The Bottom Line Group

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.

Closed: Closed AA meetings in Florida are limited to members of AA or anyone who seeking help and support for alcohol addiction. This creates a safe space for participants to share about their experiences and recovery journeys. Discussions are informal and everyone can participate.

Discussion: AA discussion meetings in Florida are based around one topic designed to spur group conversation. The leader will normally choose the topic from an AA text, such as Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. Once they share a brief reflection, others can participate and add their input.

Living Sober: AA centers may have selected sessions set aside for Living Sober discussions. This text is secular in nature, and focuses on practical ways that members have used to stay sober one day at a time.

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.

Speaker: Florida AA programs often include motivational speakers to inspire clients to maintain sobriety. Speakers mix humor, charm, raw emotions, and faith to get their points across.

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.