Bellingham Group

Types of AA Meetings

Big Book: AA clients in Washington use the Big Book as a source of inspiration. The Big Book features the lives of real men and women who overcame alcohol use disorder and can inspire clients to follow their lead.

Closed: In Washington, closed AA meetings are only available to members of AA and people who want to find help for alcohol addiction. Nonalcoholics and general members of the community cannot attend these discussions, which center on topics related to alcoholism and recovery.

Literature: Washington AA literature meetings are support group meetings for anyone in the community who is affected by alcohol addiction. These peer support meetings study the Big Book of AA and other recovery writings by AA founders and leaders as part of a 12-step addiction recovery program. They are open for all and are free to attend.

Newcomer: AA newcomer meetings in Washington are geared toward indiviusls who aren’t familiar with AA and want to understand more about it as they recover from alcohol addiction. They are informative in nature and may include a synopsis of Steps 1 through 3 of the program.

Open: In Washington, open AA meetings are not restricted to members only. Anyone is welcome to attend and learn more about how the program works and what the 12 step model of recovery includes. This includes individuals seeking help for alcohol addiction as well as nonalcoholics who want to support a friend or loved one in recovery.

Women: Washington AA meetings for women are women-specific peer support meetings for those who are affected by alcohol addiction - women who are addicted to alcohol or who have loved ones suffering from alcoholism. Open to women of all ages and with no cost to attend, these meetings offer community support and are guided by a 12-step recovery program.