100+ AA Meeting Topics

Reviewed by: Dr. Ryan Peterson
Updated on: January 15, 2025

AA stands for Alcoholics Anonymous. It is an internationally renowned fellowship that seeks to bring members together toward one goal - sobriety. AA believes in the 12-Step program for lasting recovery and sobriety.

While many AA members have undergone some kind of rehab or treatment for alcohol use, most members who reach out to AA are not in a crisis - they are showing up in their daily life and responsibilities, but are beginning to notice patterns that are becoming difficult to control.

If this speaks to you, AA provides you with the community and belonging you need to take ownership of your own recovery journey.

In this article, we shall explore AA topics that come up in meetings and those that can be helpful to you in them.

Suggested AA Meeting Topics

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings are based on comprehensive AA-related topics. An extensive topic list that you can use for meetings is as follows:

Sr. No.Topic SuggestionDescription
1The Twelve StepsAA functions on the basis of the 12-Step recovery program. Every week, one step from the Big Book or the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions reading material can be discussed.
2The Twelve TraditionsA follow-up to the Twelve Steps, the Twelve Traditions of AA can also be discussed from the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions or Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age.
3The Twelve Concepts for World ServiceCertain AA meetings will use the fifth week of every month to have a service member shed light on the Twelve Concepts. They can even be read from Twelve Concepts for World Service Illustrated or The AA Service Manual/Twelve Concepts for World Service.
4Readings from AA LiteratureRead from selected AA books like Daily Reflections or As Bill Sees It. These books can also open the door to deeper conversations about AA topics.
5AA SlogansAA slogans like "First Things First," "Live and Let Live," or "H.A.L.T" (Do not go too hungry, angry, lonely, or tired) can be among the AA topics of the day as well.
6Participation and ActionBy participation and action, AA refers to a commitment to attending AA meetings regularly and taking proactive steps toward recovery.
7Belief in a Higher PowerAA believes in submitting to a Higher Power that is greater than oneself to enable recovery. While this has been a topic of criticism in some circles, it can also be a great AA topic for discussion. It can be very eye-opening and enlightening.
8HumilityAA emphasizes humility, as it requires taking a modest view of oneself, overcoming pride, and submitting to a Higher Power on the road to recovery. How to incorporate humility in life can be one of those deep AA topics for discussion.
9HopeRecovery and a sober life come with hope. The Big Book uses the theme of hope often. In fact, it believes that recovery begins when one member can lead another in hope. How to lead one another in hope makes a worthwhile AA meeting subject matter.
10Patience and ToleranceAA considers patience and tolerance crucial to recovery. Recovery is challenging, and patience is mandatory. Tolerance comes with being in a fellowship. This means respecting and caring for others' beliefs and experiences, which provides a safe, understanding platform for recovery. Practicing patience and tolerance can be learned during AA meetings.
11Working With OthersTo achieve sobriety, working with other alcoholics along the journey comes with being part of the AA fellowship. This can be learned during AA meetings.
12HonestyAA believes in rigorous honesty, which is raw honesty. What raw honesty exactly means can be among the topics of AA meetings.
13Open-MindednessOpen-mindedness is considered indispensable, according to the Big Book. The reason being - recovery requires believing, overcoming prejudice, and changing old ways. Being open-minded, therefore, becomes crucial.
14WillingnessWillingness is the mental readiness to do something. This means a willingness to commit to a new way of life. A sober life.
15MeditationAA meetings can be used to learn daily meditations for recovery.
16Living One Day at a TimeRecovery is a long road. While lasting recovery is the goal, it is also crucial to focus on the present and on what to do in the next 24 hours. This topic highlights the baby steps on the long road to recovery.
17Triggers and CravingsUnderstanding personal triggers and managing cravings is essential for maintaining sobriety. This topic can include identifying high-risk situations, emotional triggers, and practical coping strategies to prevent relapse.
18Staying Away From the First DrinkStaying away from the first drink is AA's golden rule. AA believes that if one does not consume the first drink, then they can never get drunk.
19Making AmendsMaking amends is integral to the 12-Step program, as addiction often injures other relationships in life. Making amends goes beyond simply apologizing to taking proactive steps that characterize the new life of recovery.
20ResentmentsAA's 12 Steps provide practical tools for letting go of resentments. This, therefore, can be among the AA meeting subjects.
21Forgiveness (Self and Others)Forgiveness is a powerful step in recovery. Letting go of guilt, shame, and resentment toward oneself and others can foster healing and lasting sobriety. This topic encourages open reflection and personal growth.
22GratitudeGratitude plays a vital role in recovery, helping members shift their focus from what they have lost to what they have gained in sobriety. Speaking about gratitude can encourage members to reflect on positive changes and develop a healthier mindset.
23ServiceAmong the final steps to recovery, it is being of service to others in recovery. How this can be achieved makes for a great AA topic.
24Three Legacies - Recovery, Unity, and ServiceAA can be summed up as recovery, unity, and service. How to carry this legacy every day is a great AA meeting subject matter.
25Ways of Carrying the AA MessageHow to carry the AA message going forward can be learned during regular AA meetings.

 

To explore over a hundred AA topics that can strengthen you in your recovery journey, you can also download NuView's Suggested AA Topics here.

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When It Becomes More Than Manageable Alone

Sometimes, alcohol use can begin to feel harder to control. You might find yourself drinking more than intended or struggling to stop once you start, relying on alcohol to cope with stress or difficult emotions, or trying to cut back but returning to the same patterns.

If this feels familiar, it may benefit you to talk through what this looks like for you and explore your next steps.

How to Choose AA Meeting Topics?

Choosing AA meeting topics can be tricky, as there are so many to pick from - the 12 Steps to the 12 Traditions, and everything in between. So, there are certain things you need to keep in mind. Say you are choosing AA topics for today, you can begin by considering:

- Members: AA meeting topics can make for great AA meeting topics only when they are specific and relevant to the members attending the meeting. So, consider the members attending the meeting before you choose the AA topic of the day. Stop and ask yourself,

  • "What are the topics that the members can relate to?"
  • "What topics can best enable them on their road to recovery and sobriety?"

- Research: While choosing AA meeting topics, research is mandatory. You can reach out to substance use recovery experts to review what can encourage your members to stay sober and incorporate these topics in your AA meetings.

Moreover, you can also use the Internet to research relevant recovery topics. Read articles, listen to podcasts, and so on. This will give you insight into which topics can enable members to stay firm on the path to recovery.

- Design a Structure: AA meetings need to be structured to help members get the most from them:

  • Plan the content and flow well in advance
  • Decide when to open and close the meeting, and dedicate a set time for a topic and other activities. This will help stay on track and keep distractions to a bare minimum.

- Encourage Participation: AA meetings need to have a conducive environment for participation and action. Create a relaxed atmosphere right from the start and ensure that members are comfortable sharing their experiences and stories.

Participation can build trust among members and foster a sense of community and belonging.

- Evaluation: Reflect and evaluate to improve the quality of the AA meetings. You can review how it went and how to improve upon it. To evaluate, ask questions like:

  • "Did members learn something for the better and gain something?"
  • "How can I improve the meeting for next time?"

You can also put the same questions to the participants, collect feedback, and improve upon the meetings.

How to Find the Right AA Meeting Near You?

Finding an AA that is the right one for you can be very easy. You can simply visit the Alcoholics Anonymous website, where you can search for the AA meetings near you. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can choose the AA meetings you wish to attend.

At the NuView Treatment Center, you can easily search for AA meetings by using the AA Meetings Near Me option.

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Taking the Next Step

Recovery does not have to be figured out alone. Whether you are exploring AA topics, participating in meetings, or considering additional care, the next step can simply be gaining clarity.

You can speak with NuView’s licensed and experienced clinical team to understand what this can look like for you and gain clarity on your next step.

If you are exploring structured care, you can also learn more about partial hospitalization programs and intensive outpatient programs that offer both structure and the flexibility to stay connected to your daily life - even as you focus on your recovery.

Take a Moment to Understand Your Options

If you are still figuring things out, you can explore possible next steps - no commitment, just a conversation toward clarity and direction.

Frequently Asked Questions About AA Meeting Topics

Are the topics predefined, or can members suggest them during the session?

Typically, AA meeting topics are predefined. However, AA meetings are also meant to be open and safe for members to suggest topics for the recovery journey.

How long is each topic discussed during a meeting?

Every topic discussed in an AA meeting lasts 15-30 minutes. Some topics can be continued during the next meeting as well. Members are encouraged to participate in the meetings; however, they can also pass if they so choose.

Are there any recurring topics that are revisited in multiple meetings?

Yes, there are recurring topics that are revisited in multiple meetings. These are crucial topics for recovery, sobriety, and relapse prevention. Some topics can be continued as well.

Do the topics discussed vary depending on the type of AA meeting (like open vs. closed meetings)?

AA meeting topics vary depending on whether an AA meeting is open or closed. Open AA meetings are open to all. Therefore, generic topics are chosen. Closed meetings are for members only, so specific topics are chosen.

Are there special topics tailored for sessions that involve family or loved ones of the AA member?

Specific topics are specialized for AA meetings involving members' families or loved ones. These topics can be useful in helping family members or loved ones understand alcoholism and recovery and provide them with the tools to enable their loved ones toward recovery.

  • Suggested AA Meeting Topics
  • How to Choose AA Meeting Topics?
  • How to Find the Right AA Meeting Near You?
  • Taking the Next Step
  • Frequently Asked Questions About AA Meeting Topics

  • Suggested AA Meeting Topics
  • How to Choose AA Meeting Topics?
  • How to Find the Right AA Meeting Near You?
  • Taking the Next Step
  • Frequently Asked Questions About AA Meeting Topics

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