The Week That Was

Types of AA Meetings

12 Steps & 12 Traditions: Kansas' AA programs provide structured guidance through available 12 Steps and Traditions programs. These programs provide essential support for those seeking sobriety. Meetings welcome individuals and their loved ones, offer a supportive network for recovery, and establish skills that translate to lasting sobriety.

Big Book: In Kansas, AA clients participate in Big Book discussions for inspiration. The Big Book is an anthology that features men and women who overcame alcohol use disorder.

Closed: Closed AA meetings in Kansas are not open to members of the general community. Only members and people seeking help for alcohol addiction can attend. The discussions are informal and everyone is invited to share their experiences with alcoholism and recovery.

Discussion: In Kansas, AA discussion meetings are structured around a specific topic that relates to alcohol addiction. Typically, the speaker will choose a short passage from a related AA text, such as the Big Book, and then briefly share their reflections. Then, other members can reflect on the topic and share their insights.

Newcomer: AA newcomer meetings in Kansas are designed to introduce the program to people who are seeking help for alcohol addiction. Experienced members typically lead the sessions, which often focus on Steps 1 through 3 of AA’s 12 step recovery model.

Open: In Kansas, open AA meetings are accessible to anyone in the public who wants to learn more about how the recovery program works and what the 12 step model of recovery includes. This may include individuals currently seeking help for alcohol addiction, as well as their friends and loved ones.

Speaker: Motivational speakers can help AA audiences reinforce their sobriety. In Kansas, many Speakers are usually AA alumni and use a mix of humor, charm, faith, and raw emotions to connect with participants.