What to Expect at Your First Meeting
It's normal to feel nervous. Here's exactly what happens — and what doesn't — so you can walk in with confidence.
At a Glance
What IS at a meeting
- ✓ A warm welcome from fellow members
- ✓ Sharing from people who understand
- ✓ A structured, predictable format
- ✓ Complete anonymity and confidentiality
- ✓ Hope from people who have recovered
- ✓ A voluntary basket for contributions
- ✓ A closing affirmation and phone list
What is NOT at a meeting
- ✗ No weigh-ins or measurements
- ✗ No cost or membership fees
- ✗ No judgment about what you ate
- ✗ No requirement to speak
- ✗ No religion — spiritual, not religious
- ✗ No cross-talk or giving advice
- ✗ No food served or discussed in detail
Meeting Formats
CEA-HOW offers several types of meetings, each with a slightly different focus. All follow the same basic structure.
Pitch Meeting
One speaker shares their full story — how they got here, what happened, and the difference recovery has made. Newcomers often find these most relatable.
Big Book Study
The group reads and discusses passages from Alcoholics Anonymous (the "Big Book"), which forms the spiritual foundation of the 12-Step program.
12&12 Study
The group studies the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions — deepening understanding of each step and how the program works in practice.
All meeting types are appropriate for newcomers. When in doubt, choose any meeting and introduce yourself as a newcomer.
How a Typical Meeting Flows
Most CEA-HOW meetings run about 60 minutes and follow a consistent structure. The predictability is part of what makes them safe.
Opening
The meeting opens with the Serenity Prayer and a reading from CEA-HOW literature. A member reads the preamble and any announcements.
Newcomer Welcome
Newcomers are acknowledged and welcomed. You may be asked if you'd like to introduce yourself by first name only — you can always simply say "I'll just listen today."
Sharing
Members share for approximately 3–5 minutes each. Sharing is uninterrupted — there's no cross-talk, no advice-giving, no back-and-forth. You listen, and then the next person shares.
Basket & Announcements
A voluntary basket is passed. Newcomers are encouraged to keep their money for now. Upcoming events and meeting announcements are shared.
Closing
The meeting closes with an affirmation. A phone list may be passed. Many members linger to chat — newcomers are especially welcome to stay and ask questions.
When Can I Share?
What to Bring
An Open Mind
The most important thing. Give it a fair hearing before deciding whether it's for you.
Something to Write With
You may want to take notes — phone numbers, quotes that resonate, or the meeting schedule.
Your Phone (optional)
A phone list is often distributed. Saving a few numbers is one of the best things you can do at your first meeting.
Yourself — As You Are
No preparation needed. You don't need to be abstinent, ready, or certain. Just show up.
Online Meeting Etiquette
Most CEA-HOW meetings are held online via Zoom or phone. A few tips to make your experience comfortable.
Join a Few Minutes Early
This gives you time to settle in, check your audio, and get oriented before the meeting starts. You can introduce yourself to anyone who's already there.
Mute When Not Speaking
Background noise is distracting. Keep yourself muted until it's your turn to share or introduce yourself.
Video Is Welcome, Not Required
Some members prefer to keep video on for connection; others use audio only. Both are completely acceptable.
Use Your First Name Only
CEA-HOW is a program of anonymity. Members introduce themselves by first name only, and that's all you'll need.
What's Shared Here, Stays Here
Confidentiality is the foundation of trust in CEA-HOW. What you hear in a meeting stays in the meeting.
Phone Meetings Are Also Available
No computer? No problem. Many meetings are accessible by phone dial-in. Check the meeting listing for the phone number and access code.
Find Your First Meeting
Hundreds of meetings are available every week — online, by phone, and in-person. Browse and find one that works for your schedule.