Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are typically between 60 and 90 minutes long. There are several different types of meetings that are held, each with specific focuses and routines. One of which is discussion meetings. In this meeting format, a topic related to sobriety is introduced and members discuss it as a group. It’s a great opportunity for new and old members alike to hear different perspectives and gain new insights from peers at varying stages of their recovery journey.
Discussion Meets and other AA Meetings Formats
There are five main Alcoholics Anonymous meeting formats: discussion, speaker, literature-based, meditation, and beginner. The type being held will largely shape how that week’s meeting will function (though they will all begin and end the same way, usually starting with the Serenity Prayer and other readings).
Discussion meetings are exactly what they sound like. A topic is shared with the group, and all members can discuss and add their two cents. Meditation meetings, on the other hand, may involve some or all of the time having the group partake in silent meditation.
Speaker meetings are perhaps the most iconic of peer-based support groups. These are when a member shares their story; how they ended up at AA, what made them decide to quit using drugs or drinking, and how they’re faring. Sometimes the floor will be opened up afterward for discussion, but not always. A similar meeting format is the round-robin sharing where the entire group can talk about their personal experiences and respond to one another’s personal divulgences.
Meetings that revolve heavily around the 12 Steps are literature meetings. These discussions are based on AA literature such as The Big Book or the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. This is the type of meeting that would go over what a step means and how to work it.
Lastly are the beginner meetings, which are geared towards (but not limited to) newcomers. They usually cover steps one, two, or three which mark the foundational approach for working the twelve steps.
Who can attend discussion meetings?
There are several nuances that can affect how AA discussion meetings are conducted. These meetings can be open (OD) or closed (CD). Open meetings are open to anyone interested in attending—including new members and non-alcoholics (though they may be asked to refrain from sharing). Closed meetings, on the other hand, are intended only for alcoholics and prospective members.
Look at a group’s meeting schedule to find out whether the meeting is open or not (most are readily available online).
AA Topics for Discussion Meetings
No topic is off-limits. Typically, they are related to at least one of the guiding principles of AA and may refer to specific steps, traditions, principles, or even prayers. General ideas of topics for AA open discussion meetings, per the AA website, include:
1. Acceptance
2. Attitude of gratitude
3. Belief in a Higher Power
4. Complacency
5. Contempt prior to investigation
6. Dependence
7. Fear
8. Forgiveness
9. Freedom through sobriety
10. Group inventory
11. Hope
12. Humility
13. Identification
14. Inadequacy
15. Inventory
16. Letting go of anger
17. Let’s be friendly with our friends
18. Living one day at a time
19. Making amends
20. Meditation
21. Open-mindedness
22. Participation and action
23. Patience and tolerance
24. Personal spiritual experience and spiritual awakening
25. Plan the action—not the result
26. Practice these principles in all our affairs
27. Principles before personalities
28. Resentments
29. Responsibility declaration
30. Rigorous honesty
31. Serenity
32. Service
33. Sponsorship
34. Staying away from the first drink
35. Surrender
36. Three Legacies—Recovery, Unity, and Service
37. Twelfth Stepping
38. Understanding Anonymity
39. Ways of carrying the A.A. message
40. What is sobriety
41. Willingness
42. Working with others
If you are part of a specialized AA group, such as one for LGBTQ members, or members of a particular faith, you may find some topics to be more pertinent than others.
Other things to know about discussion meetings
Just as with any other gathering of Alcoholics Anonymous, sharing is completely optional. Do not worry that you will be forced to chime in or otherwise divulge anything about yourself. There’s a lot that can be gained from AA meetings just from listening.
If you’re a newcomer, it’s advisable to attend one of the meetings that are tailored for AA newbies. This will give you a better overview of what Alcoholics Anonymous is and how it works. Whichever type of meeting you first attend, keep in mind that if you didn’t like this particular meeting format, there might be a different one that resonates with you later on. It may take a few tries to see if a particular group is a fit. Find a local AA group near you today.
