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Readings & Formats

Everything a CEA-HOW meeting reads aloud, in one place — the core program readings plus the meeting-format scripts that guide each meeting. Use the readings below to prepare, to lead, or simply to reflect between meetings.

Meeting Readings

These are the readings shared at CEA-HOW meetings. The Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, the CEA-HOW Concept, and the Seven Tools are read at every registered meeting.

All Program Readings

The complete collection of CEA-HOW readings on one page.

The Twelve Steps

Our program of recovery, one Step at a time.

The Twelve Traditions

The principles that keep our groups and fellowship whole.

The CEA-HOW Concept

The disciplined approach at the heart of the HOW way of life.

The Seven Tools

The practical tools we use to stay abstinent, one day at a time.

Prayers

The prayers used to open, close, and center our meetings.

Closing Readings

The readings that bring each meeting to a close.

Meeting-Format Scripts

Different meetings follow different formats. Each format has its own script that the leader reads to open and guide the meeting.

The official CEA-HOW meeting-format scripts are published and maintained by the CEA-HOW World Service Office. A downloadable format library will be available here soon. In the meantime, current scripts and formats can be obtained through CEA-HOW literature.
  • How It Works

    The foundational reading-and-discussion format for a HOW meeting.

  • Big Book Study

    A meeting that reads and studies the Big Book together, page by page.

  • As Bill Sees It

    A topic meeting built around short daily readings and shared reflection.

  • Speaker / Pitch

    A speaker shares their experience, strength, and hope with the group.

  • Steps & Traditions

    A study meeting working through the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.

  • Maintenance

    A format focused on sustaining abstinence and long-term recovery.

This list is representative. For the complete, official set of meeting-format scripts, see CEA-HOW literature below.

Need Printed Literature?

Books, booklets, and format scripts can be ordered for your group or for yourself. Place an order through our literature service.

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