Arlington Group

Types of AA Meetings

12 Steps & 12 Traditions: Florida's AA programs offer a lifeline of support through the 12 Steps and Traditions, helping individuals find lasting sobriety. Meetings provide a welcoming environment for all seeking recovery and fostering feelings of hope and community.

Big Book: The Big Book is a collection of stories from men and women who overcame alcohol use disorder. The Big Book is often a center of discussion in many Florida AA meetings.

Candlelight: Candlelight AA meetings are sessions in which members bring candles, usually white, that represent their hopes and goals. When each member shares, that member lights their candles as they discuss their challenges and successes.

Closed: Closed AA meetings in Florida are limited to members of AA or anyone who seeking help and support for alcohol addiction. This creates a safe space for participants to share about their experiences and recovery journeys. Discussions are informal and everyone can participate.

Discussion: AA discussion meetings in Florida are based around one topic designed to spur group conversation. The leader will normally choose the topic from an AA text, such as Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. Once they share a brief reflection, others can participate and add their input.

Newcomer: AA newcomer meetings in Florida help individuals who are new to AA understand more about how the program works and what the 12 step recovery model includes. Leaders may allow open discussions or follow a more structured format centered on the first three steps.

Smoking Permitted: Select AA chapters may allow permit smoking during the meeting or have a designated space for smoking in accordance with the facility’s policy and local ordinances. Smoking may include other tobacco usage and vaping.

Speaker: Florida AA programs often include motivational speakers to inspire clients to maintain sobriety. Speakers mix humor, charm, raw emotions, and faith to get their points across.

Step Meeting: AA members in Florida often schedule step meetings in their programs. In these meetings, members read from texts like Twelve Steps, talk about their level of progress, and strategize for greater improvement for their next meeting.