Candlelight Big Book Step and Meditation

Types of AA Meetings

Candlelight: Candlelight AA meetings are sessions in which members bring candles, usually white, that represent their hopes and goals. When each member shares, that member lights their candles as they discuss their challenges and successes.

Discussion: In New Jersey, AA discussion meetings give members the chance to share their insights, reflections, and opinions on a particular subject related to alcoholism and recovery. Leaders will normally begin by offering their own inputs, often referencing an AA text. Then, others can share.

Meditation: Meditation AA meetings feature physical and emotional calmness as a main method of healing. The meetings open with 15 minutes of private mediation and close with an additional 5 minutes of meditation.

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.

Open: Open AA meetings in New Jersey allow anyone who wants to learn more about AA to attend a session. During this time, members will share their experiences and recovery journey with AA, allowing attendees to learn firsthand how the program works and what the 12 step recovery model includes.

Speaker: New Jersey AA meetings can feature motivational speakers. These speakers can inspire audiences to strengthen their commitment against alcohol through humor, reason, charm, and faith.