Bethel Early Bird

Types of AA Meetings

Big Book: Connecticut AA meetings may use the Big Book as a main discussion topic. The Big Book features real stories of men and women who overcame alcohol use disorder, and is a source of inspiration for clients.

Daily Reflections: Daily Reflections is an AA text that compiles insight, experience, and encouragement from various members. Selected contents may be topics of discussions in AA meetings. Members can also adapt reflections into their daily activities.

Discussion: In Connecticut, AA discussion meetings revolve around one specific topic. A member serving as the leader will open the meeting by referencing an AA text, such as AA Grapevine, the Big Book, or Daily Reflections. Then, other members can participate and share their own feelings about the topic and its relation to their recovery journey.

Newcomer: In Connecticut, AA newcomer meetings offer an opportunity for individuals in the early stages of alcoholism recovery to learn more about AA, ask questions, and receive resources. The discussions usually focus on the first three steps of AA’s 12 step program.

Open: In Connecticut, open AA meetings are available to any interested member of the public, including individuals who aren’t seeking treatment for an alcohol use disorder. This gives participants the opportunity to learn more about AA and the 12 step model of recovery.

Speaker: In Connecticut, AA speaker meetings involve humor, raw emotions, personality, and faith. Their goal is to inspire clients to harden their resolve against alcohol.

Step Meeting: Step meetings are part of Connecticut AA programs. In these meetings, participants converse about the stages of their recovery, compare their experiences to those in AA texts, and make goals for strengthening their recovery.

Tradition Study: Tradition Study sessions are AA reflections about the organization. Members discuss how AA chapters can be more successful in their purpose through greater unity and its outreach programs.