Westside Beginners

Types of AA Meetings

Birthday: In AA, birthdays refer to the last day (or the day after) that a member used alcohol or drugs. Birthday anniversaries are celebrated as milestones to encourage sobriety.

Discussion: AA discussion meetings in Washington, D.C. are based on a key topic determined beforehand by the group leader. This topic will relate to alcoholism and recovery and may tie back to an AA text, such as Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. The leader will share to open the discussion, and then all members are welcome to participate.

Newcomer: AA meetings in Washington, D.C. give experienced members the opportunity to share how the program works with people who haven’t spent as much time in it. Newcomers are encouraged to ask questions and the lesson will usually include an overview of first three steps in the 12 step recovery model.

Open: Open AA meetings in Washington, D.C. are accessible to anyone in the community. Attendees do not have to be members of AA to attend. These meetings are educational and informative, allowing current members to share their personal stories and experiences. Individuals looking for help with alcohol addiction can attend, along with anyone who wants to understand more about AA.