New To A.A?

  • If you want to talk to an A.A. member about getting help for your drinking problem, call our A.A. HOTLINE: 217-373-4200, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • Or you can speak with A.A. members by going to an A.A. meeting. Find a meeting on our Meetings Page. You will see meetings identified as “Closed” or “Open.”
  • Closed A.A. meetings are for persons who have a desire to stop drinking.
  • Open A.A. meetings are for anyone who will respect the anonymity of the other people attending the meeting.
  • During A.A. meetings, the person chairing will ask, “Is anyone here attending their first A.A. meeting?.” You then introduce yourself by your first name and briefly state why you came to the meeting.
  • At an in person meeting, when a newcomer identifies themselves, a printed meeting list is usually passed for attendees to share their names and numbers. At the end of the meeting, the list is given to the newcomer.
  • At an online meeting, after the meeting ends, the meeting channel stays open to give newcomers the chance to speak with others and to get phone numbers.
  • Call or text those numbers; get to know A.A. through its members. They have all been where you are and have felt what how feel now.
  • The most important thing is to keep coming back. If your first meeting doesn’t suit you, try another.
  • At those meetings, ask for phone numbers. Use them. Soon you will discover a group where you feel comfortable and be surrounded by people who freely offer you support on your journey of recovery.