Understanding AA Meetings

Learn about different meeting types and formats to find the right fit for your recovery journey in Victoria.

Two Main Meeting Types in Victoria

AA Victoria offers both in-person and online meetings to accommodate different needs, schedules, and comfort levels.

In-Person Meetings

Traditional face-to-face meetings held in community centers, church halls, and other venues across Victoria.

Face-to-Face Connection

Build genuine relationships with fellow AA members in your local community

Group Energy

Experience the collective strength and support that comes from physical presence

Structured Environment

Regular meeting times and locations help establish healthy routines

Anonymous Setting

Traditional AA anonymity in familiar community venues across Victoria

Online Meetings

Virtual meetings conducted through Zoom, allowing participation from any location with internet access.

Accessible from Anywhere

Join meetings from home, work, or while traveling - no geographical barriers

Additional Privacy

Participate with or without video, using meeting-specific names for anonymity

Flexible Participation

More meeting options available throughout the day across different time zones

Diverse Community

Connect with AA members from across Victoria and beyond

Meeting Formats Available

Different meeting formats serve different needs in recovery. Each type offers unique benefits for your AA journey.

Open Meetings

Anyone can attend - family members, friends, and those interested in learning about AA.

Perfect for newcomers who want to bring a supportive friend or family member.

Closed Meetings

For those who have a desire to stop drinking or think they might have a drinking problem.

Most common type of meeting, providing a safe space for honest sharing about alcohol problems.

Speaker Meetings

One person shares their complete story of recovery for most of the meeting.

Great for newcomers to hear complete recovery stories and understand the AA program.

Discussion Meetings

Multiple people share briefly on a chosen topic related to recovery and sobriety.

Interactive format where members discuss specific aspects of recovery and the 12 Steps.

How AA Meetings Work

Understanding the typical meeting structure helps newcomers feel more comfortable and prepared.

Typical Meeting Structure

Most AA meetings in Victoria follow a similar format, whether in-person or online:

1

Opening (5-10 minutes)

Welcome, moment of silence, serenity prayer, and reading of AA preamble

2

Introductions (5 minutes)

Newcomers introduced, anniversaries acknowledged

3

Main Sharing (30-40 minutes)

Members share their experience, strength, and hope

4

Collection (2 minutes)

Voluntary contributions for meeting expenses

5

Closing (5 minutes)

Announcements, serenity prayer, and informal socializing

6

Fellowship (15+ minutes)

Coffee, conversation, and connection building

What People Share About

When AA members share, they typically talk about three main areas of their experience:

What it was like

Their drinking experience and how alcohol affected their life, relationships, and wellbeing

What happened

How they came to AA, their decision to stop drinking, and early recovery experiences

What it's like now

Their current life in recovery, ongoing challenges, and the benefits of sobriety

In-Person Meeting Guidelines

  • Cross-talk is discouraged - wait to be called upon
  • Listen for similarities with your own experience
  • No pressure to share - listening is perfectly acceptable
  • Stay for coffee after for informal conversation
  • First names only - no records kept

Online Meeting Security

  • Share generally - save personal details for private chats
  • Use a meeting-specific name for anonymity
  • Video participation is optional
  • Most groups use security measures like waiting rooms
  • Remember online meetings are still public gatherings

Find Your Right Meeting Type

With over 350 weekly meetings across Victoria, you'll find the format and community that works best for your recovery journey.