Tropical Meeting Group

Types of AA Meetings

As Bill Sees It: As Bill Sees It is a collection of essays and reflections from AA’s founder, Bill W., about the organization and its purpose. The book is often referenced in AA meetings to encourage members to individually and collectively discuss their recovery.

Discussion: In Maine, AA discussion meetings are based around a central theme. Once the leader opens the meeting using the group’s chosen format, they will share the meeting’s topic, which normally derives from an AA text, such as the Big Book. After the leader shares a personal reflection, others can join and share their insights.

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.

Living Sober: AA centers may have selected sessions set aside for Living Sober discussions. This text is secular in nature, and focuses on practical ways that members have used to stay sober one day at a time.

Open: In Maine, open AA meetings are informative and accessible, welcoming alcoholics and nonalcoholics alike. The meetings include information on what the AA program entails, how the 12 step recovery model works, and what members will experience. They’re ideal for someone new to the organization as well as friends, relatives, and loved ones of those seeking support.

Speaker: Maine AA centers frequently invite speakers to motivate their listeners to strengthen their resolve against alcohol. Speakers get their points across through humor, faith, charm, and raw emotions.