First Things First

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.

Big Book: The Big Book is a collection of stories from men and women who overcame alcohol use disorder. The Big Book is often a center of discussion in many Florida AA meetings.

Literature: Literature-focused AA meetings in Florida are community support meetings for people affected by alcohol addiction. These sessions offer peer support within a 12-step program based on AA literature, including AA workbooks, the Big Book of AA, and other writings by AA founders and leaders.

Meditation: Meditation AA meetings feature physical and emotional calmness as a main method of healing. The meetings open with 15 minutes of private mediation and close with an additional 5 minutes of meditation.

Newcomer: AA newcomer meetings in Florida help individuals who are new to AA understand more about how the program works and what the 12 step recovery model includes. Leaders may allow open discussions or follow a more structured format centered on the first three steps.

Step Meeting: AA members in Florida often schedule step meetings in their programs. In these meetings, members read from texts like Twelve Steps, talk about their level of progress, and strategize for greater improvement for their 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.