AA members share their experience with anyone seeking help with a drinking problem; they give person-to-person service or “sponsorship” to the alcoholic coming to A.A. from any source.
The AA program, set forth in our Twelve Steps, offers the alcoholic a way to develop a satisfying life without alcohol.
This program is discussed at AA group meetings.
Open speaker meetings — open to alcoholics and nonalcoholics. (Attendance at an open AA meeting is the best way to learn what AA is, what it does, and what it does not do.) At speaker meetings, AA members “tell their stories.” They describe their experiences with alcohol, how they came to AA, and how their lives have changed as a result of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Open discussion meetings — one member speaks briefly about his or her drinking experience, and then leads a discussion on AA recovery or any drinking-related problem anyone brings up. (Closed meetings are for AAs or anyone who may have a drinking problem.)
Closed discussion meetings — conducted just as open discussions are, but for alcoholics or prospective AAs only.
Step meetings (usually closed) — discussion of one of the Twelve Steps.
AA members also take meetings into correctional and treatment facilities.
AA members may be asked to conduct the informational meetings about AA as a part of ASAP (Alcohol Safety Action Project) and D.W.I. (Driving While Intoxicated) programs. These meetings about AA are not regular AA group meetings.
