A Way Out for Women

Types of AA Meetings

12 Steps & 12 Traditions: South Dakota's AA programs, built upon the research-backed 12 steps and traditions, create a welcoming space for individuals who are seeking recovery. With regular meetings led by peers and mentors, everyone can find the support they need.

Big Book: Clients in South Dakota AA programs often find inspiration in the Big Book. This collection of stories feature the lives of real people who overcame alcohol use disorder.

Child-Friendly: Child-friendly AA meetings allow each member to bring up to one child to the meeting, with the expectation that the discussion will not feature experiences or language that are inappropriate for the child. Formal childcare may not be available, but the member can watch over her child while participating in the discussion.

Discussion: AA discussion meetings in South Dakota provide a specific addiction-related topic for group members to discuss and reflect upon. Leaders often derive this topic from an AA text, such as Daily Reflections or the Big Book. Once they open with their initial thoughts, others are welcome to share their input.

LGBTQ: Selected AA chapters focus on providing a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community, and generally welcome LGBTQ+ allies. These groups prioritize members’ recovery and sobriety within a non-heteronormative context.

Literature: South Dakota 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. These meetings are open to all at no cost to attend. They use literature written by AA founders and leaders, including the Big Book of AA, to guide a 12-step recovery program.

Open: Open AA meetings in South Dakota aren’t restricted to members only. Anyone from the local community is invited to attend to learn more about AA and its 12 step program. This includes individuals seeking help for alcohol addiction as well as anyone who wants to support them on their recovery journey.

Speaker: South Dakota AA centers may invite speakers to address their members. Speakers mix humor with reason, faith, and raw emotions to inspire listeners to harden their resolve against alcohol.

Step Meeting: South Dakota’s 12 Step Program often consists of step meetings. Here, participants discuss how their experience has aligned with AA texts, and discuss ways on how to make their resilience stronger by the next meeting.

Wheelchair Access: South Dakota’s AA centers may feature wheelchair access for non-ambulatory clients. The facility may have designated parking and exterior ramps, along with open floor plans to access meeting halls, restrooms, and amenities.

Women: South Dakota 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 are guided by a 12-step addiction recovery program and have no cost to attend.