The Daily 83-87

Types of AA Meetings

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.

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.

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.

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.

Step Meeting: California offers step programs as part of AA services. In a step meeting, members converse their stage in the 12 Step program, connect their progress with AA texts, and map out their expected future goals throughout the 12 Step Program.

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.