Open and Closed Meeting Definitions

The purpose of all AA group meetings, as the Preamble states, is for AA members to "share experience strength and hope with each other that they might solve their common problem and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety." Toward this end, AA groups have both open and closed meetings.

Closed Meetings are for AA members only, or for those who have a drinking problem and "have a desire to stop drinking."

Open Meetings are available to anyone interested in Alcoholics Anonymous' program of recovery from alcoholism.

At both types of meetings, the AA chairperson may request that participants confine their discussion to matters pertaining to recovery from alcoholism.

Whether open or closed, AA group meetings are conducted by AA members, who determine the format of their meeting.