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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.

Closed: Closed AA meetings in New York are not open to public community members who want to observe the discussion. The only people who can attend are AA members and people seeking help for alcohol addiction. The discussions are informal and everyone can share.

Daily Reflections: Daily Reflections is an AA text that compiles insight, experience, and encouragement from various members. Selected contents may be topics of discussions in AA meetings. Members can also adapt reflections into their daily activities.

Living Sober: AA centers may have selected sessions set aside for Living Sober discussions. This text is secular in nature, and focuses on practical ways that members have used to stay sober one day at a time.

Men: Men in New York can participate in AA meetings to recover from alcohol use disorder. Select AA groups are intended for men only and provide 12 Step Programs designed around health and recovery issues for men of all ages at no cost.

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.

Step Meeting: In New York, AA centers use step meetings to enhance members’ recovery. Groups read and incorporate excerpts from AA texts into their own stage of the 12 Step Program. The group makes plans for greater progress by their next meeting.

Tradition Study: Tradition Study sessions are AA reflections about the organization. Members discuss how AA chapters can be more successful in their purpose through greater unity and its outreach programs.