AddictionResource aims to present the most accurate, trustworthy, and up-to-date medical content to our readers. Our team does their best for our readers to help them stay informed about vital healthcare decisions. The two men founded the organization Alcoholics Anonymous in 1937 by breaking away from the Oxford Group. Several decades later, the organization has become a global phenomenon, helping millions of people overcome their alcohol dependence. Get you or your loved one help for addiction or mental health issues today.
Your Journey Starts Here
Local community centers, treatment facilities, or hospitals often offer AA meeting schedules or can point you in the right direction. Many treatment programs, such as those offered at 12 South Recovery, integrate AA meetings into their recovery programs and can help you identify the most beneficial meetings. Navigating your sobriety path, it’s easy to lose sight of time. Input your sobriety startingdate, and our Halfway house calculator will accurately display your total sober period up to this moment. This tool isdesigned to provide you with a clear view of your journey’s length, celebrating every step of your commitmentto a sober life. It’s a reminder of the progress you’ve made and the resilience you’ve shown along the way.
- Knowing the different options can help you find the right fit for you and your circumstances.
- Addiction Resource does not offer medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice.
- Over 100,000 weekly meetings are currently listed, and the information is refreshed twice daily.
- With just a few taps, you can find a meeting that fits your schedule and location.
Find AA Meetings By State
AA is free for anyone who wants to attend meetings and participate in the program. Since AA is not a religious organization, membership fees are not required; however, suggested donations can be made to help offset development costs. Robert is our health care professional reviewer of this website.
What Not to Expect From AA Meeting Group
You can also find support groups through your local hospital or community center that would be able to help you get started. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a 12-Step based support group designed to help individuals struggling with alcohol abuse and addiction. Program members meet regularly to share their experiences, provide encouragement to one another, and gain access to knowledgeable mentors. Approximately 1.3 million people participated in AA meetings in the year 2018 alone. Finally, if your search for Alcoholics Anonymous groups fails, reach out to peers who have similar challenges and experiences with alcohol addiction.
Do People Really Remain Anonymous at an AA Meeting?
At the first meeting, a person with drinking problems can sign the AA meeting sheet, attend the proceedings, and consider themselves a member. The program is open to individuals from all walks of life, regardless of age, gender, race, profession, or social status. There are no fees, charges, or financial obligations of any sort to attend meetings.
Tech-savvy folks can also take advantage of mobile applications that provide access to various AA meetings through their mobile devices. These apps contain real-time information where users can easily look up when and where the next AA meeting is happening near them. These apps provide maps, directions, and details about each meeting. Sometimes, enthusiastic and friendly older alcoholics anonymous members may offer support and encouragement and even share their phone numbers with newbies. However, new members are not required to develop friendships outside the AA meeting if this feels inappropriate or uncomfortable. This book, written by founder Bill W, outlines the program’s philosophy.
Ask these friends what groups they usually attend, or consult mental health professionals who are well-versed in this type of recovery effort. Yes, AA meetings provide ongoing support, accountability, and a community, which are critical for maintaining sobriety after treatment for alcohol addiction. To find AA meetings near you, use online tools, mobile apps, and local directories, or ask for recommendations from treatment centers and support networks. While AA meetings are not a replacement for professional treatment for alcohol addiction, they can significantly complement treatment plans. AA provides ongoing support, accountability, and a sense of community, which is crucial to maintaining long-term sobriety.
- The schedule is usually flexible, and the group leader decides topics for AA meetings depending on the most pressing need of the attendees.
- In addition, letters of reference are typically not provided for parole officers, courts, lawyers, and social agencies.
- Alcoholics who are still drinking but have a strong desire to quit are encouraged to attend.
- Finally, if your search for Alcoholics Anonymous groups fails, reach out to peers who have similar challenges and experiences with alcohol addiction.
How Do You Find AA?
Cross-talk is discouraged, and each member is given a chance to share their individual experience uninterrupted. In addition, members can share their experiences without fear of judgment — the group leader moderates the discussion about preventing it from going off track. The person leading the group chooses a topic for an AA meeting and leads the discussion based on their personal experiences. Members are encouraged to discuss their drinking-related problems and any issues related to recovery.
Sobriety in AA: Since getting sober, I have hope
Find an AA meeting near you and start making a difference—both in your life and in the lives of others. It is important to note that AA meetings do not make medical diagnoses or offer detox and alcohol addiction treatment advice. The meetings also do not provide housing, jobs, food, or clothing to recovering alcoholics and do not help financially with any accumulated debts. In addition, letters of reference are typically not provided for parole officers, courts, lawyers, and social agencies. However, individual groups may choose to cooperate and provide proof of attendance at AA meetings.