You don't have to speak
This is the single most common fear, and the answer is simple: you can sit through the whole thing and say nothing. If the group goes around the room, you can give your first name and say "I'll pass," or just say "pass." Nobody follows up. Listening is a completely legitimate way to attend, and plenty of people in the room did exactly that for their first several meetings.
You don't have to be sober to be there
You will not be turned away for having used or having been drinking. The only real expectation is that you don't disrupt the meeting. A lot of people show up to their first meeting on the worst day they've had. That's not a disqualification — for many people, it's the reason they came.
It's free
No fee, no sign-up sheet, no insurance, no intake paperwork. Most groups pass a basket partway through for coffee and room rent. Putting something in is optional and nobody watches whether you do. If you have nothing, you're still welcome.
Open vs. closed meetings
You'll see meetings labeled "open" or "closed." Open meetings are open to anyone — including family, friends, and people just trying to figure out whether they have a problem. Closed meetings are for people who have a desire to stop drinking or using. If you're unsure whether any of this applies to you, or you want to bring someone with you, start with an open meeting. The finders above label which is which.
What "sharing" actually means
Sharing is just talking about your own experience for a few minutes when it's your turn. It isn't advice-giving, it isn't a performance, and it isn't cross-talk — people generally don't respond to or comment on what you said. That's deliberate: it means you can say something true out loud without anyone fixing you. You can share for one minute or not at all.
How long it lasts
Most meetings run about an hour, with a few minutes of readings at the start and announcements at the end. If you need to leave early, you can — sit near the back so you're not walking across the room.
What to expect otherwise
Somebody will probably say hello and offer you coffee. If you say you're new, a few people may give you their phone number — a normal, well-meant thing rather than a sales tactic. You don't have to take it, and you don't have to call. There's no obligation attached to walking in the door, and none attached to walking back out.
