Alcoholics Together

Types of AA Meetings

As Bill Sees It: As Bill Sees It is a collection of essays and reflections from AA’s founder, Bill W., about the organization and its purpose. The book is often referenced in AA meetings to encourage members to individually and collectively discuss their recovery.

Big Book: In Nevada, AA programs frequently contain Big Book discussions to inspire clients. The Big Book features dozens of stories about real women and men who successfully controlled their alcohol use disorder.

Discussion: AA discussion meetings in Nevada are structured around a central theme. The leader will start by sharing the topic, which may come from an AA text such as the Big Book or As Bill Sees It. After sharing their insights and offering encouragement to others, they’ll invite members to participate in the conversation.

Grapevine: Grapevine is a monthly magazine published by AA. Its contents, written by AA members, generally feature the experiences of individuals with alcohol use disorder, and articles are often discussed in AA meetings.

LGBTQ: Selected AA chapters focus on providing a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community, and generally welcome LGBTQ+ allies. These groups prioritize members’ recovery and sobriety within a non-heteronormative context.

Literature: Nevada literature-guided AA meetings are peer support meetings for people who are impacted by alcohol addiction, including those suffering from alcoholism and those who have loved ones addicted to alcohol. These group meetings study AA literature such as the Big Book of AA, AA workbooks, and other writings by AA founders and leaders. All are welcome to attend at no cost.

Living Sober: AA centers may have selected sessions set aside for Living Sober discussions. This text is secular in nature, and focuses on practical ways that members have used to stay sober one day at a time.

Newcomer: In Nevada, AA newcomer meetings are open to people who are uninitiated with the program and want to understand how it works as they begin their recovery from alcohol addiction. Experiened members usually lead the sessions, which may follow a discussion format or more structured lessons.

Open: In Nevada, open AA meetings are accessible to anyone in the community. In addition to individuals seeking help for alcohol addiction, nonalcoholics can also attend to learn more about the 12 step program and how to support their friend or loved one in their recovery journey.

Secular: Secular AA meetings lack a faith-based component of healing and tend to focus on practical experiences and challenges. Secular meetings are usually attended by atheist, agnostic, and non-religious members.

Speaker: In Nevada, clients may attend AA programs, which include motivational speakers. Speakers, usually AA alumni, appeal to their audiences to harden their resolve against alcohol by appealing to their emotions, faith, reason, and wit.

Step Meeting: In Nevada, step meetings are part of the AA recovery process. AA members read passages from Twelve Steps, compare the text to their own recovery, and suggest approaches to improve their resilience.