Sober Mamas

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 North Carolina, the Big Book is a source of inspiration for AA participants. The Big Book features 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: In North Carolina, AA discussion meetings focus on one specific subject related to alcohol addiction and recovery. Leaders will open by sharing the topic, which often comes from an AA text, such as the Big Book. Then, others can join in and add their own insights.

Newcomer: AA newcomer meetings in North Carolina help people who are unfamiliar with the program learn more about the 12 step recovery model works. These meetings are only open to individuals who are seeking help for alcohol addiction, and may include an overview of Steps 1 through 3.

Open: Open AA meetings in North Carolina allow anyone interested to attend. This helps attendees learn more about AA’s model of recovery and 12 step program model. Individuals seeking help for alcohol addiction are welcome to attend as well as anyone interested in supporting them on their journey.

Step Meeting: AA chapters use step meetings as part of the recovery process in North Carolina. In a step meeting, participants read from Twelve Steps and discuss how the passages relate to their own progress. These lessons can strengthen their resilience.

Wheelchair Access: In North Carolina, AA centers may feature wheelchair access for non-ambulatory clients. Exterior ramps, designated parking spaces, and open floor spaces enable clients to fully participate in AA meetings.

Women: North Carolina women’s AA meetings are peer support meetings for women who are affected by alcohol addiction. Free to attend for all women in the community, including women who are addicted to alcohol and those who have loved ones with alcoholism, these meetings offer community support with the structure of a self-guided 12-step recovery program.