Big Book Group

Types of AA Meetings

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 Colorado are restricted to just members or anyone who has a drinking problem and wants to seek help. Discussions are informal. Everyone is encouraged to participate and share about their alcohol addiction and recovery journey.

Discussion: AA discussion meetings in Colorado are based on a central topic related to alcohol addiction and recovery. A member will open the meeting by reading a related passage from a relevant AA text, such as the Big Book or Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. Then, other members can share their input on the subject as they feel led.

Newcomer: In Colorado, AA newcomer meetings help individuals who are just starting recovery learn more about how AA works and what to expect in the 12 step program. They can share their experiences, learn about available resources, and receive literature to help them on their journey.

Open: Open AA meetings in Colorado aren’t restricted to members only. Instead, anyone from the community is welcome to attend and learn more about how AA works and what the 12 step recovery model includes. This includes friends, family members, and spouses of individuals seeking alcohol addiction treatment.

Speaker: AA programs in Colorado often include speaker meetings. Speakers encourage participants to strengthen their commitment to sobriety through humor, faith, raw emotions, and personality.

Step Meeting: In Colorado, step meetings are provided in AA programs. In step meetings, clients read passages from AA texts, talk about their own progress in that step, and suggest strategies for future progress.