Tiki Time

Types of AA Meetings

Big Book: In Hawaii, the Big Book is often used to inspire clients in discussions. The Big Book is a collection of stories from women and men who overcame alcohol use disorder.

Child-Friendly: Child-friendly AA meetings allow each member to bring up to one child to the meeting, with the expectation that the discussion will not feature experiences or language that are inappropriate for the child. Formal childcare may not be available, but the member can watch over her child while participating in the discussion.

Discussion: In Hawaii, AA discussion meetings allow members to share their opinions and reflections on a particular topic related to alcohol addiction recovery. The leader will typically open the meeting by referencing a relevant AA text, such as the Big Book or Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. Then, they will invite others to reflect on the topic in a group discussion.

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: Literature-centric AA meetings in Hawaii are peer support meetings for men and women affected by alcohol addiction. These free group meetings study the literature of Alcoholics Anonymous, including the Big Book of AA, AA workbooks, and other writings by AA co-founder Bill W and other leaders.

Newcomer: In Hawaii, AA newcomer meetings are sessions for individuals new to AA who want to learn more about the 12 step recovery model. Meetings are usually led by members who have been sober for a while and may focus on the first three steps of the program.

Step Meeting: Hawaii AA chapters often include step meetings. In these meetings, members read and discuss passages from AA texts like Twelve Steps, relate these passages to their own recovery, and strategize for future progress.

Young People: AA meetings for young people are intended for members in early adulthood, usually in their late teens and twenties. These groups focus on the experiences and issues that young people may face in their recovery.