Hi Rachel. A meeting is basically as moogie explained it. Everyone in the room is equal, there is not social cast system there. You go, introduce yourself that it is your first meeting. Then after the meeting you get three phone numbers, one of a sponsor, and two friends. The sponsor is temporary until you decide you want to make them permanent or get another one. It is best to stay with someone you just click with. And i recommend reading the BB big book and the 12 and 12. Ask for those two books in the meeting. You will learn a lot. Just open it and read it. Basically do not feel overwhelmed. everything is one day at a time and learn how to pray the serenity prayer. I journaled in my early days of what the meetings were like and what i got out of them. and in time i would go back and read, and see my spiritual growth of how i got through what i thought i never could. it is all about you... you... and you... doing for you... "to thine own self be true"... and truth is the key word. Truth to yourself, God and your sponsor. It is anonymous and you do not have to explain yourself to people. Just listen, take what you need and leave the rest.. .blessings and tc