Beginners Group

Types of AA Meetings

Big Book: Mississippi clients frequently seek inspiration in the Big Book in AA meetings. The Big Book is a collection of stories about real people who overcame alcohol use disorder.

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.

Closed: In Mississippi, closed AA meetings are only available to AA members and people who recognize they have an alcohol addiction and want to seek help. The discussions are informal in nature and everyone is invited to share their personal reflections, challenges, and hopes for the future.

Discussion: In Mississippi, AA discussion meetings are focused on one specific aspect of alcoholism and recovery. Leaders may find inspiration in an AA text, such as the AA Grapevine. They’ll share their reflections first and then others can participate in the group conversation.

Open: In Mississippi, open AA meetings allow all interested community members to come together and learn more about what AA entails and how its recovery model works. In addition to individuals seeking support for alcohol addiction, this may include nonalcoholic friends, family members, and loved ones of AA members.