Legacies Group

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.

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 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.

Literature: Alabama literature-focused AA meetings are peer support meetings for people affected by alcohol addiction. These sessions use a 12-step curriculum based on AA literature, including the Big Book of AA, AA workbooks, and other writings by AA founders and leaders.