🫶Welcome to Newcomers Keep Coming (NKC) Frequently Asked Questions for a Newcomer / Beginner 💖

Our meetings can offer emotional support and understanding, but they are not an emergency service.

If you are in immediate danger, feel at risk of harming yourself or others, feeling unwell or are experiencing a medical emergency, please contact:

• Your local emergency services.
• Your healthcare provider or doctor.
• A crisis helpline available in your area.

You are still welcome at meetings, but urgent safety needs should be addressed by appropriate professional services first.

Newcomer Keep Coming (NKC) is an open AA recovery-focused support meeting for anyone who believes they may have a problem with alcohol, drugs, or other compulsive behaviours and wants help.

Our primary purpose is to offer a safe, welcoming space for newcomers to experience a recovery meeting without pressure, judgement, or obligation. People share their experience, strength and hope with each other so that no one has to face recovery alone. 

We are an AA peer support group, not a treatment centre, counselling service, or professional therapy. Nor do we provide medical advice. The meeting is run by people in recovery who volunteer their time to help others.

Our Meeting Schedule is here https://newcomerskeepcoming.org/schedule

Our NKC open (open to anyone) meetings are for:

• People who think they might have a problem with alcohol, drugs, or other addictive behaviours
• People who already know they have a problem and want support to stop or stay stopped
• People who are unsure and just want to listen
• People returning to recovery after a relapse or a break from meetings

You do not need to be sure you are “an alcoholic” or “an addict”. If you are asking yourself, “Do I have a problem?”, you are welcome to join and see if you identify with what you hear. Some more information can be found on our Newcomer page.

Getting started is simple:

1. Visit the Front Page or Schedule page on this website.
2. Choose a day and the time that works for you.
3. Click the link to join or join a few minutes before start time. If it is in person meeting somewhere else, aim to arrive a little early if you can.
4. Come exactly as you are – you do not need to prepare anything, sign anything, or pay anything.

The most important step is simply to show up once. From there, you can decide whether the meeting is helpful and whether you want to keep coming back. Our Meeting Schedule is here Meeting Schedule and Joining details.

If the meeting is online, you will usually receive:

• Here at NKC we use an application called Zoom and you can download it here www.zoom.us
• A link to join, here is our shortened link https://zoom.nkc.life
• Or a Zoom meeting ID and a passcode, our ID is: 365 121 2424 and passcode is: 365

NKC online meeting guidelines:

• Your microphone will be muted until you can share with your camera on.
• You may be invited to turn your camera on, but newcomers can often keep it off at first if that helps them feel safer.
• Use the chat respectfully, and follow any instructions from the chairperson or co-hosts.

Online meetings make it possible to attend from home, work, or anywhere you feel safe, which is especially helpful for anxious newcomers or those with mobility or transport issues. More meeting guidelines are here  Meeting Safety and our Meeting Schedule is here Meeting Schedule and Joining details.

NKC's meetings are totally online and are international meetings with people joining from all around the world wanting help in addition and recovery.

If anything is unclear, you can Contact us before attending and our Meeting Schedule is here Meeting Schedule and Joining details.

No. There is no charge to attend our meetings.

Like many recovery fellowships, the meeting is self‑supporting through entirely voluntary contributions from people who attend. Sometimes a collection is mentioned; you can contribute if you wish, but there is no requirement and nobody tracks or checks who gives. 

If you are new and worried about money, please just come. Your presence is more important than any contribution.

If you wish to contribute, you can here Contribute to help.

Every meeting is slightly different, but most follow a simple, clear structure so a newcomer or beginner knows what to expect. A typical meeting might include:

• A welcome from the chair or host
• Welcome to all the newcomers or beginners
• A brief announcement section (for information, AA 7th Tradition Contribution)
• A short reading or introduction about recovery
• People sharing their experiences one at a time
• A closing reading or reflection

There is no cross‑talk or arguing – when people share, they talk about their own experience. Others listen respectfully. You can join, listen quietly, and leave when the meeting ends. Our Meeting Schedule is here Meeting Schedule and Joining details.

Most NKC meetings last about 60 minutes.

The start and finish times are clearly announced. You are encouraged to arrive a few minutes early if you can, so you have time to settle, but it is better to come late than not at all. If you need to leave early, that is okay too. Our Meeting Schedule is here Meeting Schedule and Joining details.

No. You never have to speak if you do not want to or have your camera/video on.

Many a newcomer or beginner or returner feels nervous, shy, or scared of speaking in a group. It is perfectly okay to:

• Join the meeting
• Sit and listen
• Have you camera/video on or off
• Leave when it finishes

Listening is often the best way to start. 

When and if you feel comfortable, you may choose to share and please turn your camera/video on to share. There is no pressure, and nobody will force you to talk about anything before you are ready or if you wish to. Some more information can be found on our Newcomer page.

You are not alone. Many people arrive at their first recovery meeting feeling:

• Terrified
• Ashamed
• Shy
• Overwhelmed
• Embarrassed 

Our meetings are specifically designed with newcomers in mind. You are welcome to:

• Keep your camera off
• Disable your microphone and just listen
• Use the chat privately to message the Chat Host if you are unsure what to do
• Leave and come back another time if it feels too much

Over time, many people find that their anxiety reduces as they realise they are accepted exactly as they are. Our Meeting Schedule is here Meeting Schedule and Joining details.

Life happens. It is better to come late than not at all.

If you arrive late:

• Join quietly with minimal video disruption or your camera off.
• Keep your microphone muted at first.
• Wait for a suitable moment that the chairperson allows if you wish to speak and ensure you camera is on to share.

If you need to leave early:

• You may quietly leave without explanation.
• If you want, you can mention if you share that you may have to go early, but this is not required at all.

The group understands that people have jobs, childcare, health issues, and other responsibilities. Our Meeting Schedule is here Meeting Schedule and Joining details.

Yes, we take anonymity and confidentiality very seriously.

The basic principles are:

• Who you see here, what you hear here, stays here.
• People are asked not to repeat names or personal stories outside the meeting.
• You do not have to use your full name - a first name is enough. If you wish use you middle name or as known name that is fine too.
• You can also leave you camera off if you wish.

While no group can offer an absolute legal guarantee of confidentiality, the culture and tradition of recovery meetings is to protect one another’s privacy so people can share honestly and safely. Some more information can be found on our Newcomer page.

No. You do not have to give your full name, address, or any personal details to attend the meeting.

Normally, you will only be invited to share:

• A first name (or a name you are comfortable using)
• Whether this is your first time at a recovery meeting (if you are happy to say)

If you later choose to connect with people, request to exchange numbers, or join group chats, that is entirely up to you. You remain in control of your information. Some more information can be found on our Newcomer page.

No. Meetings are anonymous and confidential.

The group:

• Does not report attendance to employers, schools, courts, or family
• Does not keep attendance lists for outside authorities
• Does not share personal stories outside the meeting

If you choose to tell your doctor, therapist, family, or friends that you attend meetings, that is your decision. The group itself will not disclose it. Some more information can be found on our Newcomer page.

No one is required to follow any religion or believe in God to attend.

Many recovery programmes use spiritual language (such as “a Higher Power”) but:

• People define this for themselves – it might mean God, nature, the group, or simply the power of people supporting each other
• People of all faiths, no faith, and unsure are welcome
• You will never be asked to join a religion or sign up to any belief system

If you find some of the language difficult, you are free to take what helps you and leave the rest. Some more information can be found on our Newcomer page.

No. Our meetings are peer‑led support, not professional therapy.

Key differences:

• We are not medical professionals, therapists, or counsellors
• We do not give professional diagnoses or treatment plans
• We do share personal experience, practical suggestions, and hope based on what has worked in our own recovery

Many people find that meetings and professional help can work well together. You are free to use our meetings alongside therapy, counselling, medication, or other forms of support if that is right for you. Our Meeting Schedule is here Meeting Schedule and Joining details.

Yes. You do not need to be sober or abstinent to attend your first meetings.

However:

• Please do not attend under the influence in a way that is disruptive or unsafe to yourself or others.
• If you are intoxicated and distressed, the group may gently suggest you seek immediate help from a medical or crisis service.
• Please stay muted and just listen to the Main Meeting and do ask for help in the Meeting after the Meeting.

You are welcome even if you are:

• Unsure whether you want to stop
• Not sure how to stop
• Worried you might not be able to stay stopped

Listening to others who have found a way to live in recovery may help you decide what you want to do next. Some more information can be found on our Newcomer page.

Yes. Many people identify with:

• Alcohol
• Drugs (prescription or non‑prescription)
• Gambling
• Other compulsive or addictive behaviours

You do not have to fit a perfect label. If what you hear in the meeting sounds like your experience, you are in the right place. Our focus is on recovery and change, not on judging how “serious” or “valid” your problem is. Our Meeting Schedule is here Meeting Schedule and Joining details.

Our primary focus is on people who personally struggle with addiction or compulsive behaviours.

However, we understand that partners, family members, and close friends are also affected. We are an open meeting so anyone can attend, we would ask that they remain muted and listen to the meeting.

There are also separate support groups specifically for family and friends of people with addiction, which may be more appropriate for their needs, for example  Al-Anon Family Groups  or  Al-Anon Teen Corner (Alateen)

If you are unsure, you can Contact us before the meeting and our Meeting Schedule is here Meeting Schedule and Joining details.

You are still welcome. There is no ban, no blacklist, and no shame for relapsing.

Relapse can be part of many people’s recovery journey. If you return after a slip:

• You will be welcomed back with warmth, love and support.
• You may hear others share honestly about their own relapses.
• You will be reminded that this is a place to start again, not to be judged.

The only request is that if you are actively intoxicated in a way that is disruptive or unsafe, the group may suggest you seek immediate help and return when it is safer for you to participate. Some more information can be found on our Newcomer page.

Many people find additional support through:

• Join NKC for service and start chatting with other group members, more about service here:   Service - Newcomers Keep Coming 
• Use Alchie Ai/Alchie AL our chatgpt support companion sponsor tool here:  Alchie AI / Alchie AL 
• Reading NKC's Blogs and joining NKC's Facebook group and Instagram more information here:  Blog & Socials - Newcomers Keep Coming
• Get a real sponsor, more information here:  Sponsor 
• Reading the Big Book and other great AA content here:  AA Content & Literature - Newcomers Keep Coming
• Attending more than one meeting a day.
• Seeking professional help such as a doctor, therapist, or counsellor

A newcomer or beginner is encouraged to “keep coming back”, especially in the early days when cravings, emotions, and life changes can feel particularly intense. Our Meeting Schedule is here Meeting Schedule and Joining details.

Yes we provide approved electronic/digital attendance verifications.

More information can be found here on our Verification page:  Verification 

The group will help where it can, but its primary purpose remains providing safe support for recovery. Some more information can be found on our Newcomer page.

Yes, you can attend as a quiet observer, but please remember that this meeting exists primarily to support people seeking help with their own recovery. We ask you to don't contribute, remain muted, keep your video off, and simply listen to the meeting.

To respect everyone’s anonymity and privacy, please do not take notes that include people’s names or identifying details, and do not take photos, screenshots, or record any audio or video of the meeting.

Please let NKC know in advance of attending so we can best support you and ensure you are aware of the meeting guidelines, thank you so much: Contact us

If you know someone who may be struggling with alcohol, drugs, or compulsive behaviours, you can:

• Share the website link or meeting details with them.
• Let them know that the meeting is free, confidential, and loving & welcoming to newcomers.
• Offer to attend with them, if they would find that reassuring. (NKC is an open meeting so anyone can attend)
• Avoid pushing or forcing – simply let them know that help is available when they are ready.

Many people arrive at their first meeting because a friend or family member gently shared information and then allowed them to decide for themselves. Our Meeting Schedule is here Meeting Schedule and Joining details.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a worldwide fellowship of people who share their experience, strength and hope to help each other recover from alcoholism. If you’re searching “what is AA” or “Alcoholics Anonymous meeting,” AA is peer support (not treatment or therapy) built around the 12 Steps and guided by the 12 Traditions. Many people begin by simply listening in an online AA meeting — ODAAT (One Day At A Time).
NKC weblink: https://newcomerskeepcoming.org/aa-content

AA stands for Alcoholics Anonymous. People often search “what does AA stand for” when they’re new and unsure. AA is a fellowship where one alcoholic helps another — no pressure to speak, and you can just listen. Keep Coming Back.
More info on NKC: https://newcomerskeepcoming.org/newcomer

Many people search “does AA work?” before attending. AA doesn’t promise results with numbers — it offers lived experience: people who couldn’t stop are now sober by attending meetings, connecting with others, getting a sponsor, and working the Steps. If you’re unsure, KISS (Keep It Simple): try a few meetings, listen for similarities, and see what helps.
See NKC meeting times: https://newcomerskeepcoming.org/schedule 

The Big Book is AA’s main text titled Alcoholics Anonymous. Many people also call it the “Blue Book” or “AA blue book.” It explains AA recovery, the 12 Steps, and how members stay sober and help others.
Big Book info on NKC: https://newcomerskeepcoming.org/aa-content

The 12 Steps of AA are a suggested program of recovery — practical actions that many people work with a sponsor to change how they live, not just stop drinking. A helpful AA reminder is progress, not perfection.
Steps info on NKC: https://newcomerskeepcoming.org/aa-content

An AA sponsor is someone in recovery who guides you through the 12 Steps and shares what worked for them. If you’re searching “how to find an AA sponsor,” start by attending meetings regularly and staying after to connect. NKC also offers sponsor connection support — use the sponsor page and complete the form. Slogan: Call before, not after.
Sponsor support on NKC: https://newcomerskeepcoming.org/sponsor 

The 12 Traditions of AA guide how AA groups stay safe, unified, and focused on helping the newcomer. They include principles like anonymity, group autonomy, and self-support — keeping the meeting a welcoming place to recover.
Traditions info on NKC: https://newcomerskeepcoming.org/aa-content

AA is spiritual, not religious — you don’t have to believe in God to attend. “God, or a Higher Power of your understanding” means you define what supports you: God, the group, nature, principles, love, or simply help beyond self-will. In AA we often say: take what helps and leave the rest.
Newcomer info on NKC:  How to Find Your Higher Power with the Help of AA & NKC 

The Serenity Prayer is a well-known AA prayer often used in AA meetings because it sums up a key recovery skill: acceptance, courage, and wisdom. Many people use it as a simple daily tool — especially when emotions run high.
Serenity Prayer on NKC: https://newcomerskeepcoming.org/aa-readings

In many larger online AA meetings, including NKC, everyone is muted by default for safety and meeting flow. To share in the main meeting we ask that your camera is on and your face is clearly visible. This supports meeting safety, reduces disruption, and helps protect anonymity. Listen to the chair person/secretary at relevant points in the meeting they will ask you if you wish to raise your hand to unmute and share with your video on (again for safety). If you only want to listen, that’s completely okay.
Meeting safety on NKC: https://newcomerskeepcoming.org/meeting-safety

No. Please do not record, screenshot, or screen-capture the gallery view of the people or the speaker. This protects AA anonymity and confidentiality and keeps the space safe for honest sharing. You can screenshot the verification page or verification chat.
NKC weblink: https://newcomerskeepcoming.org/meeting-safety

Yes. NKC offers a Meeting After the Meeting (MAM, the AA “parking lot”) where people can connect more informally after the main meeting ends. It’s a great place to ask questions, meet others, and build fellowship. We can offer breakout rooms on a case by case basis in the Meeting after the Meeting along with a NKC co-host for safety.
Meeting After the Meeting: https://newcomerskeepcoming.org/meeting-after-the-meeting

People often search “AA meeting topics” or “AA topics for today.” Topics are usually chosen by the chair/host or follow themes like Step topics, Tradition topics, Big Book topics, or daily readings. The purpose is simple: share experience, strength, and hope — without debate or cross-talk.
Topics info on NKC: https://newcomerskeepcoming.org/schedule  and  An Extensive Deep Dive into AA Meeting Topics 

Yes. You can suggest AA meeting topics or request specific readings (e.g., Daily Reflections, Living Sober, As Bill Sees It, and other AA topics for a Sunday Topic Night) by contacting NKC. We can’t guarantee every request is used immediately, but we welcome newcomer input.
Contact NKC: https://newcomerskeepcoming.org/contact-us 

Yes. NKC runs themed AA literature meetings such as AA Daily Reflections, Living Sober, and As Bill Sees It, as well as topic and speaker meetings. Check the schedule for current themes and joining details.
NKC literature schedule: https://newcomerskeepcoming.org/schedule

“Principles before personalities” (sometimes searched as “principles over personalities”) means AA focuses on spiritual principles like honesty, humility, willingness, kindness, and service — rather than personal likes/dislikes or arguments. It helps keep meetings safe and welcoming for newcomers.
More on NKC:  Embracing Principles Before Personalities A Compassionate Journey 

People search “AA slogans” because they’re simple tools for tough moments. Common AA slogans include Keep Coming Back, Easy Does It, First Things First, Progress Not Perfection, and One Day at a Time (ODAAT). They’re reminders to pause, stay connected, and take the next right action.
AA slogans on NKC:  500+ Recovery Slogans That Save Lives: NKC’s Ultimate Guide 

 AA acronyms are quick recovery tools. HALT = Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired — four states that can trigger relapse thinking. HOW = Honesty, Open-mindedness, Willingness. Use them like a checklist, then take action: eat, rest, call someone, attend a meeting.
AA acronyms on NKC:  The Ultimate Guide to AA & NKC Recovery: 300+ Powerful Acronyms and  An Extensive Deep Dive into AA Acronyms 

 “We are not a glum lot” is a famous Big Book line that points to AA culture: recovery isn’t meant to be joyless. AA is honest about pain, but it also offers hope, connection, humour, and a new way of living.
Big Book quote context on NKC:  Embracing Joy in Recovery: Understanding "We Are Not a Glum Lot" 

A sponsee is the person being sponsored - someone working the AA program with guidance. Sponsoring others usually means sharing experience and taking someone through the Steps, with care and boundaries (not control). Many members describe it as: give it away to keep it.
NKC weblink: https://newcomerskeepcoming.org/sponsor

Yes. Many people search “AA WhatsApp” or “WhatsApp AA” looking for support between meetings. NKC has chat groups overseen for safety; the best way to request access is via the service page/form (and you can also connect by staying for the Meeting after the Meeting).
NKC weblink: https://newcomerskeepcoming.org/service

A sobriety calculator helps you track time sober from your sobriety date (days, months, years). Many newcomers find it motivating because it turns “I’m trying” into clear milestones — ODAAT. Enter your sobriety date to see your time sober and even your heat beats for some fun (we are not a glum lot!).
Sobriety calculator: https://newcomerskeepcoming.org/sobriety-calculator 

The AA 7th Tradition says AA groups are self-supporting, declining outside contributions. That means meetings are funded by voluntary contributions — not fees. You never have to pay to attend NKC. If you’re new or worried about money, please just come.
Contributions on NKC: https://newcomerskeepcoming.org/make-a-contribution

 “Unity, Service, Recovery” are AA’s Three Legacies. Recovery = the 12 Steps (personal change), Unity = the 12 Traditions (how groups stay healthy), and Service = helping others and supporting the fellowship. Practicing all three helps many people stay sober long-term.
Three Legacies on NKC:  The Three Legacies of AA: Recovery, Unity, and Service 

Service is a powerful AA sobriety tool because it keeps us connected, accountable, and useful. NKC has many service roles (greeting, reading, hosting, security, and more). Service supports the meeting and strengthens recovery — service is love in action.
Service on NKC: https://newcomerskeepcoming.org/service 

Joining an AA meeting on Zoom is simple - it takes about 30 seconds. Visit our website www.newcomerskeepcoming.org/schedule, find the meeting time that works for your timezone, and click "Join" link you'll be taken directly to the Zoom room with no registration required. So you can join from your computer, phone, or tablet. 

Visit the NKC schedule and click the AA Zoom meeting link (or use the meeting ID and passcode) to join the open AA meeting online. Once you’re inside Zoom, turn on Live Captions/CC and select Translation, then choose your preferred language from our 40+ supported options:

Arabic (العربية), Bengali (বাংলা), Cantonese (廣東話), Chinese (Simplified) (简体中文), Chinese (Traditional) (繁體中文), Czech (Čeština), Danish (Dansk), Dutch (Nederlands), English (English), Estonian (Eesti), Finnish (Suomi), French (Canada) (Français – Canada), French (France) (Français – France), German (Deutsch), Greek (Ελληνικά), Hebrew (עברית), Hindi (हिन्दी), Hungarian (Magyar), Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia), Italian (Italiano), Japanese (日本語), Korean (한국어), Malay (Bahasa Melayu), Norwegian (Norsk), Persian (فارسی), Polish (Polski), Portuguese (Brazil) (Português – Brasil), Portuguese (Portugal) (Português – Portugal), Romanian (Română), Russian (Русский), Spanish (Español), Swedish (Svenska), Tagalog (Tagalog), Tamil (தமிழ்), Telugu (తెలుగు), Thai (ไทย), Turkish (Türkçe), Ukrainian (Українська), Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt), Welsh (Cymraeg) 

This makes it easier to follow along if you’re a newcomer or joining an online AA meeting right now from anywhere in the world making it a truly newcomers international friendly meeting.

Cross sharing (often called “cross-talk”) is when someone responds directly to another person’s share - like giving advice, correcting them, asking them questions, debating, or doing a back-and-forth conversation in the meeting.

In the main NKC meeting, we avoid cross sharing because it helps protect the things that keep meetings safe and helpful—especially for newcomers:

• Keeps the space safe and non-judgmental. People can share without fear of being “fixed,” challenged, or put on the spot. That supports our unity and “common welfare first.”
   
• Keeps the focus on AA’s purpose: we share our own experience, strength, and hope—rather than directing someone else’s recovery.
   
• Gives everyone a fair chance to share. Cross-talk quickly turns into side-conversations and time overruns.
   
• Encourages “I” statements and identification. In AA, we try to share what I did / I do / what worked for me—not what you should do. (K.I.S.S. = Keep It Simple.)
   

If you do want support, feedback, or a real back-and-forth, that’s exactly what the “Meeting after the Meeting” is for where cross sharing is allowed there.