Alano Club of Escondido

Types of AA Meetings

12 Steps & 12 Traditions: California's AA programs provide a foundation for lasting sobriety through the 12 Steps and Traditions programs. AA meetings offer a supportive community and welcome all individuals seeking recovery all while offering guidance and understanding along the way.

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.

LGBTQ: Selected AA chapters focus on providing a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community, and generally welcome LGBTQ+ allies. These groups prioritize members’ recovery and sobriety within a non-heteronormative context.

Native American: Native American AA groups generally consist of members who identify with an American Indian/Alaskan Native group, and topics reflect challenges and issues facing that group’s recovery. Meetings may be held in that group’s language and include traditional healing practices along with standard AA methods.

Newcomer: AA newcomer meetings in California introduce the concept of the program to individuals in early recovery from alcohol addiction. These discussions help them acclimate to the community and learn the fundamentals of AA’s 12 step model.

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.

Speaker: AA speakers often blend humor, faith, charm, and raw emotions before audiences. In California, speakers can effectively motivate listeners to harden their resolve against alcohol.

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.

Wheelchair Access: In California, AA meetings with wheelchair accessibility include designated parking spots and safety ramps. Clients can safely maneuver around the facility to participate in AA events.

Women: California women’s AA meetings are peer support meetings for women who are affected by alcohol addiction. Using a 12-step curriculum, these meetings help women at all stages of alcoholism recovery, offering a safe and productive space for community support. These meetings are available at no charge for women of all ages.

Young People: AA meetings for young people are intended for members in early adulthood, usually in their late teens and twenties. These groups focus on the experiences and issues that young people may face in their recovery.