Find Alcoholics Anonymous by Location

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings are free, peer-led support groups where individuals recovering from alcoholism come together to share their stories, strength, and hope. Founded in 1935 by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith, AA operates on a non-professional, anonymous basis using the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.

1. Open to all: Open meetings welcome members, newcomers, family, friends, and observers.
2. Variety of formats: Speaker, Big Book study, Step study, discussion, beginner, or topic-based.
3. No dues or fees: Sustained entirely by voluntary member contributions.
   Anonymous and confidential: First names only; everything shared stays in the room.

Meetings typically last 60–90 minutes and are held daily in over 100,000 groups across all 50 states.

AA is for anyone whose life has been affected by alcohol, including:

1. People struggling with problematic drinking or alcohol use disorder.
2. Individuals in early sobriety seeking structure and fellowship.
3. Long-term sober members maintaining recovery through service and connection.
4. Spouses, partners, parents, or friends (open meetings only).
5. Healthcare providers, students, or anyone interested in understanding recovery.

You do not need to be sober to attend—AA meets you wherever you are in your journey.

AA’s recovery program is built on the Twelve Steps, a practical, step-by-step process that helps members achieve and maintain sobriety through honesty, accountability, and spiritual growth (not tied to any religion).

Members work the steps with a sponsor—an experienced sober member who provides one-on-one guidance. The process involves:

1. Acknowledging powerlessness over alcohol and recognizing the need for help.
2. Building trust in a Higher Power, as each person understands it.
3. Self-examination through personal inventory and admitting one’s mistakes.
4. Making amends for past harms to restore relationships and integrity
5. Continuing growth through daily reflection, prayer or meditation, and helping others.

The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. The program is lifelong, with progress measured one day at a time.

Regular meeting attendance is a cornerstone of long-term sobriety. While AA does not claim to be the only way, discontinuing meetings can increase the risk of relapse by:

1. Breaking routine accountability: No weekly check-ins with peers who understand the struggle.
2. Eroding connection: Loss of the supportive “home group” and fellowship.
3. Fading program awareness: Less reinforcement of the Twelve Steps in daily life.
   
4. Heightened vulnerability: Greater exposure to triggers without immediate support or tools.

AA’s saying holds true for many: “Meeting makers make it.” The door is always open—return anytime, no questions asked.