Aztec Group

Types of AA Meetings

Big Book: The Big Book is a collection of real stories about people who successfully managed alcohol use disorder. AA clients in New Mexico use the Big Book for inspiration.

Candlelight: Candlelight AA meetings are sessions in which members bring candles, usually white, that represent their hopes and goals. When each member shares, that member lights their candles as they discuss their challenges and successes.

Child-Friendly: Child-friendly AA meetings allow each member to bring up to one child to the meeting, with the expectation that the discussion will not feature experiences or language that are inappropriate for the child. Formal childcare may not be available, but the member can watch over her child while participating in the discussion.

Discussion: In New Mexico, AA discussion meetings are conversational in nature. Leaders will choose a central theme to discuss, often pulling inspiration from an AA text, such as As Bill Sees It. They’ll share their personal insights first, then allow others to do the same.

Open: In New Mexico, open AA meetings are available to anyone from the public who wants to attend. Members can share their stories and alcohol addiction recovery journeys, offering a look into how the program works and what the 12 step recovery model includes. Alcoholics and nonalcoholics are welcome.

Step Meeting: New Mexico AA programs often feature step meetings. Here, the group read and discuss excerpts from 12 Step Program literature and relate the texts to their own recovery. Members recommend goals to make their recovery stronger in the future.