New Market Tuesday Night

Types of AA Meetings

As Bill Sees It: As Bill Sees It is a collection of essays and reflections from AA’s founder, Bill W., about the organization and its purpose. The book is often referenced in AA meetings to encourage members to individually and collectively discuss their recovery.

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.

Closed: In Maryland, closed AA meetings are not accessible to the general public. The only people who can attend are current members and individuals who recognize they have a problem with drinking and want to find help. Discussions are informal and participation is encouraged.

Concurrent with Al-Anon: AA meetings might be concurrent with Al-Anon, an organization composed of family members affected by relatives with alcohol use disorder. In these meetings, participants from both organizations discuss the challenges and successes they have experienced.

Concurrent with Alateen: AA meetings might be concurrent with Alateen, an organization made up of younger family members affected by relatives with alcohol use disorder. Discussions between the two groups can generate insight into the other groups’ experiences.

Speaker: Speakers are often part of an AA program to motivate audiences to harden their resolve against alcohol. In Maryland, speakers tend to use a mixture of humor, faith, charm, and raw emotions.

Step Meeting: Step meetings are a central part of AA programs in Maryland. Here, members read passages from AA texts like Twelve Steps, discuss how they have used these steps in their recovery, and make plans for improvement for their next meeting.