East Cooper Sunrise

Types of AA Meetings

As Bill Sees It: As Bill Sees It is a collection of essays and reflections from AA’s founder, Bill W., about the organization and its purpose. The book is often referenced in AA meetings to encourage members to individually and collectively discuss their recovery.

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.

Daily Reflections: Daily Reflections is an AA text that compiles insight, experience, and encouragement from various members. Selected contents may be topics of discussions in AA meetings. Members can also adapt reflections into their daily activities.

Digital Basket: AA chapters may have a digital basket, which is a virtual collections plate for members to donate funds to pay for the chapter’s expenses. The virtual basket may accept various online payment services, such as PayPal, Google Pay, Stripe, and Venmo.

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.

Living Sober: AA centers may have selected sessions set aside for Living Sober discussions. This text is secular in nature, and focuses on practical ways that members have used to stay sober one day at a time.

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.

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.