Afternoon Workshop

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.

Big Book: Clients in New Jersey AA meetings frequently find inspiration in the Big Book. The Big Book is an anthology of real stories about men and women who overcame alcohol use disorder.

Closed: In New Jersey, closed AA meetings are not available to community observers. Only members and individuals seeking help for alcoholism can attend. The discussions focus on topics related to alcohol addiction and recovery, and all attendees are invited to participate.

Daily Reflections: Daily Reflections is an AA text that compiles insight, experience, and encouragement from various members. Selected contents may be topics of discussions in AA meetings. Members can also adapt reflections into their daily activities.

Literature: Literature-guided AA meetings in New Jersey are peer support meetings for people who are impacted by alcohol addiction, including those suffering from alcohol addiction and those who have loved ones addicted to alcohol. Free to attend, these community meetings study AA literature such as the Big Book of AA, AA workbooks, and other writings by AA founders and leaders.

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.

Newcomer: AA newcomer meetings in New Jersey are only open to members and people who are new to the program and want to learn more about it as they begin their recovery journey. The meetings may be an open discussion or they could provide an overview of Steps 1-3.

Step Meeting: AA programs in New Jersey often include step meetings. In these meetings, groups compare their recovery to stages in the 12 Step Program and strategize on how to strengthen their resilience by the next meeting.

Tradition Study: Tradition Study sessions are AA reflections about the organization. Members discuss how AA chapters can be more successful in their purpose through greater unity and its outreach programs.