Frequently Asked Questions

Direct answers for newcomers about AA — membership, meetings, anonymity, and what to expect. All content is reviewed by the SFV AA Central Office before publication.

Getting Started

  • Is AA free?Yes. There are no dues or fees for AA membership. AA is self-supporting through its own members' voluntary contributions and declines outside donations. You never have to pay to attend a meeting or to be a member.
  • What is the only requirement to join AA?The only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no applications, no forms, and no one decides whether you qualify. If you want to stop drinking, you are welcome in AA.
  • Am I an alcoholic?Only you can decide. No one in AA will tell you whether you are or are not alcoholic. If drinking is causing problems in your life, or if you repeatedly drink more than you intend, AA may be worth looking into.
  • Do I have to be sober to go to my first meeting?No. Being sober is not a formal requirement to attend an AA meeting. Many people first come to AA while still drinking, hungover, or unsure whether they want to stop. The only thing asked is that you not disrupt the meeting.

What to Expect

  • What happens at my first AA meeting?You arrive, sit down, and listen. Meetings usually open with readings, then members share their experience. You are never required to speak. If asked, you can simply say, "I'm here to listen."
  • Do I have to speak or share at a meeting?No. You never have to speak. Many newcomers just listen for their first few meetings, weeks, or months. If you do not want to share, you can pass or simply say you are there to listen.
  • What is the difference between an open and a closed meeting?Open meetings are for anyone, including family, friends, students, or people who are simply curious about AA. Closed meetings are for people who have a desire to stop drinking or think they may have a drinking problem.
  • Is what I say at AA anonymous and confidential?Anonymity is a core AA principle. Members are asked not to disclose who they see or what others share at meetings. It is a tradition of mutual trust, not a legal confidentiality guarantee like doctor-patient or attorney-client privilege.

Common Concerns

Practical Info

  • How do I find an AA meeting near me?You can search San Fernando Valley Area of Alcoholics Anonymous's meeting finder by day, time, location, and meeting type at /meetings/. You can also call 818-988-3001, and someone can help you find a meeting.
  • Can I go to an AA meeting online?Yes. Many AA meetings are held online or in a hybrid format, so you can attend from home. Online and hybrid meetings are usually marked in the meeting finder with a link or instructions to join.
  • What do the meeting abbreviations or meeting types mean?Meeting listings often use short codes or labels to describe the meeting format. Common examples include Open, Closed, Discussion, Big Book, Speaker, Step Study, Online, or Hybrid.
  • How is AA supported financially if it is free?AA is self-supporting through voluntary contributions from its own members. The optional basket passed at many meetings helps cover basic expenses like rent, coffee, and literature. Contributions are never required.

Getting Involved