Winner’s Circle

Types of AA Meetings

Closed: In New Jersey, closed AA meetings are not available to community observers. Only members and individuals seeking help for alcoholism can attend. The discussions focus on topics related to alcohol addiction and recovery, and all attendees are invited to participate.

Discussion: In New Jersey, AA discussion meetings give members the chance to share their insights, reflections, and opinions on a particular subject related to alcoholism and recovery. Leaders will normally begin by offering their own inputs, often referencing an AA text. Then, others can share.

Newcomer: AA newcomer meetings in New Jersey are only open to members and people who are new to the program and want to learn more about it as they begin their recovery journey. The meetings may be an open discussion or they could provide an overview of Steps 1-3.

Open: Open AA meetings in New Jersey allow anyone who wants to learn more about AA to attend a session. During this time, members will share their experiences and recovery journey with AA, allowing attendees to learn firsthand how the program works and what the 12 step recovery model includes.

Step Meeting: AA programs in New Jersey often include step meetings. In these meetings, groups compare their recovery to stages in the 12 Step Program and strategize on how to strengthen their resilience by the next meeting.

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.