Westside Group

Types of AA Meetings

Big Book: Michigan AA programs frequently use the Big Book to inspire clients. This anthology contains stories about real people who overcame alcohol use disorder.

Discussion: AA discussion meetings in Michigan usually revolve around a central theme related to alcohol addiction and recovery. The meeting leader will start by sharing their insights on the subject, which may be taken from an AA text such as Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. Then, they’ll invite others to share.

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: In Michigan, AA newcomer meetings are available for individuals who are just starting their alcohol addiction recovery journey and want to learn more about how the program operates. The discussions are usually led by members who have been sober a while, and may include an overview of Steps 1-3.

Open: Open AA meetings in Michigan allow anyone who wants to learn more about AA and the 12 step model of recovery to attend. This may include individuals seeking support for alcohol use disorder or nonalcoholics who want to support their friends, loved ones, and relatives on their recovery journey.

Step Meeting: Michigan AA centers use step meetings as central to their programs. In these meetings, groups read from Twelve Steps, compare their experiences to the text, and strategize for future meetings on how to improve their recovery.

Tradition Study: Tradition Study sessions are AA reflections about the organization. Members discuss how AA chapters can be more successful in their purpose through greater unity and its outreach programs.