Serenity 24

Types of AA Meetings

As Bill Sees It: As Bill Sees It is a collection of essays and reflections from AA’s founder, Bill W., about the organization and its purpose. The book is often referenced in AA meetings to encourage members to individually and collectively discuss their recovery.

Came to Believe Book: AA discussions can feature the book Came to Believe. This collection of stories was written by AA members who reflect on their spiritual awakening and how this process has affected their recovery and lives.

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.

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.

Grapevine: Grapevine is a monthly magazine published by AA. Its contents, written by AA members, generally feature the experiences of individuals with alcohol use disorder, and articles are often discussed in AA meetings.

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.

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.

Step Meeting: AA programs in New Jersey often include step meetings. In these meetings, groups compare their recovery to stages in the 12 Step Program and strategize on how to strengthen their resilience by the next meeting.

Wheelchair Access: In New Jersey, non-ambulatory clients can access AA centers through wheelchair access. Clients may have designated parking spaces, exterior ramps, and open floor plans.

Women: New Jersey women’s AA meetings are support meetings for women who are affected by alcohol addiction. Free to attend at no cost and open to all women, including women who are addicted to alcohol and those who have loved ones with alcoholism, these peer meetings use a 12-step addiction recovery program.

Young People: AA meetings for young people are intended for members in early adulthood, usually in their late teens and twenties. These groups focus on the experiences and issues that young people may face in their recovery.