Dupont Circle Club

Types of AA Meetings

12 Steps & 12 Traditions: Washington DC’s AA 12 Step and Traditions program invites individuals to join a community dedicated to recovery. Through peer and mentor-led meetings held regularly, support and encouragement allow individuals to continue on their path to recovery.

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.

Big Book: In Washington D.C., clients in AA programs often read and discuss the Big Book. This anthology features real people who overcame alcohol use disorder and can be a source of inspiration.

Birthday: In AA, birthdays refer to the last day (or the day after) that a member used alcohol or drugs. Birthday anniversaries are celebrated as milestones to encourage sobriety.

Discussion: AA discussion meetings in Washington, D.C. are based on a key topic determined beforehand by the group leader. This topic will relate to alcoholism and recovery and may tie back to an AA text, such as Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. The leader will share to open the discussion, and then all members are welcome to participate.

Literature: AA literature meetings in Washington DC are support group meetings for people in the community who are affected by alcohol addiction. These meetings are free to attend and offer a study of the Big Book of AA and other recovery writings by AA founders and leaders as part of a 12-step addiction recovery program.

Newcomer: AA meetings in Washington, D.C. give experienced members the opportunity to share how the program works with people who haven’t spent as much time in it. Newcomers are encouraged to ask questions and the lesson will usually include an overview of first three steps in the 12 step recovery model.

Open: Open AA meetings in Washington, D.C. are accessible to anyone in the community. Attendees do not have to be members of AA to attend. These meetings are educational and informative, allowing current members to share their personal stories and experiences. Individuals looking for help with alcohol addiction can attend, along with anyone who wants to understand more about AA.

Speaker: AA members in Washington D.C. often listen to motivational speakers to reinforce their resolve against drinking. In the AA center, speakers deliver their points by using emotional appeal, reason, humor, and faith.

Step Meeting: AA members in Washington D.C. use step meetings to map out their progress in a 12 Step Program. The group reads from AA literature, compares their experiences to the passages, and suggests recommendations for ways to improve their resilience.

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.