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Types of AA Meetings

Big Book: AA programs in Tennessee often inspire participants with stories in the Big Book. Clients discuss the lives of real people who successfully managed their alcohol use disorder and how they can do the same.

Closed: Closed AA meetings in Tennessee are restricted to members only, as well as anyone who recognizes they have a drinking problem and is ready to find help. Leaders will facilitate the discussion, which usually focuses on an aspect of alcoholism and recovery.

Discussion: In Tennessee, AA discussion meetings center around a particular topic that relates to alcohol addiction and recovery. Group leaders will open the meeting by sharing their personal thoughts and experiences that relate to the topic, then allow other members to share. Topics typically come from AA texts, including the Big Book.

Grapevine: Grapevine is a monthly magazine published by AA. Its contents, written by AA members, generally feature the experiences of individuals with alcohol use disorder, and articles are often discussed in AA meetings.

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.

Men: Men of all ages who are recovering from alcohol use disorder can join an AA group at no cost. In Tennessee, these groups provide 12 Step Programs that are specifically designed around issues concerning men’s health and recovery.

Newcomer: In Tennessee, AA newcomer meetings give new members a chance to ask questions, share their personal experiences, and gain support from experienced members as they seek help for their drinking problem. These meetings may include an overview of what to expect for Steps 1 through 3.

Open: In Tennessee, open AA meetings are accessible to anyone from the public, including alcoholics and nonalcoholics. During the meeting, members can share their stories and provide information about the organization, while observers can listen and learn.

Step Meeting: AA groups in Tennessee use step meetings to update their progress in the 12 Step Program. Members read from Twelve Steps, discuss how the passages compare with their experience, and recommend ways to enhance their progress by the next meeting.

Wheelchair Access: In Tennessee, AA centers generally feature wheelchair access to enable non-ambulatory clients to fully participate in meetings. The centers may have exterior ramps, designated parking, and safe navigation in meeting halls, restrooms, and amenities.

Women: Tennessee women’s AA meetings are community support meetings for women who are impacted by alcohol addiction - those who are suffering from alcoholism and those who have loved ones who are addicted to alcohol. Free for women of all ages to attend, these meetings offer peer support along with a 12-step recovery program.