Beginner’s Meeting

Types of AA Meetings

Closed: Closed AA meetings in Illinois are not open to outside observers. Instead, only AA members or individuals looking for help with a drinking problem are invited to attend. The discussions center around topics related to alcoholism and recovery and are of particular value to newcomers.

Discussion: AA discussion meetings in Illinois allow members to reflect upon and discuss a specific aspect of alcohol addiction and recovery. The leader will usually begin the meeting by referencing an AA text, such as Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. Then, they will invite others to share.

Gay: Gay AA chapters can consist of members who are homosexual men or are simply gay-friendly. Topics in discussion are frequently related to issues facing gay men and their recovery.

LGBTQ: Selected AA chapters focus on providing a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community, and generally welcome LGBTQ+ allies. These groups prioritize members’ recovery and sobriety within a non-heteronormative context.

Lesbian: Lesbian AA meetings are intended as safe spaces for homosexual women and their allies to meet. Discussions generally focus on issues and challenges that lesbians face in their recovery.

Newcomer: AA newcomer meetings in Illinois allow members to share about the program with individuals who are just starting their recovery from alcohol addiction. Experienced members normally lead the meetings, which may be structured around Step 1, Step 2, and Step 3 of the AA recovery model.

Open: In Illinois, open AA meetings are available to anyone who wants to learn more about the organization and its 12 step model of recovery. Attendees can include individuals currently seeking treatment for alcohol use disorder as well as friends, relatives, and loved ones of someone battling this addiction.

Step Meeting: AA programs in Illinois often include step meetings. In these meetings, members converse about their recovery as it relates to a 12 Step program and strategize goals to make their recovery stronger.