Mother Lode

Types of AA Meetings

11th Step Meditation: 11th Step Meditation is a spiritual-based stage in which members individually and collectively pray for greater strength to correct weaknesses and to make amends for injuries inflicted on others due to alcohol use disorder.

12 Steps & 12 Traditions: California's AA programs provide a foundation for lasting sobriety through the 12 Steps and Traditions programs. AA meetings offer a supportive community and welcome all individuals seeking recovery all while offering guidance and understanding along the way.

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: California AA meetings often feature the Big Book. This text features stories about how women and men overcame alcohol use disorder and is used to inspire clients to build resilience.

Closed: Closed AA meetings in California are not open to the general public. They are reserved for members and anyone who has a desire to stop drinking. Discussions are personal in nature and related to alcohol addiction recovery.

Daily Reflections: Daily Reflections is an AA text that compiles insight, experience, and encouragement from various members. Selected contents may be topics of discussions in AA meetings. Members can also adapt reflections into their daily activities.

Discussion: AA discussion meetings in California help members share their thoughts and feelings on a specific topic related to alcoholism and recovery. A pre-determined speaker will open the meeting by sharing a topic from an AA text, such as the Big Book or AA Grapevine. After discussing the topic briefly, they will open the floor for others to speak.

Literature: California literature-centric AA meetings are peer support meetings for men and women affected by alcohol addiction. These meetings follow a 12-step program and focus on the study of AA literature, including the Big Book of AA, AA workbooks, and other writings by AA co-founder Bill W and other leaders. The meetings are free to attend.

Men: Select AA chapters in California might focus only on men’s recovery. These chapters offer free 12 Step Programs designed specifically for men of all ages.

Newcomer: AA newcomer meetings in California introduce the concept of the program to individuals in early recovery from alcohol addiction. These discussions help them acclimate to the community and learn the fundamentals of AA’s 12 step model.

Open: Open AA meetings in California are informative in nature, designed for those seeking help for alcohol addiction and anyone interested in learning about the 12 step recovery model. Members are encouraged to share their stories and provide tips for recovery, helping observers learn more about how the program works and what their loved ones can expect.

Spanish: Spanish AA meetings are intended for members who have limited English-speaking skills or those who choose to participate in Spanish. Other features of the center, such as AA literature or sign-language interpreters, may or may not be available in Spanish.

Speaker: AA speakers often blend humor, faith, charm, and raw emotions before audiences. In California, speakers can effectively motivate listeners to harden their resolve against alcohol.

Wheelchair Access: In California, AA meetings with wheelchair accessibility include designated parking spots and safety ramps. Clients can safely maneuver around the facility to participate in AA events.

Wheelchair-Accessible Bathroom: Selected AA centers offer wheelchair-accessible bathrooms for participants. These bathrooms have enough space for a wheelchair to safely navigate, and can include private stalls with guardrails, reachable toilet paper and seat cover dispensers, a wash basin, and other amenities.

Women: California women’s AA meetings are peer support meetings for women who are affected by alcohol addiction. Using a 12-step curriculum, these meetings help women at all stages of alcoholism recovery, offering a safe and productive space for community support. These meetings are available at no charge for women of all ages.

Young People: AA meetings for young people are intended for members in early adulthood, usually in their late teens and twenties. These groups focus on the experiences and issues that young people may face in their recovery.