Foothills 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.

Digital Basket: AA chapters may have a digital basket, which is a virtual collections plate for members to donate funds to pay for the chapter’s expenses. The virtual basket may accept various online payment services, such as PayPal, Google Pay, Stripe, and Venmo.

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.

Newcomer: In New Mexico, AA newcomer meetings help individuals understand how AA works and what to expect from the 12 step recovery model. These meetings are informative in nature and will usually include an overview of the first three steps in the program.

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.

Speaker: Motivational speakers are commonly featured in New Mexico AA programs. These Speakers are usually AA alumni and use wit, reason, spirituality, and personality to inspire their audiences to resist relapse.

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.

Transgender: Transgender AA meetings provide safe spaces for transgender individuals and their allies to meet. These groups may discuss issues and challenges related to alcohol use disorder that transgender individuals face.

Wheelchair Access: New Mexico AA centers generally have wheelchair access for non-ambulatory clients. Features typically include exterior ramps, designated parking, and navigable layouts for meeting halls, restrooms, and amenities.

Wheelchair-Accessible Bathroom: Selected AA centers offer wheelchair-accessible bathrooms for participants. These bathrooms have enough space for a wheelchair to safely navigate, and can include private stalls with guardrails, reachable toilet paper and seat cover dispensers, a wash basin, and other amenities.

Women: New Mexico women’s AA meetings are support group meetings for women who are affected by alcohol addiction. Open for all women to attend at no cost, including women who are addicted to alcohol and those who have loved ones with alcoholism, these meetings offer peer support within a 12-step program.