S.O.S. Step Study

Types of AA Meetings

Discussion: In Tennessee, AA discussion meetings center around a particular topic that relates to alcohol addiction and recovery. Group leaders will open the meeting by sharing their personal thoughts and experiences that relate to the topic, then allow other members to share. Topics typically come from AA texts, including the Big Book.

Open: In Tennessee, open AA meetings are accessible to anyone from the public, including alcoholics and nonalcoholics. During the meeting, members can share their stories and provide information about the organization, while observers can listen and learn.

Wheelchair Access: In Tennessee, AA centers generally feature wheelchair access to enable non-ambulatory clients to fully participate in meetings. The centers may have exterior ramps, designated parking, and safe navigation in meeting halls, restrooms, and amenities.