Sober & Gay

Types of AA Meetings

Big Book: AA programs in Pennsylvania often feature the Big Book in discussions. Clients find inspiration from the lives of real people who overcame alcohol use disorder.

Discussion: AA discussion meetings in Pennsylvania are structured around a central topic related to alcoholism and recovery. After opening the meeting and sharing the topic, leaders may share briefly from a related AA text. Then, they’ll add their own insights and encourage others to participate in the conversation.

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.

Literature: Pennsylvania literature-led AA meetings are support group meetings for people who are impacted by alcohol addiction, including those suffering from alcoholism and those who have loved ones addicted to alcohol. These no-cost community meetings are based on the Big Book of AA and other literature by AA founders and leaders as part of a 12-step addiction recovery program.

Newcomer: In Pennsylvania, AA newcomer meetings are available for individuals who are new to AA and want to learn more as they take the first steps toward recovery. Experienced members usually lead the sessions, which may be discussion-based or structured around core topics.

Open: In Pennsylvania, open AA meetings are accessible to all local community members who want a firsthand look into how the program operates and what the 12 strep recovery model includes. This may include individuals looking for help with alcohol addiction as well as their supporters.

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.

Step Meeting: Step meetings are part of the 12 Step Program in Pennsylvania AA centers. Groups read AA texts like Twelve Steps, discuss how the passages fit their experience, and come up with goals to improve their recovery in the next meeting.