Find a meeting in the Lansing area

Meeting FAQ

Q: I noticed that many meetings are in churches. Do I need to belong to that church or believe in God to attend an AA meeting?

A: AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution. Meetings are held in churches but the church serves only as a location. The church is not associated with AA (or AA with the church) - the AA group pays rent to use the space. Meetings occur in many different places: churches, community centers, Alano Clubs, and hospitals to name a few. You do NOT need to be a member of a church or religion to participate and be welcomed by the AA community.

Q: If I attend a meeting am I required to speak?

A: No. Sharing helps you and allows others to get to know a bit about you - but it is not required. Many people attending their first AA meeting give their first name and if they desire not to speak, say "pass".

Q: What happens at a meeting?

A: There are many different types of meetings. Some have a specific focus - like reading Alcoholics Anonymous (also referred to as the "Big Book") - our basic textbook on how to recover. Some meetings discuss one of the twelve steps and/or traditions. There are also speaker meetings where a sober member of AA recounts his or her personal experience: what it was like, what happened, and where they are at now. Other meeting are created for specified segments of the recovery community: young people in AA, men's meetings, women's meetings, and gay and lesbian meetings are a few examples.

Q: Do I need to identify myself as an alcoholic to be welcomed in an AA meeting?

A: You will never be forced to identify yourself as an alcoholic at an AA meeting. This is a personal decision for you to make if and when it feels applicable.

Q: Are there any fees for attending AA meetings?

A: There are no dues or fees for attending an AA meeting but AA does support itself solely on the contributions of its members. During the meeting, a basket is passed and you will have the opportunity to contribute if you wish. An average contribution ranges between 1 and 5 dollars.

Q: What if I see someone I know at an AA meeting?

A: Personal anonymity is a founding principle of our program. When attending an AA meeting, sober alcoholics practice the saying -  "whoever you see here, whatever you say here, let it stay here". Outside of meetings we don't speak about who we saw or what we heard. We are not anonymous to each other, but it is important to respect every alcoholic's right to remain anonymous. 

Q: How do I find a meeting?

A: There are over 400 meetings a week in the Lansing area (Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton Counties). An online meeting search can be found here. If you have any problems, please call the Lansing Central Office at 517-377-1444 for help. The Lansing Central Office also publishes a printed meeting directory for the Lansing/tri-county area that can be purchased for $1.

Q: Are there different types of meetings?

A: Yes. Here is listing of a few different types of meetings that are found in the Lansing area:

• (B) Beginners Meetings - Topics of discussion are suited to new arrivals in AA and typically address the basics of the AA program.

• (C) Closed - A closed meeting is for AA members and those persons that have a desire not to drink.

• (O) Open Meeting - Open meetings are available to anyone with an interest in AA including students, professionals, friends and family. 

• (OS) Open Speaker - A meeting in which an AA member shares his/her experience with alcoholism and recovery through the AA program.

There are many different types of AA meetings - the above list highlights only a few examples. Click here for a full listing of types of meetings in the Lansing area.

Q: I am not an alcoholic but have been sentenced by the Courts to attend AA meetings. What meetings should I attend?

A: If you have a desire not to drink, you may attend any closed meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. Those who do not have a desire to stop drinking should attend an open meeting of AA. Court slips may be signed at closed or open meetings depending upon the group's decision about signing slips. Groups are not required to sign court slips but most do, in cooperation with your needs.

Q: What is the difference between open and closed meetings?

A:  Closed meetings are for persons who have a desire not to drink. Therefore, the only requirement to attend a closed meeting of AA is a desire not to drink. Open meetings are for persons who do not have a desire to stop drinking and anyone else with an interest in AA (students, professionals, friends and family of an alcoholic, etc).

Q: Are there any requirements to attend closed meetings?

A: The only requirement to attend a closed meeting is a desire not to drink.

Submit a new recovery meeting to the Lansing Central Office

If you are interested in starting a new recovery meeting in the Lansing area - we would like to help. Registering a new or existing meeting with Lansing Central allows us to publish meeting information in the online and in our print directory so that people can then easily find your meeting.  Please fill out the details in the attached PDF document:

Download New Meeting Registration Form

Either drop it your completed application in person, or submit it to us via conventional mail our address is: 1915 East Michigan Avenue, Lansing, MI 48912