Can You Go to an AA Meeting Drunk?

There are No Rules Against Going to an AA Meeting Drunk

The only requirement to join Alcoholics Anonymous is the desire to stop drinking. This is read at just about every AA meeting. If you are wondering, “can you go to an AA meeting drunk?”, the answer is yes. In fact, they welcome you more if you are struggling with staying sober.

I have been to countless AA meetings and will tell you that the common attitude is that the newcomer is the most important person at any meeting.

Anyone struggling with an addiction to alcohol, or any other substances for that matter, is welcome to attend a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous.

If you have any inclination that you may be struggling with a substance abuse issue like alcoholism, please go to an AA meeting around your area. The people there will welcome you with open arms whether you are intoxicated or not.

Our resource for Icarus Behavioral Health Nevada breaks down what you need to know about attending meetings while drunk (or actively drinking) and how to get the help needed for sobriety.

What You Need to Know About AA Meeting Rules and Expectations

There are rules and expectations when attending AA meetings. For example, most meetings will ask that if you are drunk or intoxicated in any way you simply sit there and listen. They ask you not to share, but to get with someone after the meeting is over.

If you are asked not to speak, they just don’t want anyone to speak while intoxicated. If they ask this of you, it is so you can listen to what is shared in the meeting, and gain insight into how this program has positively served others who were once in your shoes.

My Experience in the Rooms of AA

In my experience, AA members are beyond welcoming. If you are intimidated to show up in person, try online meetings to begin to expose yourself to what you can expect.

Some meetings have other rules, such as open meetings or closed meetings. Open meetings are when anyone is allowed to attend. Closed meetings mean that you must identify as an alcoholic to attend.

A speaker meeting is when there is a leader who shares for an extended amount of time to convey their experience. Sometimes meetings are hybrid speaker meetings and discussion meetings.

You can see these meetings marked in schedules so that you can choose what type you would like to attend.

Closed Meetings vs Open Meetings

If you attend a closed meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous, you may be expected to identify yourself as an alcoholic. Family members are not welcome to attend closed meetings. Close friends and family members can come to support you in open meetings.

The main idea is to help as many people as possible to stay sober and maintain sobriety. Many members sustain friendships that can last a lifetime.

AA is NOT a Religious Program and Members are Not Judgmental

While many meetings begin or end with the Serenity Prayer, it is important to note that AA is not a religious organization. Whatever your personal beliefs are about God and spirituality, you are welcome to attend.

In my experience, AA members are some of the least judgmental and most welcoming people I have ever met in my life. If you are having a hard time putting down the bottle, AA meetings can be a huge support to help you stop drinking.

Alcoholics Anonymous is a Spiritual Program, Not a Religious Organization

As I said before, the only requirement for membership is the desire to stop drinking. If you have a problem with organized religion, take comfort in the fact that AA has no religious affiliation.

Recovery from alcoholism does not require you to be religious. However, AA’s solution does require having some sort of spiritual foundation. A higher power does not equate to religion but rather to certain spiritual steps.

If you have tried other routes and have failed to achieve sobriety, AA meetings can be your solution. If you need detox or are having a hard time getting away from the drinking problem initially, Icarus Behavioral Health Nevada can help you get there.

Take Care When Stopping Drinking, Withdrawals Can Kill You

Please reach out to an accredited detox program like the one at Icarus Behavioral Health if you plan on quitting suddenly. This is especially important if you have ever experienced alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawals can be deadly if not treated by a medical professional. A professional recovery program like Icarus in Nevada can help you safely and successfully stop drinking.

Other Facts About Alcoholics Anonymous

Most members will tell you that an important part of their recovery is finding a home group. A home group is a specific meeting you will attend every week. Having a home group allows you to make connections with a group of people which for me greatly strengthened my resolve to show up at every meeting.

The meeting secretaries are elected by the group and serve to find a leader for each meeting and organize all the other facets of the meeting. Most meetings cover expenses through donations made by members of the group.

How Meetings Are Funded

Members freely place money in a basket that is passed around during the meeting. People can also put attendance cards in their baskets so that the secretary can fill them out to be returned after the meeting.

Attendance records are for people who are mandated to attend meetings so that they can have proof that they attended.

I have heard many people’s personal stories, and although it is suggested not to speak while intoxicated, neither they nor I have ever seen someone asked not to speak.

All are Welcome to Attend

It is wonderful that people are welcomed with open arms, whether they are currently sober or intoxicated. AA is a program based on inclusivity.

The bottom line is that if you have a drinking problem, I suggest you try all the different types of meetings so you can find one group that fits what you can relate to.

I can guarantee there is a group you will be able to relate to if you have a drinking problem. I was surprised just how similar the stories I heard were to my own.

The Importance of Getting a Solid Foundation for Sobriety

Accredited treatment facilities like Icarus Behavioral Health in Las Vegas can and will help detox and stabilize you to give you a head start on recovery from alcoholism. AA is there to support you after inpatient treatment facilities.

AA meetings have provided me with a life beyond my wildest dreams, and I can not thank them enough.

Please give recovery a try. Icarus Nevada is here to help you, and their program can help guide you in finding the meetings you relate to.

Call the intake department for confidential support and get started on the path to sobriety today!