If you think you might have an alcohol problem or are concerned about somebody else, the best way to learn about AA is to attend a few meetings. Anybody who is interested may attend “open” meetings. Of the 40 meetings held each week in Jefferson County (and Lowville) 36 are “open” meetings. If you think you have an alcohol problem you are welcome at any meeting. Meetings are listed in print and online and all open meetings are designated with an “O” or “open”.

Nobody is going to question you, you do not need to explain yourself or even say that you are an alcoholic, unless you wish to.

You may be asked to introduce yourself by first name. No attendance records are kept and admission is always free.

Many newcomers, if asked, simply say “ My name is ________ and I just want to listen.” That is OK.

Many groups have a custom of the group chair person asking if there is anyone attending their first AA meeting. You are free to answer or not. The reason this is asked is that if there is a newcomer present most members will share their own “first meeting” experiences in the “go-round”. We share this to help the newcomer feel more at ease, as we all remember the self-doubts, confusion, ambivalence, and emotional pain we experienced when we did finally show up in AA.

You are likely to hear things you don’t understand, including ‘AA slang”. This is normal, and you are encouraged to ask questions after the meeting.

About “Sponsors” and “Sponsorship”: Newcomers are encouraged to find a “sponsor”. This may take several meetings before you are ready to do this- there is no commitment. A “Sponsor” is simply a more experienced AA member you are comfortable with who can answer questions and share time-proven tips for staying sober. Most people start out by asking someone to be their “temporary sponsor”. Sponsor or sponsee are free to dissolve the relationship at any time. It is recommended that men sponsor men and women sponsor women to avoid the common pitfalls we are all familiar with.

It’s a good idea to attend several different AA meetings as you learn about AA. Like any group of people the “personality” of a group is shaped by the most regular members, and you may be more comfortable in one group or in another group. If you attend several different meetings you will also get to hear many people share and you are likely to hear someone sharing experiences which are familiar to you. When you do find a group where you are comfortable you may want to attend it regularly – this is how a group becomes a “home group”.

Being a newcomer can be uncomfortable. Keep in mind that we all were newcomers once, and we remember it well.

Tom D.