How Long Do AA Meetings Last? Format and What to Expect

AA Meeting Length: 60 to 90 Minutes

The standard Alcoholics Anonymous meeting lasts 60 minutes. Some groups run 90-minute sessions, particularly those with a speaker format or step study component. The vast majority of meetings worldwide follow the 60-minute format.

There is no requirement to attend for the full duration. You arrive when you arrive and leave when you leave. But most regular attendees stay for the entire meeting plus informal socializing (called “the meeting after the meeting”) that often continues for 15 to 30 minutes afterward.

Quick Facts

• Most meetings last 60 minutes. Some last 90 minutes.
• Open meetings welcome anyone, including non-alcoholics. Closed meetings are for people who identify as having a desire to stop drinking.
• There are no attendance records, fees, or sign-up requirements.
• AA has over 123,000 groups worldwide with more than 2 million members.
• Online meetings are available 24/7 through aa-intergroup.org and other platforms.

Typical Meeting Structure

While no two meetings are identical, most follow a recognizable structure:

Opening (5 to 10 minutes)

1. The chairperson opens with a moment of silence followed by the Serenity Prayer.
2. Introductions: “Hi, my name is [name], and I’m an alcoholic.” Newcomers are welcomed but not required to speak.
3. AA preamble is read aloud (“Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people…”).
4. The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions may be read.

Main Session (40 to 60 minutes)

The format varies by meeting type:

• Speaker meeting: One member shares their story (what it was like, what happened, what it is like now) for 15 to 30 minutes. Discussion follows.
• Discussion meeting: A topic is introduced (often based on a step, tradition, or recovery concept). Members share their thoughts and experiences.
• Step study: The group works through one of the 12 Steps, reading from the Big Book and discussing personal application.
• Big Book study: The group reads and discusses passages from “Alcoholics Anonymous” (the Big Book).

Closing (5 to 10 minutes)

1. Announcements (upcoming events, group needs).
2. The basket is passed for voluntary contributions (suggested $1 to $2, no obligation).
3. Closing prayer (often the Lord’s Prayer or Serenity Prayer). Participation is optional.
4. Members often join hands in a circle for the closing.

AA’s guiding principle is “attraction rather than promotion.” No one is required to speak, pray, believe in God, or follow any specific doctrine. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.

Finding a Meeting Near You

Multiple resources help locate meetings:

• AA.org: The official Alcoholics Anonymous website has a meeting finder searchable by location, day, and time.
• AA-Intergroup.org: Online meetings available 24/7 from anywhere in the world.
• Meeting Guide app: Free app (iOS and Android) that uses GPS to find nearby meetings.
• Local AA hotline: Most cities have an AA office with a phone line that provides meeting information and someone to talk to.

What to Expect as a Newcomer

First-meeting anxiety is universal. Here is what newcomers need to know:

1. You do not have to talk. Saying “I’m just here to listen” is perfectly acceptable.
2. Nobody will pressure you. AA operates on attraction, not pressure.
3. You do not need to identify as an alcoholic. You can introduce yourself by first name only.
4. Anonymity is taken seriously. What is said in the meeting stays in the meeting. This principle is foundational to AA.
5. People may approach you after the meeting. Regulars often greet newcomers, offer phone numbers, and suggest other meetings. This is normal AA culture, not pressure.

Common Concerns

“I’m Not Religious”

AA references a “Higher Power” and uses prayer in many meetings. This is a barrier for some people. Many AA members interpret “Higher Power” as the group itself, nature, or a personal concept of something greater. Secular AA and agnostic AA meetings exist in most cities for people who want a non-theistic approach.

“I Don’t Like Group Settings”

One-on-one sponsorship is available for people who benefit more from individual connection. Online meetings offer a lower-pressure environment. Some people attend meetings regularly for years and rarely speak beyond introducing themselves.

AA Alternatives

If AA does not feel like the right fit, other recovery support groups include:

• SMART Recovery: Science-based, no spiritual component.
• Refuge Recovery / Recovery Dharma: Buddhist-inspired mindfulness approach.
• Women for Sobriety / Men for Sobriety: Gender-specific support.
• LifeRing: Secular, self-empowerment approach.

The best program is the one you attend. Any structured support beats no support.