Alcoholics Anonymous, or AA, is a support group that also serves as a recovery program. Members come together to share their experiences and help one another remain sober. The group was founded in the 1930s, and since then it has grown to offer more than 42,000 meetings worldwide.
Participants must follow the 12 steps and traditions of AA to stay in the program and continue with their sober lifestyle. In an increasingly digital world, face-to-face interactions are becoming somewhat rarer.
However, these in-person gatherings are necessary for programs like AA that require members to meet regularly and adhere to strict guidelines for recovery.
If you’re ready to take that next step toward sobriety and join one of the many Alcoholics Anonymous meetings near you, keep reading for more information.
How to Find AA Meetings
If you’re interested in attending AA meetings, you can find listings in your area on the official AA website. You can also call your local AA hotline number and ask for meeting information and schedules. Some meetings are open to the public, while others are closed and reserved for current AA members.
If you’re not sure where to start, try searching online for aa meetings near me and your city or state. You may find that there are AA meetings in places you never would have expected.
You can also look at your state’s Alcoholics Anonymous website or call your local AA hotline number to find the AA meetings nearest you.
Things to Know Before Going to an AA Meeting
Before attending an AA meeting, there are a few things you should know. For one, you don’t have to worry about being pressured to share. If you’re attending your first AA meeting, you may choose not to share at all.
The only requirement is that you attend the meeting regularly. That being said, some things to keep in mind include the following:
– You don’t have to go to the same meeting each week. It’s good to vary the meetings you attend to help reduce the chances of exhaustion or burnout.
– You don’t have to identify as an “alcoholic” to attend these meetings. Anyone wishing to participate in the support group is welcome.
– You don’t have to have a diagnosis of alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence to attend these meetings. Anyone wishing to participate in the support group is welcome.
– When it comes to 12-step programs such as AA, it’s important to remember that what works for one person may not work for you.
Pros of Participating in AA Meetings
The benefits of attending AA meetings are numerous. For one, you’ll gain insight into how other people live with addiction and pursue sobriety. You may also be able to learn from the mistakes of others, which can help you avoid making the same errors.
In addition, you’ll have regular, in-person contact with others who are also working to stay sober. This can help develop your social support network and aid in preventing relapse.
Plus, attending AA meetings is free and you can do it anonymously if you prefer.
Final Words
Attending AA meetings is an excellent way to kick your addiction and foster a more positive outlook on life. However, it’s important to remember that these are just tools, not quick fixes. To see results, you must put in the work.
You must show up, attend regular meetings, and actively participate in the program. You must also actively work on the other aspects of your life that affect your sobriety, such as mental health and self-care.
