Laporte 287 Group

Types of AA Meetings

Big Book: In Colorado AA centers, clients may participate in Big Book discussions. This text features real men and women who overcame alcohol use disorder and can inspire clients to strengthen their resolve.

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.

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.

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.

Grapevine: Grapevine is a monthly magazine published by AA. Its contents, written by AA members, generally feature the experiences of individuals with alcohol use disorder, and articles are often discussed in AA meetings.

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.

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.