Meetings are one of the keys to success in recovery, and the day will come when it’s up to you to run one — no secretary, no printed materials, no one else stepping up. This app gives you everything you need to open, run, and close a meeting like an old-timer.
There are as many ways to run a meeting as there are alcoholics in recovery. What follows is one solid format, with enough variations and suggestions to suit most groups and most occasions. Use it as written, adapt it with highlights and notes, or just keep it close for when you need it.
Another dose of recovery, delivered for another day’s sobriety.
Long-press any paragraph to highlight or add a note.
Page numbers are from print editions, not e-book editions.
Important: very private subjects (sex details and politics) are better suited for private discussion. Any actual criminal activity should not be discussed outside of legal and clerical settings.
A.A. has a language all its own — most learned in context during meetings. Here are some thoughts on the meanings of things you may hear. Not all-encompassing, just a start.
AAWS does not link directly to meetings, but you can reach A.A. Intergroups in your area from the list below.
This app comes from Ray’s own writing during his sobriety. It includes word-smithing things heard in meetings and formats he has used. Most importantly it has been greatly improved with the generous help of his friends in sobriety and their friends who not only pointed out mistakes but also made valuable additions to the content.
The quoted text is almost entirely from the book Alcoholics Anonymous, copyright text attributed to the author with the required disclaimer.
Ray has been sober for over three decades practicing the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous. He has traveled the world both in the U.S. Navy and as a civilian. Since retiring, he and his bride have traveled the United States seeing the National Parks and Forests and each of the lower forty-eight states. For the immediate future, they reside in Italy. In all of his travels he has attended AA meetings — they are remarkably similar: the steps, sponsorship and service creating a path to recovery.
Cover art by Akemi Rogers.
How it works: Export saves a .json file to your device. Store it somewhere safe — iCloud, Google Drive, or email it to yourself. If you ever clear browser history or reinstall, use Import to restore everything.
This app gives you everything you need to open, run, and close an AA meeting from your phone or tablet. Here is a tour of each section.
The Home screen is your main menu. It lists all readings, the meeting format, reference materials, and links. Tap any item to open it.
All readings are on the Home screen. Long-press any paragraph to highlight or add a note — it will appear in your Saved tab.
Page references organized by topic. Page numbers are from print editions.
Can be used as a starting point for a meeting or as a backup when a topic isn’t coming to mind.
A.A. terms explained in plain language — from 7th Tradition to substantial unanimity, plus Rule 62. Long-press any definition to highlight or annotate it.
All your highlights and notes appear here on a single line each. Tap a row to jump to the paragraph, topic, term, or index entry where it appears. Tap ✕ to remove an item. The Clear All buttons at the bottom remove highlights or notes in bulk.
At the bottom of the Saved tab, two buttons appear once you have highlights: Clear All Highlights removes every highlight and note; Clear All Notes removes only the note text while keeping highlight colors. Both ask for confirmation before acting.
Your data lives on this device only — there is no cloud sync. Use Export (Record ⋮ menu) to save a .json backup file. Store it in iCloud, Google Drive, or email it to yourself. Use Import to restore everything after clearing browser data or switching devices.
Add e-Pocket Meeting to your home screen for offline access and a full-screen experience. Follow the steps for your device below.