The Gay Mens Stag

Types of AA Meetings

Closed: Closed AA meetings in Arizona are for AA members only, or anyone who has a problem with drinking and wants to stop. Observers from the community are not allowed to attend. Discussions are informal and all members are invited to participate.

Discussion: In Arizona, AA discussion meetings allow one member to share their personal experience, recovery journey, and hope for the future before opening the floor for others to share. They usually begin by referencing a topic from an AA text such as the Big Book, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, AA Grapevine, or others.

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: In Arizona, men of all ages who are impacted by alcohol use disorder may attend AA meetings designated only for men. Here, no-cost 12 Step Programs are offered that focus on issues relating to men’s recovery.