Happy Noon Hour Group

Types of AA Meetings

Big Book: New York AA programs often use the Big Book as a centerpiece in discussions. This book contains dozens of real stories about people who successfully managed their alcohol use disorder.

Birthday: In AA, birthdays refer to the last day (or the day after) that a member used alcohol or drugs. Birthday anniversaries are celebrated as milestones to encourage sobriety.

Closed: Closed AA meetings in New York are not open to public community members who want to observe the discussion. The only people who can attend are AA members and people seeking help for alcohol addiction. The discussions are informal and everyone can share.

Discussion: AA discussion meetings in New York give all members the opportunity to speak on a specific topic related to alcoholism and recovery. Leaders typically find these topics in AA texts, such as Daily Reflections. They will share first, and then others are welcome to contribute to the conversation.

Open: Open AA meetings in New York are accessible to anyone from the community. This includes individuals seeking help for alcohol addiction as well as their friends and loved ones or anyone who wants to learn more about how AA operates and what the 12 step recovery model entails.

Step Meeting: In New York, AA centers use step meetings to enhance members’ recovery. Groups read and incorporate excerpts from AA texts into their own stage of the 12 Step Program. The group makes plans for greater progress by their next meeting.

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.