Types of AA Meetings

Babysitting Available: AA centers might have pre-existing available babysitting services, which they make available for members during meetings. Services vary in terms of cost, ages of children accepted, and amenities for babysitters, members, and children.

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.

Discussion: In New Mexico, AA discussion meetings are conversational in nature. Leaders will choose a central theme to discuss, often pulling inspiration from an AA text, such as As Bill Sees It. They’ll share their personal insights first, then allow others to do the same.

Open: In New Mexico, open AA meetings are available to anyone from the public who wants to attend. Members can share their stories and alcohol addiction recovery journeys, offering a look into how the program works and what the 12 step recovery model includes. Alcoholics and nonalcoholics are welcome.

Speaker: Motivational speakers are commonly featured in New Mexico AA programs. These Speakers are usually AA alumni and use wit, reason, spirituality, and personality to inspire their audiences to resist relapse.