AA Meeting Topics

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is one of the most well-known groups available to people in recovery from substance use disorders and their family members. For many people, attending their first AA meeting is a brave step toward sobriety. Engaging with AA and participating in meeting discussions is an important part of the ongoing effort to achieve sobriety.

Studies show that support groups are beneficial in helping people stay sober, among other benefits. Still, it can be nerve-wracking to attend without knowing what to expect.

Learning about the types of AA meetings and standard anonymous meeting topics can help you feel more confident. This page will address what you need to know about attending AA for the first time and meeting topics you may encounter in AA.

Keep reading to learn more about AA meeting topics and their role at Icarus Recovery Center as part of our aftercare planning and client support offerings!

There are two main types of Alcoholics Anonymous meetings: open and closed.

Open meetings are available to anyone interested in Alcoholics Anonymous’s path to recovery. This includes both people with alcoholism and those without it who wish to learn and observe. Essentially, anyone can show up to an open meeting. Closed meetings are reserved for AA members or those with a drinking problem who want to recover.

Alcoholics Anonymous meetings can take place online or in person. Online meetings involve the same content and structure as in-person meetings do. If you meet online, you’ll join via video chat. In-person meetings may occur at churches, community centers, office buildings, and other spaces. AA groups often meet in a variety of community locations and sometimes within a treatment facility, providing accessible support for those seeking recovery. Most AA meetings follow a consistent format, which helps attendees feel comfortable and know what to expect.

While it is common to feel overwhelmed by the thought of attending your first meeting, newcomers are welcomed graciously.

Just like in media depictions, many AA meetings in Santa Fe, or anywhere else for that matter, start with introductions. You don’t need to share anything you aren’t comfortable with. While some say, “I’m _**, and I’m an alcoholic,” many people simply introduce themselves by their first name. You’ll introduce yourself at every meeting you attend. For newcomers in early recovery, this initial phase can feel overwhelming, as early recovery often comes with unique challenges and the need to build new coping skills and routines.

Don’t worry if you don’t know about the program, spirituality, sponsorship, or any of the slogans you hear, people will explain them to you gradually when the time is right.

Most AA meetings end with the Serenity Prayer or a moment of silence. However, you don’t have to be religious to attend AA. While spiritual awakening can be a part of the process for many people, each member is encouraged to find their own understanding of a Higher Power. Sharing a personal spiritual experience can also be meaningful in meetings, helping others connect and find insight.

There are also four main types of meeting formats you’ll find in AA.

Each meeting format used in AA has a marked purpose. The type of meeting you attend may influence what to expect. Alcoholics anonymous meeting topics are carefully chosen to support recovery, foster meaningful conversations, and align with the 12-step process. Here are the four main types of AA meetings you’ll come across.

• Beginners: Beginner’s meetings are exactly what they sound like. While a beginner’s meeting can follow a discussion format or focus on the twelve steps, they are designed to welcome new members. Typically, a beginner’s meeting is led by someone who has been sober and involved in AA long-term.
• Discussion: Discussion meetings may focus on assorted topics, some of which are derived from literature. Common alcoholics anonymous meeting topics include coping mechanisms, personal growth, and challenges in sobriety. Like beginner’s meetings, discussion meetings are led by a group member. Rigorous honesty is valued, though some topics are off-limits.
• Speaker: In speaker meetings, AA meeting attendees listen to pre-determined members talk about their personal stories and journey to sobriety, including where they started and how they got to where they are now in overcoming addiction. These meetings are also important for encouraging members to share their experiences and actively participate in the recovery process. Typically, these are “open” meetings.
• Step, tradition, or big book: Many groups devote one or more meetings per week to studying each of the twelve steps (some discuss two or three steps at a time). Alternatively, a group may follow this format but focus on Big Book or the Twelve Traditions. Some groups regularly read aloud from the Big Book or Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions to start each meeting. Recovery is viewed as an ongoing process, and these meetings often reflect the continuous effort and commitment required for lasting sobriety.

AA slogans are often used as an AA meeting topic to inspire discussion. Examples include “live and let live,” “one day at a time,” “HALT” (which serves as a reminder to check in with oneself during hard moments and reflect on if they’re Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired), “progress, not perfection” (which encourages focusing on the process, not the result), or “living life on life’s terms.”

“Living life on life’s terms” means accepting and navigating the inevitable challenges, changes, and losses that come with real life, without resorting to numbing behaviors. It emphasizes facing circumstances authentically, often with spiritual or community support, as an integral part of recovery and personal growth.

Achieving balance is a recurring theme in AA slogans and discussions, highlighting the importance of finding a happy medium in relationships, emotional well-being, and maintaining a healthy, sober lifestyle.

Various pieces of literature can serve as AA meeting topics. However, all literature must be approved to ensure that it aligns with AA principles. Not all AA literature is conference-approved. Group leaders will confirm that books are appropriate and conference-approved before using them as meeting prompts.

Examples of important AA literature topics include “The Family Afterward,” which discusses rebuilding family relationships during recovery, and “Contempt Prior to Investigation,” which encourages open-mindedness and discourages premature judgment. AA literature often highlights the valuable lessons that recovery has taught its members, such as patience, letting go of control, and developing resilience.

The Importance of Community in AA

The sense of community found in Alcoholics Anonymous is one of its most powerful assets. AA meetings provide a supportive environment where individuals on the recovery journey can come together, share their stories, and find understanding among peers who have faced similar struggles. This collective support is vital for maintaining sobriety, as it creates a network of encouragement and accountability that can make all the difference during challenging times.

The recovery community within AA fosters personal growth by offering a safe space to express feelings, seek advice, and celebrate milestones. By participating in AA meetings, individuals become part of a group that genuinely cares about their well-being and success, reinforcing the idea that no one has to face alcohol addiction alone. The community aspect of Alcoholics Anonymous is not just a backdrop; it is a cornerstone of the recovery process, helping members build resilience and confidence as they work toward lasting change.

The Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, personal stories, and pieces of literature are all common anonymous meeting topics discussed in AA. These themes are selected not only to provide structure but also for the purpose of encouraging members to share their experiences, reflect, and actively participate in their recovery journey. Sometimes, groups will focus on one or several steps or traditions at a time if they intend to go over steps and traditions.

In this instance, you may spend the meeting gaining a greater understanding of the step or tradition and, potentially, share how you understand or relate to it.