Prattville Downtown 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.

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.

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.

Newcomer: AA newcomer meetings in Alabama are designed to help individuals who are new to AA understand the program. Experienced members usually lead the meetings, which may be discussion-based or focused specifically on the first three steps of the 12 step recovery model.

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.