AA meetings are listed online, by phone, and through local groups — you can find one today without joining first

Alcoholics Anonymous publishes meeting schedules online through its official website and regional intergroups. You can search by location, time, and meeting type without creating an account or providing personal information. Most meetings are free and open to anyone who wants to attend, whether you are deciding whether to go or ready to commit.

The fastest way to find a meeting is through AA.org, the official Alcoholics Anonymous website. Enter your city or zip code and you will see a list of meetings in your area with times, addresses, and whether each one is open to newcomers. Many regions also have local intergroup offices — these are AA-run organizations that maintain their own meeting schedules and can answer questions by phone.

Key Takeaways

  • AA.org lets you search meetings by location, time of day, and type (such as beginner meetings or women-only meetings) without signing up or giving your name.
  • Local AA intergroup offices maintain phone lines and can tell you which meetings are best for someone new, and whether you need to bring anything.
  • Most meetings last one hour, cost nothing, and let you sit in the back and listen without speaking if you prefer.
  • Some meetings are held online through Zoom, which you can join from home using a computer or phone.
  • If a meeting does not feel right, you can try a different one — people often visit several before finding one they want to return to.

Searching AA.org for meetings in your area

Go to AA.org and look for the "Meeting Search" tool on the homepage. Click it and enter your city, state, or zip code. The site will show you every meeting within a set distance, usually listed by day of the week and time of day.

Each listing tells you the meeting address, what time it starts and ends, and what type it is. "Open" meetings welcome anyone. "Closed" meetings are for people who identify as alcoholic and want to attend. Many meetings are marked "Beginner" or "Newcomer" — these are designed for people attending for the first time and often spend time explaining how AA works.

You can filter by meeting type if you want. Some meetings are for men only, women only, or LGBTQ+ members. Others focus on a particular step of the AA program or use a specific format. If you are not sure which type to try first, an open beginner meeting is a standard starting point.

Calling your local AA intergroup office

Every region has an AA intergroup office — a local organization run by AA members that maintains meeting schedules and answers questions. You can find the phone number for your area through AA.org's intergroup directory, or by searching "[your city] AA intergroup" online.

When you call, you can ask which meetings are closest to you, which ones are good for newcomers, and what to expect when you arrive. The person who answers will not ask for your name or personal details. They can also tell you whether meetings are in person, online, or both, and whether you need to bring money (most meetings pass a basket for voluntary donations, usually a dollar or two).

Intergroup offices also have printed meeting schedules you can request by mail or pick up in person. Some maintain 24-hour phone lines specifically for people looking for a meeting or needing to talk to someone.

Online meetings through Zoom and other platforms

Many AA meetings now meet online, especially in the evenings and on weekends. You can find these through AA.org by filtering for "Online" meetings, or by calling your local intergroup and asking which meetings are virtual.

To join a Zoom meeting, you typically need the meeting link, which is usually posted on the meeting listing or sent to you by email. You do not need a Zoom account to join. You can use your computer, tablet, or phone, and you can keep your camera off and your microphone muted if you prefer to listen without being seen or heard.

Online meetings work the same way as in-person ones — they last about an hour, follow a standard format, and welcome newcomers. Some people use them to try AA before attending in person, or to attend meetings in other cities or time zones.

What to expect when you walk into a meeting

Meetings are held in churches, community centers, hospitals, and other public spaces. You will see a room with chairs arranged in a circle or rows. There is usually coffee and sometimes snacks. People arrive a few minutes early and chat informally.

The meeting starts at the posted time. Someone reads the AA preamble and the 12 steps aloud. Then the meeting follows a format — some are speaker meetings where one or two people share their story, others are discussion meetings where people take turns talking, and some are step study meetings focused on one of the 12 steps. You are never required to speak. You can sit and listen for as long as you want.

At the end, people exchange phone numbers if they want to stay in touch. There is no sign-in sheet, no one takes attendance, and no one will follow up with you. What you hear in the room stays in the room — confidentiality is a core principle.

Finding meetings if you are traveling or in a rural area

If you are traveling, AA.org works in every state and many countries. Search the city you are visiting and you will find meetings there. If you are in a rural area with few in-person meetings, online meetings let you join groups in larger cities or other regions.

Some areas have very few meetings listed online. If that is the case, call the intergroup office for the nearest city — they may know of meetings that are not yet posted, or they can direct you to meetings in neighboring towns. AA also has a phone line for people in remote areas who want to talk to someone about finding support.

Trying different meetings to find the right fit

Not every meeting will feel right the first time, and that is normal. People often visit several meetings before finding one they want to return to. The format, the time of day, the location, or the group of people may matter to you.

If a meeting does not feel like a good fit, try a different one. You might prefer a smaller group or a larger one, a morning meeting or an evening one, a speaker meeting or a discussion. There is no rule that says you have to stay with the first meeting you attend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to give my name or personal information to find a meeting?

No. AA.org and intergroup phone lines do not ask for your name, phone number, or any personal details. You can search for meetings and call for information completely anonymously. Anonymity is a core principle of AA.

What if there are no meetings listed near me?

Call your local intergroup office — they may know of meetings that are not yet posted online. If your area has very few in-person meetings, online meetings through Zoom let you join groups anywhere. You can also ask about meetings in neighboring towns or cities.

Can I attend a meeting if I am not sure I want to stop drinking?

Yes. AA meetings are open to anyone who thinks they might have a problem with alcohol. You do not have to commit to anything or make any decisions before you go. Many people attend several meetings while they are still deciding.

What do meetings cost?

Meetings are free. Most pass a basket at the end for voluntary donations, usually a dollar or two, to cover rent and coffee. You are never required to contribute, and no one will ask if you do not.

Can I just listen without talking?

Yes. You can attend as many meetings as you want and never say a word. Many people listen for weeks or months before they speak. There is no pressure to share or participate in any way.