Your First Recovery Meeting
A complete guide to help you feel prepared and confident for your first meeting.
Meeting Length
Most meetings last 60-90 minutes. You can leave early if needed.
Group Size
Meetings can range from 5 to 50+ people. Smaller meetings are more intimate, larger ones offer more perspectives.
Sharing
You never have to share if you don't want to. It's perfectly fine to just listen, especially at first.
Atmosphere
Most meetings are casual and welcoming. There's often coffee and sometimes snacks. People genuinely want to help.
Preparation Tips:
- ✓Check the meeting type (Open vs. Closed, Discussion vs. Speaker)
- ✓Arrive 5-10 minutes early to get settled
- ✓Bring a notebook if you want to take notes
- ✓Turn off your phone or put it on silent
- ✓Remember: everyone was new once
"What if I see someone I know?"
They're there for the same reason you are. What's shared in meetings stays in meetings (anonymity is a core principle).
"Do I have to admit I'm an addict/alcoholic?"
No. You can introduce yourself however you're comfortable. Many people just say "I'm here to listen" when new.
"What if I get emotional?"
It's completely normal and accepted. Many people cry at meetings. Tissues are usually available, and no one will judge you.
"Do I have to believe in God?"
No. While some programs mention a "Higher Power," there are secular options like SMART Recovery. Choose what works for you.
Do's
- • Listen respectfully to others
- • Keep what's shared confidential
- • Turn off your phone
- • Be honest if you choose to share
- • Thank people for sharing
Don'ts
- • Don't give advice unless asked
- • Don't interrupt others
- • Don't talk about specific drugs/amounts
- • Don't feel pressured to share
- • Don't judge others' stories
Anyone can attend, including family and friends
Only for people who have a desire to stop drinking/using
One or two people share their story in detail
Group discussion on a topic, everyone can share
Reading and discussing program literature
Virtual meetings via Zoom or other platforms
Give yourself credit for going - it takes courage!
Next Steps:
- Try different meetings to find where you feel comfortable
- Consider getting phone numbers (but no pressure)
- Think about what you heard - what resonated with you?
- Plan to attend another meeting soon
Ready to Find a Meeting?
Use our meeting finder to locate meetings near you or online.