Introduction
When it comes to AA meeting topics, there's a lot of conversation to be had. From sharing experiences to learning coping strategies, everything discussed in meetings is an opportunity to grow and get closer to the goal of recovery from substance use. What's important is to know which AA topics are acceptable and how to choose the right ones so that everyone feels safe and comfortable in their own space.
Suggested AA Meeting Topics
| Sr. No. |
Topic Suggestion |
Description |
| 1 |
The Twelve Steps |
Discuss and share experience on one Step each week. |
| 2 |
The Twelve Traditions |
Discuss how the Traditions help AA groups and members. |
| 3 |
The Twelve Concepts |
Share experience of how Concepts help AA services. |
| 4 |
Readings from AA Literature |
Read and discuss selections from AA books. |
| 5 |
AA Slogans |
Discuss meaning and application of sayings like Easy Does It. |
| 6 |
Acceptance |
Share about accepting what we cannot change. |
| 7 |
Attitude of Gratitude |
Discuss the importance of gratitude in sobriety. |
| 8 |
Belief in a Higher Power |
Share experience finding and relying on a Higher Power. |
| 9 |
Complacency |
Discuss dangers of becoming overconfident in sobriety. |
| 10 |
Contempt Prior to Investigation |
Talk about importance of open-mindedness. |
| 11 |
Dependence |
Share on reliance on HP rather than self-will. |
| 12 |
Fear |
Discuss fears faced in sobriety and how to overcome them. |
| 13 |
Forgiveness |
Share experience on forgiving self and others. |
| 14 |
Freedom Through Sobriety |
Discuss gifts and growth sobriety brings. |
| 15 |
Group Inventory |
Assess how group is doing - positives and needed improvements. |
| 16 |
Hope |
Share where we find hope and how it helps recovery. |
| 17 |
Humility |
Discuss role humility plays in ongoing sobriety. |
| 18 |
Identification |
Share how we identify with each other in AA. |
| 19 |
Inadequacy |
Talk about how sobriety helps us overcome inadequacy. |
| 20 |
Inventory |
Share experience on doing self-inventory. |
| 21 |
Letting Go of Anger |
Discuss how to healthily let go of anger. |
| 22 |
Live and Let Live |
Share how this attitude helps sobriety and life. |
| 23 |
Living One Day at a Time |
Talk about importance of living in the present. |
| 24 |
Making Amends |
Discuss making amends - challenges and blessings. |
| 25 |
Meditation |
Share meditation practices and how it helps recovery. |
| 26 |
Open-Mindedness |
Discuss importance of open-mindedness in sobriety. |
| 27 |
Participation and Action |
Share how active participation in AA aids recovery. |
| 28 |
Patience and Tolerance |
Talk about developing patience for self and others. |
| 29 |
Personal Spiritual Experience |
Share spiritual insights and growth in sobriety. |
| 30 |
Plan the Action, Not the Result |
Discuss focusing on actions we can take, not outcomes. |
⬇️ Download Handy Guide to Suggested AA Topics
Choosing AA Meeting Topics
If you're wondering how to choose the right AA meeting topic, keep a few key points in mind. Remember that most AA meetings start with successful beginner meetings by the organization. Here's what can help:
Tip 1: Consider Your Audience
The topics you choose for your AA meetings should be specialized to the specific needs of your audience. Ask yourself questions like:
- What experiences can my members relate to?
- How can I best help them to stay sober?
Tip 2: Research Popular Resources
Do some research online to find out what other AA members have found to be successful meeting topics. This could include reading through recovery blogs, attending other meetings, or speaking with substance use recovery professionals. You can review what encourages people to stay sober and incorporate those topics into your meetings.
Tip 3: Design a Structure for Your Meeting
When structuring your AA meeting, it's important to plan the content and flow of the discussion ahead of time. Consider how long each topic should take when to open and close the meeting for discussion, and what activities should be included.
Tip 4: Encourage Participation
Creating a relaxed atmosphere in your meeting will encourage more participation from members. Make sure people feel comfortable sharing their stories without judgment or criticism.
This can help build trust among members and create a safe space for them to discuss their experiences. It's a place where faith meets science, and participation is essential to get the most out of a meeting.
Tip 5: Evaluate Your Meetings
Finally, take the time after each meeting to review how it went. Ask yourself questions like:
- Did everyone have an opportunity to share?
- Did members gain something from the discussion?
- How can I improve the meeting for next time?
By taking the time to evaluate your meetings, you'll be able to understand better what works and make adjustments accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Topics Predefined, or Can Members Suggest Them During the Session?
AA meetings provide a safe and respectful environment where members can propose topics and openly discuss their recovery journey, offering mutual support, insight, comfort, and strength to one another.
How Long Is Each Topic Discussed During a Meeting?
Discussion lengths for each topic at meetings can vary based on group interest and participation, usually lasting 15-30 minutes. Members may speak or pass as they choose, and some topics might be continued at the next meeting.
Are There Any Recurring Topics That Are Revisited in Multiple Meetings?
Certain topics, especially those crucial for sobriety like relapse prevention, stress management, and relationship maintenance, are often revisited in multiple meetings to reinforce recovery commitments.
Do the Topics Discussed Vary Depending on the Type of AA Meeting (Like Open vs. Closed Meetings)?
AA meeting topics differ by type; open meetings welcome all, focusing on general issues, while closed meetings are for members only, discussing deeper sobriety insights.
Are There Special Topics Tailored for Sessions That Involve Family or Loved Ones of the AA Member?
Yes, special topics are often specialized for AA meetings involving the member’s family or loved ones. These meetings can be an opportunity to help family members and friends better understand substance use and recovery and provide them with tips and tools to support their loved ones during their journey. It’s important that these sessions also allow members to express their needs and feelings so that they can be better understood by the people close to them.
Written By
Dr Ryan Peterson