What is AA?
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a support group designed for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. It is a free and voluntary program that provides a community where members can share their experiences, strength, and hope to recover from alcoholism. AA meetings are widely available across cities in the United States, including many locations throughout South Carolina, supported by the World Forum for Mental Health.
In South Carolina, regular group meetings are held both in-person and virtually, offering accessible support to all those seeking recovery in the state. These meetings typically follow a structured format emphasizing fellowship, anonymity, and the principles outlined in AA’s 12-step program.
1827 Reynolds Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29405
Meeting times: Monday through Friday, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm; Saturday, 9:30 am – 1:00 pm.
Meeting details: This location serves as the Tricounty Intergroup Office (TCIO), providing information about AA, literature, and schedules for local AA meetings covering Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties. Meetings include both in-person gatherings and virtual Zoom sessions. Members new to AA can contact a 24-hour answering service for support at 843-723-9633.
20 Spanish Horse Lane, Garage Behind Mobile Home, Bluffton, SC
Meeting times: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm.
Meeting details: This location hosts several types of meetings including Spanish-speaking sessions. Monday meetings focus on Literature and the 12 Steps, Wednesday features Open Meeting Discussions, and Friday meetings are Closed and Discussion-based. All meetings are non-smoking, creating a comfortable environment for attendees.
Multiple Locations Across South Carolina (See wfmh.org)
Meeting times: Varies by location and day.
Meeting details: Through the website wfmh.org, members can find extensive listings of both in-person and virtual AA meetings throughout South Carolina. Meeting types include Open and Closed Meetings, Big Book Study meetings, and 12-Step Meetings, ensuring a variety of support options for different member needs and preferences.
The 12 Steps of AA
- We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable. This step encourages members to acknowledge their addiction and its impact on their daily lives.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. This introduces the concept of hope and faith in recovery beyond personal effort.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. Members commit themselves to trust in this higher power to guide their recovery.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. This encourages an honest self-examination of past behaviors and attitudes.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. This step involves confession and sharing to aid accountability.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. Preparing for change and letting go of negative traits is the focus here.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. This is a prayerful request for personal transformation.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all. Members prepare to repair relationships damaged by addiction.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. This step involves taking action to reconcile with those affected.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. Maintaining ongoing awareness and correction of behavior is emphasized.
- Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will and the power to carry that out. This sustains spiritual growth and guidance.
- Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics and to practice these principles in all our affairs. Members commit to helping others and living by AA principles daily.
Getting Started with AA in South Carolina, USA
The best way to find local Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in South Carolina is to visit wfmh.org. The website offers a comprehensive, searchable database of both in-person and virtual meetings across the state, ensuring easy access no matter your location.
Many South Carolina locations provide both in-person meetings that foster community and support through face-to-face interaction, as well as online meetings for those who prefer or require virtual participation due to mobility, privacy, or convenience.
Attending Your First Local AA Meeting
When attending your first AA meeting in South Carolina, it is important to understand the difference between open and closed meetings:
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meeting | Anyone is welcome to attend, including non-alcoholics such as friends, family, and supporters. These meetings often include speakers sharing their experiences. |
| Closed Meeting | Reserved exclusively for members who identify as having a drinking problem. These private meetings promote confidentiality and a focused environment for members. |
If attending your first meeting, it is advisable to arrive early and introduce yourself as a new member. Participation in sharing experiences is encouraged but not mandatory; you may listen until you feel comfortable speaking.
New members are often welcomed with keychain tags that mark sobriety milestones. These tags serve as symbols of encouragement and motivation.
- 30 days: Celebrating one month of sobriety, symbolizing early commitment and hope.
- 60 days: Recognizing continued effort and increased stability in recovery.
- 1 year: Representing a full year of sobriety, a significant achievement encouraging ongoing dedication.
- Additional milestones include 18 months, 2 years, and beyond, each reflecting sustained recovery progress.