By The Book

Types of AA Meetings

Big Book: New York AA programs often use the Big Book as a centerpiece in discussions. This book contains dozens of real stories about people who successfully managed their alcohol use disorder.

Child-Friendly: Child-friendly AA meetings allow each member to bring up to one child to the meeting, with the expectation that the discussion will not feature experiences or language that are inappropriate for the child. Formal childcare may not be available, but the member can watch over her child while participating in the discussion.

Literature: Literature-guided AA meetings in New York are support group meetings for people who are affected by alcohol addiction, including those suffering from alcoholism and those who have loved ones addicted to alcohol. These 12-step meetings study AA literature such as the Big Book of AA, AA workbooks, and other writings by AA founders and leaders.

Newcomer: In New York, AA newcomer meetings offer an opportunity for people who are new to AA to learn more about the program as they begin their sobriety journey. Experienced members normally lead the meetings, which may include group discussions or follow a more structured lesson format.

Open: Open AA meetings in New York are accessible to anyone from the community. This includes individuals seeking help for alcohol addiction as well as their friends and loved ones or anyone who wants to learn more about how AA operates and what the 12 step recovery model entails.