Old Town Group 726 Stillwater Avenue

Types of AA Meetings

Discussion: In Maine, AA discussion meetings are based around a central theme. Once the leader opens the meeting using the group’s chosen format, they will share the meeting’s topic, which normally derives from an AA text, such as the Big Book. After the leader shares a personal reflection, others can join and share their insights.

Open: In Maine, open AA meetings are informative and accessible, welcoming alcoholics and nonalcoholics alike. The meetings include information on what the AA program entails, how the 12 step recovery model works, and what members will experience. They’re ideal for someone new to the organization as well as friends, relatives, and loved ones of those seeking support.

Secular: Secular AA meetings lack a faith-based component of healing and tend to focus on practical experiences and challenges. Secular meetings are usually attended by atheist, agnostic, and non-religious members.