Group Twelve

Types of AA Meetings

12 Steps & 12 Traditions: Texas' AA programs, firmly grounded in the 12 steps and traditions, offer a supportive environment to individuals on their journey to sobriety. With peer and mentor-led meetings held regularly, individuals of all walks of life can find a supportive community.

Big Book: In Texas, the Big Book has a prominent place in AA meetings. Clients are inspired to overcome their alcohol use disorder by reading about the lives of real people who did the same.

Closed: In Texas, closed AA meetings are only available to members of AA or people seeking help for alcohol addiction. General members of the public cannot attend. The discussions are informal and typically focus on one specific aspect of addiction recovery.

Discussion: AA discussion meetings in Texas allow all members to participate and share their thoughts on a given subject. The subjects pertain to alcoholism and recovery and usually tie into an AA text, such as As Bill Sees It or AA Grapevine. Leaders will share first, explaining their reflections on the topic and any related experiences.

Literature: Texas literature-led AA meetings are support meetings for people who are impacted by alcohol addiction. These meetings are open to all at no cost to attend, welcoming people of all ages and genders. They use the Big Book of AA and other literature written by AA founders and leaders to guide a 12-step addiction recovery program.

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 groups provide 12 Step Programs for members recovering from alcohol use disorder. Some meetings in Texas are reserved for men only, and discussions center on the health and recovery for men of all ages.

Newcomer: AA newcomer meetings in Texas allow members to share more about the program with people in recovery who aren’t as familiar with it. Individuals who are new to AA can use this time to learn more about the program, ask questions, and find support.

Open: In Texas, open AA meetings allow anyone from the community to attend and learn more about how AA operates, what the 12 step recovery model includes, and how they can support a friend or loved one in their alcohol addiction recovery. These meetings are available to alcoholics and nonalcoholics alike.

Smoking Permitted: Select AA chapters may allow permit smoking during the meeting or have a designated space for smoking in accordance with the facility’s policy and local ordinances. Smoking may include other tobacco usage and vaping.

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.

Speaker: Texas AA centers can encourage their members to resist relapse by inviting speakers. Motivational Speakers are usually AA alumni and use a blend of humor, charm, reason, faith, and emotions to dissuade their listeners from drinking.

Step Meeting: In Texas, AA chapters include step meetings in their programs. In the meetings, clients read from AA literature, discuss how the passages match up with their experience, and suggest ways on how to improve their recovery.

Wheelchair Access: Texas AA centers may have wheelchair access for non-ambulatory clients, including ramps and designated parking. The centers may also have open floor plans and safe navigation for amenities, including accessible restrooms.

Women: Texas women’s AA meetings are support group meetings for women who are impacted by alcohol addiction - those who are suffering from alcoholism as well as those who have loved ones with alcohol addiction. Free for women of all ages to attend, these meetings offer peer support along with a 12-step recovery program.