Sunrise Sobriety

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.

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.

Smoking Permitted: Select AA chapters may allow permit smoking during the meeting or have a designated space for smoking in accordance with the facility’s policy and local ordinances. Smoking may include other tobacco usage and vaping.

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.