We Group

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.

Discussion: In Maine, AA discussion meetings are based around a central theme. Once the leader opens the meeting using the group’s chosen format, they will share the meeting’s topic, which normally derives from an AA text, such as the Big Book. After the leader shares a personal reflection, others can join and share their insights.

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.

Literature: Maine literature-based AA meetings are peer group meetings for people who are impacted by alcohol addiction. Open to all to attend at no cost, these community support meetings emphasize AA literature, such as the Big Book of AA and other writings by AA founders and leaders within a 12-step recovery program.

Open: In Maine, open AA meetings are informative and accessible, welcoming alcoholics and nonalcoholics alike. The meetings include information on what the AA program entails, how the 12 step recovery model works, and what members will experience. They’re ideal for someone new to the organization as well as friends, relatives, and loved ones of those seeking support.

Step Meeting: Maine AA programs can include step meetings. In these meetings, participants compare their recovery experiences with each other and the corresponding stage in the 12 Step Program. Members then suggest ways to improve their progress for the next step.

Wheelchair Access: AA meetings in Maine may provide wheelchair access, such as the use of ramps and designated parking spaces. Non-ambulatory clients can safely navigate the center’s layout and meeting spaces.

Wheelchair-Accessible Bathroom: Selected AA centers offer wheelchair-accessible bathrooms for participants. These bathrooms have enough space for a wheelchair to safely navigate, and can include private stalls with guardrails, reachable toilet paper and seat cover dispensers, a wash basin, and other amenities.