AA Meetings in Portland: A Beginner's Guide to Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous has helped millions achieve sobriety since 1935. If you're considering attending AA meetings in Portland, Oregon, this guide will help you know what to expect and how to get started.
Types of AA Meetings in Portland
Portland offers various AA meeting formats: Open meetings welcome anyone interested in learning about AA. Closed meetings are for people who identify as alcoholics. Speaker meetings feature one person sharing their story. Discussion meetings allow group participation. Big Book meetings study AA literature together.
Finding Meetings in Portland
AA meetings happen throughout Portland every day, from early morning to late evening. Our directory lists Portland AA meetings by neighborhood, day, and time. Many groups also offer online options for added flexibility.
What to Expect at Your First Meeting
Nervous about your first AA meeting? That's completely normal. You don't have to speak or share - just listen. Meetings typically last one hour and follow a structured format. You'll hear people share their experiences with honesty and hope.
Is AA Free?
Yes! All AA meetings in Portland are free. AA is self-supporting through member contributions, but donations are never required. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.
Finding Your Home Group
Try different meetings until you find one that feels right - this becomes your "home group." Having a regular meeting provides consistency, accountability, and deeper connections with fellow members in your Portland recovery community.