Saturday Night Library Group

Types of AA Meetings

Big Book: In Illinois, AA meetings often feature discussions centered on the Big Book. Clients read this collection of stories about men and women who overcame alcohol use disorder for inspiration.

Closed: Closed AA meetings in Illinois are not open to outside observers. Instead, only AA members or individuals looking for help with a drinking problem are invited to attend. The discussions center around topics related to alcoholism and recovery and are of particular value to newcomers.

Discussion: AA discussion meetings in Illinois allow members to reflect upon and discuss a specific aspect of alcohol addiction and recovery. The leader will usually begin the meeting by referencing an AA text, such as Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. Then, they will invite others to share.

Speaker: Motivational speakers in Illinois AA programs can inspire clients to reinforce their sobriety. Speakers often use a blend of charm, humor, faith, and raw emotions to get their points across.

Step Meeting: AA programs in Illinois often include step meetings. In these meetings, members converse about their recovery as it relates to a 12 Step program and strategize goals to make their recovery stronger.

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.