How to Find an Alcoholics Anonymous Group

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is worldwide organization for people battling with alcoholism. AA meetings can be found in nearly every community. Admitting you are an alcoholic and finding the support you need to be sober is never easy. An AA meeting is made up of current and recovering alcoholics whose similar experiences help you on the road to recovery.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Ask your medical provider, counselor or minister for information about a local Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.
2. Search for local groups on the Alcoholics Anonymous Website. The site contains state-by-state listings of AA meetings.
3. Stop making excuses. AA meetings occur everyday of the week and at various hours that are sure to meet your schedule requirements.
4. Find an AA meeting that you feel the most comfortable with. Groups vary from smoking, non-smoking, open, closed, men only, women only, young people and gay. Ask what type of meeting it is while you look for a group. It is easier to keep attending meetings if it suits your lifestyle.
5. Visit an AA meeting and see if you feel comfortable with the group. You do not have to speak at the meeting and you won't be asked to pay anything. The only requirement is that you are actively seeking to stop drinking.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that you have a right to privacy. You are only asked for your first name during the AA meeting. Anything else you share is entirely up to you.
• The effects of alcoholism are felt by everyone involved in the alcoholic's life. Support groups like Al-Anon or Alateen are available for family members who lived with and suffer through the effects of alcoholism
• Alcoholics often suffer from mental disorders such as depression or anxiety. Communicate with your medical provider, counselor or minister if you need additional medical care.
• Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are conducted with an understanding of confidentiality within the group. AA is operated in an atmosphere of trust. Confirm with your group leader what confidentiality rules apply to your group.