As Bill Sees It

Types of AA Meetings

Closed: Closed AA meetings in Massachusetts are limited to members and individuals seeking help for alcohol addiction. Members of the general public cannot attend and observe. Discussions are geared toward topics that would best resonate with current alcoholics and individuals in recovery.

Discussion: In Massachusetts, AA discussion meetings are designed to give everyone the chance to share about a particular topic. Leaders will choose a central theme, usually based upon an AA text such as the Big Book. They’ll share first, then encourage members to offer their own insights and reflections.

Literature: Massachusetts literature-based AA meetings are peer support meetings for people who are impacted by alcohol addiction. Open to all to attend at no cost, these community support meetings offer a study of the Big Book of AA and other AA literature within AA’s 12-step recovery program.