Pelham St Group

Types of AA Meetings

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.

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.

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.

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.

Open: Open AA meetings in Alabama are accessible to anyone in the community. This may include individuals seeking help for an alcohol use disorder as well as their friends, spouses, and family members. These meetings provide a general overview of AA’s 12 step recovery model and allow time for members to share their stories.

Speaker: AA speaker meetings in Alabama can motivate participants to strengthen their resolve against alcohol. Speakers are often AA alumni and use a mix of humor, spirituality, encouragement, and emotions to inspire their listeners.