The McKinley Group

Types of AA Meetings

12 Steps & 12 Traditions: Ohio's AA program follows the 12-step tradition, providing a pathway to sobriety for those in need. Meetings are open to the public, offer a supportive community for individuals and their loved ones, and promote understanding and healing.

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.

Big Book: The Big Book is used as a discussion topic in Ohio AA programs. Clients can be inspired by the collection of stories about real women and men who overcame alcohol use disorder.

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 Ohio, AA discussion meetings center around one specific aspect of alcohol addiction and recovery. Leaders begin by sharing their own thoughts and experiences related to the topic, which often comes from an AA text, such as the Big Book. Then, others can join in and add their own reflections.

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.

Open: Open AA meetings in Ohio do not restrict attendance to AA members only. Instead, anyone from the community is welcome to attend and learn more about how AA operates and what the 12 step recovery model includes. This includes alcoholics as well as their friends, relatives, and loved ones.

Speaker: Ohio AA members may invite motivational speakers to help their resolve against relapse. Speakers are usually AA alumni and use a blend of humor, reason, emotions, and faith to encourage sobriety.

Wheelchair Access: Wheelchair access in Ohio AA centers enable non-ambulatory clients to fully participate in group meetings. Features include exterior ramps, designated parking, and open floor plans for safe navigation.