Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is an international fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other in order to help one another recover from problem drinking. AA meetings provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to find sobriety, build relationships with others in recovery, and gain knowledge about the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous. If you are looking for aa meetings chicago, this guide will help you understand what to expect.

Types of Meetings

There are two main types of AA meetings available in Chicago – closed and open. Closed meetings are reserved for members only; those attending must already have some knowledge of the program or be willing to commit to joining it. Open meetings welcome anyone interested in learning more about AA – family members, friends, professionals, etc. Generally speaking, open meetings involve a brief introduction followed by discussion on topics such as the 12 steps of recovery or experiences that could be beneficial to others.

Group Dynamics

The group dynamic of any meeting depends largely on its size and location; however, most follow the same basic structure. The leader will typically open with a reading from the Big Book (of Alcoholics Anonymous), followed by group sharing on topics related to recovery from alcohol addiction. As per the Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous, all personal information shared during these sessions is considered confidential and should not be discussed outside of the meeting hall. Most groups end with a prayer or serenity chant before closing remarks from the leader.

Location & Schedule

In addition to finding an appropriate type of meeting for your needs (i.e., closed vs open), you should also pay attention to where it takes place and when it occurs as these factors can make a huge difference in how comfortable you feel sharing your story with others at the meeting. In terms of location, there are numerous options throughout Chicago – churches, community centers, libraries etc., so don’t be afraid to look around until you find one that works best for you! Similarly, many different times are available depending on which day or night works best for your schedule – weekday mornings/afternoons/evenings or weekend mornings/afternoons/evenings – so take advantage of this flexibility when selecting a meeting time!

Conclusion: Finding sobriety through AA can require significant effort but it is also incredibly rewarding. For those seeking assistance in their recovery journey who live in or near Chicago area there is no shortage of support options available through various kinds of Alcoholic Anonymous Meetings here! Whether you’re new to AA or have been attending for years there are plenty of opportunities available allowing individuals like yourself further their goals towards sobriety while receiving comfort and guidance along their journey back into life free from addiction! With all this information at hand it is our sincere hope that we have given clarity into what can be expected at an AA Meeting here in Chicago–we wish everyone luck on their journeys towards successful recovery!