Why is it so difficult to get a straight answer from someone? I have planned to attend my first meeting in a few hours, and going online to find when and where is soooo confusing.  They say things like Open, closed, speaker, etc. (I get the ns, women, etc part, just not the rest). Then I emailed someone for directions and the reply I got was confusing. After he gave the directions, which are hard enough, he followed with "if this is not the meeting you want, let me know". I have no clue WHAT meeting I want. I just know if I don't go to one tonight, I will have once again broken a promise to myself. And that "few days" I spoke of earlier is getting closer by the minute...... will someone please explain to me, can I just walk in any meeting, anywhere? or does it have to be for 1st timers, or beginners, or what......... thanks to all who have really helped me this far......

OldPro, You can walk into any AA meeting anytime.- A closed meeting is for Alcoholics only  ( you would qualify),

-an open meeting is for anyone ,family, professionals, anyone who wants to see what AA is about or attends with an Alcoholic as support.

-A speaker meeting is where a person shares their story of what it was like before sobriety, what happened to get them sober or in AA and what it's like now that they are sober.

- A newcomer meeting , I think you understand that one, if your area has one that would be great for you .

-There are what we call Big Book Studies and Twelve Step Meetings, those are good , but something you might wait to attend until you've been in AA for awhile.

The main thing is to get to a meeting tonight, go to an open or closed meeting ,womens meeting or speaker meeting.Are you in a city where there are alot of different groups? Find one close to you and go.The only requirement for AA is a desire to stop drinking.You can go to all AA meeting anywhere, anytime, I've even seen women end up in men's meetings and they stayed cause the guys said it was ok.

You can do it....

(((Hugs)))

GammyRose

Bless you, GammyRose. Finally, a real answer I understand. No, it's not too late, it starts in 2.5  hours and I WILL be there. I live in an area where I can attend meetings in lots of places almost anytime. But did not see any "marked" newcomer.  some start on the hour and some on the 1/2 hour, I am going to the first one that starts at 8:30est. I believe it said closed....... thanks again so much.......... hugs to you also.....