Open and closed meetings
Which ones you can bring somebody to
Anyone may attend an open A.A. meeting — family, friends, students, professionals, and anyone simply curious about A.A. A closed meeting is for people who have a desire to stop drinking. That desire is the only qualification: not a diagnosis, not certainty, and nobody checks.
Of the 26 weekly meetings in Cambria and Somerset counties, 20 are open and 6 are closed. Open meetings run in 10 towns: Ashville, Cresson, Ebensburg, Friedens, Johnstown, Loretto, Patton, Portage, Sidman, Somerset. Every meeting in our list says which it is, and both cost nothing to attend.
Open meetings
An open meeting is open to the public. You can walk into one whether or not you have ever had a drink problem — as a spouse, a parent, a friend, a student writing a paper, a nurse, a probation officer, or somebody who is not sure yet and wants to see what it looks like.
In practice they often feature one person speaking at length about their own experience, followed by others sharing. If you want to bring somebody with you, this is the kind to pick.
Closed meetings
A closed meeting is for people who have a desire to stop drinking. Nothing more formal than that — there is no test, no proof, and no membership to hold. If you think you might have a problem and you would like to stop, you belong there.
The reason for closed meetings is not exclusivity. It is that people talk more honestly about the worst of it in a room where everyone has been there.
So which should I go to?
For a first meeting, either. Some people prefer an open meeting because turning up implies nothing at all about you. Others prefer a closed one for exactly the opposite reason. If you are bringing anybody with you, it has to be an open one.
Every meeting on our list shows Open or Closed on its card, and you can filter the list by it. When in doubt, call (814) 283-4772 and describe your situation — that is what the number is for.
What "closed" never means
It does not mean secret, and it does not mean you have to be invited, vouched for, sober already, sure of anything, or a member of anything. If the word put you off, that is the most common misreading of it and it is worth ignoring.
Open meetings by town
Common questions
What is the difference between an open and a closed A.A. meeting?
Anyone may attend an open meeting — family, friends, students, professionals, and people who are simply curious about A.A. A closed meeting is for people who have a desire to stop drinking. That desire is the only qualification, and you are the only person who decides whether you have it.
Can I bring my husband, wife or friend to an A.A. meeting?
To an open meeting, yes. That is exactly what open meetings are for. Closed meetings are for alcoholics only, so bring your family to an open one — nobody will be surprised, and newcomers turn up with someone else all the time.
Do I have to be sure I am an alcoholic to attend a closed meeting?
No. The requirement is a desire to stop drinking, not a diagnosis and not certainty. If you think you might have a problem and you want to stop, you qualify. Nobody checks and nobody asks.
Which is better for a first meeting?
Either works. Open meetings are often a little easier for a first visit because nothing about your attendance implies anything — you could be there out of curiosity. Closed meetings are sometimes more candid, since everyone in the room shares the same problem.
How do I tell whether a meeting is open or closed?
Every meeting in our list says so on its card and on its own page, and you can also just ask at the door. If you are unsure, call the district answering service and someone will point you at the right one.