San Fernando AA Group on South Brand

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.