45 AA Meeting Topics to Jumpstart Dialogue

Suggestions on Meeting Topics for Alcoholics Anonymous

My alcoholism left me broken and searching for a higher purpose in life. When I began the recovery process, I didn’t know what to expect. I was afraid every day that I would relapse and fall back into my old ways. Maintaining sobriety is difficult, to say the least, but when you put in the work you will be rewarded.

One of the most important lessons I learned after my stay at Icarus in Nevada is that sobriety is an ongoing process. Some addicts might think that once you leave rehab, you are cured. While there is no ‘cure’ for your alcohol addiction, Alcoholics Anonymous is a great place to begin your recovery journey.

But what are the ‘good’ AA meeting topics to get discussions flowing?

Whether this is your first time leading a meeting in AA, and you need topics, or you are well seasoned and just need some inspiration, our resource has you covered with 45 solid topics for AA meetings. Don’t overthink it, just select one and get started with a productive dialogue now!

What To Expect From An AA Meeting

I didn’t begin to develop healthy coping mechanisms and healthy relationships until I began attending AA. I was very nervous when I went to that first meeting. What are we going to talk about? What kind of AA meeting topics are we going to get into?

First and foremost, an AA meeting is a safe space for people to speak openly and honestly about addiction.

AA Meeting Topics from My Days as a Newcomer

There are many topics that might be touched upon in AA. Coping mechanisms, developing a positive mindset, and seeking strength in a higher power are a few of the main discussion points. But that’s not all. The Twelve Step program is often a topic, either primarily or an underlying premise, that will be addressed during AA meetings in Vegas, or anywhere else. Question and answer sessions are also common for beginners.

Other solid conversation-starting topics in AA, particular for beginners, include:

• Unreasonable Expectations
• Having Fun Sober
• Economic Insecurity
• Humility
• Surrender
• Tolerance
• Attitude
• Character and Character Defects
• Honesty
• Open Mindedness
• Willingness
• To Thine Own Self be True
• The First Drink (or Drug)
• The Last Drunk (or High)
• The Turning Point.

These discussions can go many places, but the focus should revolve around you and your addition. Despite my nerves, I started opening up more and more with each AA meeting I attended. Because of my time at Icarus Behavioral Health, I learned the importance of meetings when it comes to keeping my alcoholism under control.

Think you’re ready to take that ‘first step?’ Keep reading to learn what to expect from AA discussion meetings.

What Are Some of My Favorite Discussion Topics?

In my experience going to AA meetings, one of the primary topics that comes up the most is the concept of emotional sobriety. Physical sobriety is simple enough. It’s the act of simply not drinking. Your emotional sobriety makes all the difference in whether you take that step or not. Developing the tools to manage your emotions can help prevent you from making the decision to drink.

All discussion in AA are productive as long as you are committed and honest. My favorite discussion topics include managing expectations, achieving balance, and cultivating patience. I’ve found a lot of comfort in discussing my emotional balance and self care. And just remember: You are chasing a happy medium in recovery, not perfection.

Rigorous honesty is another cornerstone of AA very much that I enjoy. Rigorous honesty simply means that you are completely open and honest about every aspect of your life. When you are as open as you can possibly be, you are freeing yourself from guilt and opening yourself up to self-improvement.

Types Of Discussion Meetings – Which Works For You?

There are a couple of different versions of an AA meeting, and many possible Alcoholics Anonymous meeting topics (really almost an infinite number I’d say!) There are closed meetings and open meetings. Open meetings are available to anyone interested in joining.

Whether you are newly sober or still struggling to stay sober, open meetings are a space for anybody to come in and learn about the recovery process.

Closed meetings are a bit more intimate and are for AA members only. Online meetings have also become popular recently for those who can’t join an in-person meeting. No matter what type of meeting you attend, most AA meetings follow a similar structure.

Not sure which to try first? Do a little research. Ask around. The easiest place to start is to attend an open meeting. That’s what I did, and I’m forever grateful for making that first move. We all understand that opening up to strangers is tough. But when you go to any type of AA meeting, there is zero judgment.

Meeting Topics from the Recovery Process Toolbox

We all have aspects of AA that perhaps speak to us more than others. In other words, we all have our favorites. I recognize that any and all discussion in an AA meeting is positive, but I have my favorites. The one discussion point that always stuck with me is the concept of justified anger. This is a very important tool that plays into your emotional sobriety.

We all have moments in our lives when we get angry or bothered by something. Sometimes we are justified in our anger, other times we aren’t. Even if you feel like your anger is justified, it probably isn’t going to serve you. We all find reasons to justify our anger, but we often don’t think about how it affects us in a negative way.

Other recovery tool type meetings topics include:

• Making Amends
• Taking Sobriety One Day At A Time
• Getting A Sponsor/Being A Sponsor
• Recognizing Self-Centeredness
• The Courage To Change
• Peace Of Mind
• Inner Peace and Spiritual Ideals
• A Profound Shift in Outlook
• Contempt Prior to Investigation
• Self-Esteem
• The Doctor’s Opinion
• What is a Spiritual Malady?
• Finding Joy
• Friends and Friendship
• Amends and Direct Amends.

The Serenity Prayer Offers Multiple Meeting Topics for AA

The Serenity Prayer is another staple in every AA meeting. It’s a very simple message: Accept what you cannot change, have the courage to change what you can, and use your wisdom to recognize the difference.

In other words, it’s difficult sometimes to know what you can and cannot change. Some things may be obvious while others require a bit more thought.

I’ve been in active recovery for a couple of years now, and I still have moments where I have to stop and think about what I can and can’t change. It can be difficult to accept some of the things we can’t change, but it’s vital to the process.

You may have family members who are addicted. You want to help them change, but at the end of the day, it is their decision. It’s important to accept that, no matter how painful it might be.

Your Recovery Journey Is Your Own. Not Anyone Else’s.

Although a lot of us addicts and alcoholics behave the same way and have to tackle a lot of the same issues, everyone’s addiction is unique in some way. What works for one person might not work for someone else. In my case, my personal growth is what keeps me going. I try to learn and grow as much as I can each day.

The primary purpose of AA is to carry the message to those who are suffering. It sounds straightforward, but as you’ve seen so far, there are a lot of variables at play. Recovery isn’t always easy. What is easy is falling into self-pity or ignoring your emotional well-being. Recovery takes work and isn’t something you achieve overnight or in one meeting.

Taking personal inventory is important. It might be one of the later steps in AA, but it’s basically just another way of being self-aware and honest. The topics that speak to this include:

• Admitting Your Mistakes
• Acceptance
• Leaving Nothing Left Unsaid
• Changing Your Outlook
• Carrying The Message
• Spiritual Awakening
• The Twelve Traditions
• the Fourth Dimension
• Small Stuff (and Worrying About Details)
• Stop Digging
• Self Compassion
• Self Forgiveness
• Vigilance
• Change and Changing People
• The Recovery Process.

These are just a sampling of topics, and you are always free to add your own suggestions. Some types of discussions may be easier for some than others. Just remember that as long as you are actively trying, any AA discussion can make a huge difference.

Maintaining Sobriety – Keep Your Eyes On The Prize

Anyone can get sober. I stress that to every addict I meet in recovery. You might not think you have the power or the means, but there is always help available. I’ve never been in a more supportive environment than the one I found in the recovery community. The twelve steps aren’t always easy, but they are made easier by all the wonderful people you will meet in recovery.

When I arrived at Icarus Behavioral Health, the first step was what led to me staying the course. I knew I was powerless against alcohol, but I had all the faith in the world in my recovery team at Icarus. They set me up for success, and I took advantage of that opportunity.

If you are ready to live a sober life, there are most likely plenty of AA meeting options in your area. Make your meetings matter, share and take part actively, and see what the Fellowship can do for you!