Fourth Dimension

Types of AA Meetings

12 Steps & 12 Traditions: Alabama’s Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) programs follow the 12 Step and traditions guide, helping members build a strong foundation for their continued sobriety. AA meetings in Alabama are open to all members of the public, including recovering individuals, mentors, and family and friends of AA members.

Big Book: In Alabama, AA meetings may use the Big Book to facilitate discussion. This book contains dozens of inspiration stories of how past clients have recovered from alcohol use disorder.

Closed: In Alabama, closed AA meetings are not open to the general public. Only AA members or individuals seeking help for alcohol addiction can attend. This allows members to expand upon certain phases of their condition that other alcoholics can best understand. All members are encouraged to participate and the meetings are informal.

Discussion: In Alabama, AA discussion meetings begin with an AA member selecting a topic for group discussion. This topic will come from a type of AA text such as the Big Book, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, AA Grapevine, and others. The member will usually share first before opening the floor for others to participate.

Meditation: Meditation AA meetings feature physical and emotional calmness as a main method of healing. The meetings open with 15 minutes of private mediation and close with an additional 5 minutes of meditation.

Men: AA centers in Alabama may be specially designated for men of all ages who are affected by alcohol use disorder. These centers provide no-cost 12 Step Programs that center on issues that affect men’s recovery.

Open: Open AA meetings in Alabama are accessible to anyone in the community. This may include individuals seeking help for an alcohol use disorder as well as their friends, spouses, and family members. These meetings provide a general overview of AA’s 12 step recovery model and allow time for members to share their stories.

Spanish: Spanish AA meetings are intended for members who have limited English-speaking skills or those who choose to participate in Spanish. Other features of the center, such as AA literature or sign-language interpreters, may or may not be available in Spanish.

Women: Women’s AA meetings in Alabama are peer support meetings for women affected by alcohol addiction. The meetings use a 12-step curriculum to guide women through all stages of alcoholism recovery. They are open to all women free of charge, including women of all ages.