and closed AA meetings?.
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Alcoholics Anonymous.Information on Alcoholics Anonymous.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.13911Alcoholics Anonymous.What’s the difference between open and closed AA meetings?.
Alcoholics Anonymous.Information on Alcoholics Anonymous.
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
Alcoholics Anonymous.What’s the difference between open and closed AA meetings?.
Meet Our Review Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit
What is your feedback?
