Live & Let Live

Types of AA Meetings

Big Book: The Big Book is used as a discussion topic in Ohio AA programs. Clients can be inspired by the collection of stories about real women and men who overcame alcohol use disorder.

Closed: In Ohio, closed AA meetings are open to members only, including anyone seeking help for an alcohol addiction. The discussions center on topics related to alcoholism and recovery and all participants are invited to contribute.

Discussion: In Ohio, AA discussion meetings center around one specific aspect of alcohol addiction and recovery. Leaders begin by sharing their own thoughts and experiences related to the topic, which often comes from an AA text, such as the Big Book. Then, others can join in and add their own reflections.

LGBTQ: Selected AA chapters focus on providing a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community, and generally welcome LGBTQ+ allies. These groups prioritize members’ recovery and sobriety within a non-heteronormative context.