Chisholm Group

Types of AA Meetings

Closed: In Alabama, closed AA meetings are not open to the general public. Only AA members or individuals seeking help for alcohol addiction can attend. This allows members to expand upon certain phases of their condition that other alcoholics can best understand. All members are encouraged to participate and the meetings are informal.

Discussion: In Alabama, AA discussion meetings begin with an AA member selecting a topic for group discussion. This topic will come from a type of AA text such as the Big Book, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, AA Grapevine, and others. The member will usually share first before opening the floor for others to participate.

Literature: Alabama literature-focused AA meetings are peer support meetings for people affected by alcohol addiction. These sessions use a 12-step curriculum based on AA literature, including the Big Book of AA, AA workbooks, and other writings by AA founders and leaders.

Open: Open AA meetings in Alabama are accessible to anyone in the community. This may include individuals seeking help for an alcohol use disorder as well as their friends, spouses, and family members. These meetings provide a general overview of AA’s 12 step recovery model and allow time for members to share their stories.

Smoking Permitted: Select AA chapters may allow permit smoking during the meeting or have a designated space for smoking in accordance with the facility’s policy and local ordinances. Smoking may include other tobacco usage and vaping.

Speaker: AA speaker meetings in Alabama can motivate participants to strengthen their resolve against alcohol. Speakers are often AA alumni and use a mix of humor, spirituality, encouragement, and emotions to inspire their listeners.

Step Meeting: Step meetings in Alabama AA centers revolve around the 12 Steps of recovery. AA members read passages from The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, discuss its meanings, and relate it to their progress.