West Ashley

Types of AA Meetings

11th Step Meditation: 11th Step Meditation is a spiritual-based stage in which members individually and collectively pray for greater strength to correct weaknesses and to make amends for injuries inflicted on others due to alcohol use disorder.

Big Book: In South Carolina, clients enrolled in AA programs often discuss the Big Book. This anthology contains dozens of stories about real people who overcame alcohol use disorder and can inspire clients to do the same.

Closed: In South Carolina, closed AA meetings are only accessible to AA members and anyone seeking help for a drinking problem. They are not open to the general public. The discussions are informal and all participants are invited to share their reflections and experiences.

Discussion: In South Carolina, AA discussion meetings provide the opportunity for members to share their personal reflections on a specific topic related to alcoholism and recovery. This topic usually ties back to an AA text, such as AA Grapevine or the Big Book. Leaders will open with their own insights and then encourage others to speak.

Literature: South Carolina literature-led AA meetings are support meetings for people who are impacted by alcohol addiction, including those suffering from alcohol addiction and those who have loved ones addicted to alcohol. As part of a 12-step addiction recovery program, these community meetings are free to attend and are based on the Big Book of AA and other literature by AA founders and leaders.

Newcomer: AA newcomer meetings in South Carolina are open to individuals who are just starting in the program and want to understand more about it. These discussions usually include a general overview of the first three steps in the 12 step recovery model.

Open: Open AA meetings in South Carolina are available to anyone in the community. They are not limited to members only, which gives the public the opportunity to learn more about the organization and its unique 12 step recovery program. Members can share their stories and experiences while non-members can listen and observe.

Speaker: Speakers encourage AA members to maintain sobriety through humor, charm, reason, faith, and emotions. In South Carolina, AA centers often invite speakers to motivate their members.

Step Meeting: In South Carolina, AA centers feature step meetings as part of the 12 Step Program. Participants use AA literature as a basis for recovery, compare their experience to the texts, and converse about ways to improve themselves for future steps.

Wheelchair Access: Non-ambulatory clients in South Carolina may still fully participate in AA meetings. The center may have designated parking spaces and wheelchair access through exterior ramps and open floor spaces.

Women: South Carolina women’s AA meetings are peer support meetings for women who are impacted by alcohol addiction - those who are suffering from alcoholism and those who have loved ones who are addicted to alcohol. Welcoming women of all ages in the community, these meetings follow a 12-step recovery program and are free to attend.