I’m aware that there isn’t always a single site that gathers the meeting locations for all groups, making attendance rather challenging and hazardous to one’s recovery. As a response to the dearth of 12-step meetings in many locations, we give instructions on how to establish your own meeting and report it to the founding organization so that it may be listed in its directory. Valuable organization-wide information will be provided to newly established groups, and those in need of assistance will also benefit.

We provide this to you at no cost. We hope that with your help, we can reach our objective.

“Many have overcome an apparently hopeless mental condition.”

Alcoholics Anonymous, or AA, is a fellowship of men and women who battle with alcohol misuse and/or addiction and aspire to stay clean. The majority of 12-Step programs are patterned after AA. AA is a nonprofessional, nondenominational organization with no political affiliations. It is costless to join. Organizations are self-sufficient and receive no external financing.

In our opinion, twelve-step groups are secure. These areas are drug- and alcohol-free. People are surrounded by other members with comparable issues who have the same objective of sustained recovery and abstinence. These meetings may give people with a network of sober acquaintances, friends, and peers who can relate, sympathize, comprehend, and share personal experiences in ways that others not in recovery may not be able to as readily.

There are 12 step specialized groups for teenagers, the elderly, LGBT persons, men alone, women only, and those with co-occurring mental health conditions.

Regularly attending a 12-step meeting results in the provision of emotional support from others who have conquered their addictions and provide counsel based on their own experiences and expertise.

Meetings normally last between one and two hours, and membership is available to anybody with alcoholism who want to remain abstinent over the long term. No preparation is necessary for people to attend a meeting; they only need to turn up. Individuals are welcome to attend as many different group sessions as they choose, and attendance is kept anonymous.

Locating a 12 step meeting or group close to you. 

Seeking an anonymous group meeting such as CA (Cocaine Anonymous), NA (Narcotics Anonymous), or AA (Alcoholics Anonymous), many individuals in recovery use internet resources such as 12 Step National Meetings or even the websites of the parent organizations CA, AA, or NA.

Many anonymous organizations known as 12 step groups often have their meetings in hospitals, small office buildings, outdoor parks (when the weather permits), and churches, with churches likely topping the list. 12 step groups are comprised of folks in recovery who form a peer support group and assist one another.

The purpose of the group and each person is to abstain from alcohol, drugs, sex, or other addictive substances or behaviors and to practice the new steps, which prevent relapse. Spiritual in nature, the membership of support groups is not affiliated with any one sect, church, or denomination. The members seek a greater power, starting with the group as a whole.

The 12 steps incorporate new sober goals by including a change in the individual’s views and behaviors. 

Others have categorized these activities as:

a) Trusting a higher power (finding strength from someplace else) 

b) Cleansing house (personal inventory of wrongdoings) and 

c) Collaborating with others (losing selfishness).

Twelve Step Meeting Formats Described

From beginning to end, this list represents one of many possible 12-step meeting formats. This arrangement has several modifications dependent on each group, though. In general, each 12 step meeting follows some of the requirements listed below for participation.

Generic greeting and introduction
The group leader requests a moment of silence, then leads a 12-step prayer.
Guidelines for meetings, including their purpose, transparency, and members’ confidentiality.
At AA meetings, readings are taken from any of the organization’s many recognized works of literature.
Members will introduce themselves by first name only. Anonymity is crucial.
The group leader introduces himself/herself and a visitor to speak to the group.
Participation to offer brief remarks or answers on issues previously discussed The business segment of meetings includes any group-related announcements.
Each organization is sponsored by its own voluntary donations. (Typically $1).
Members finish group sessions by saying a prayer in unison. (Provides strength)

A fellowship is a 12 step group that encourages members to get acquainted through their shared difficulties and life experiences. In this procedure, refreshments such as coffee, tea, doughnuts, cookies, etc. may be offered before to the meeting, during group discussions, or after the meeting has concluded. In order to promote the group’s camaraderie, members may volunteer to serve as greeters inside or outside the meeting location, coffee chefs (prepare coffee), or donation basket coordinators (passing the bucket). Some members, after a certain period of sobriety (which varies from group to group), accept leadership responsibilities by becoming a group’s chairman, treasurer, secretary, or group representative in bigger locations where several meetings of the same organization are conducted.

Members in recovery with significant sobriety (months or years) assist new members of the group by serving as a sponsor. A sponsor is suggested in a group to give encouragement, provide support, and discuss particular issues pertaining to content not comprehended in the required reading. Although some make more of this particular volunteer position, each group should adhere to its own criteria. There are a number of advantages to having a sponsor, including in-person or telephone support, the ability to discuss difficulties, and the elimination of loneliness, which prevents relapse-inducing triggers. By consistent contact and everyday conversation, lifelong relationships may develop with sponsors from among the members.

12 Specific Styles of Meetings

Generally, there are two sorts of meetings: closed and open.

At an open meeting, everyone is welcome to attend. This may include friends, relatives, or anybody interested in learning more about the meeting’s objective and expectations.

At a closed meeting, attendance is restricted to those who identify as seeking or sustaining recovery from substance misuse. The primary goal of a private meeting is to provide a secure environment for participants to discuss personal experiences, situations, and sufferings relating to their drug usage while maintaining confidentiality within the group.

In addition, Alcoholics Anonymous describes the following forms that occur within the closed and open types of 12 step meetings:

Novice or beginner’s meetings

These meetings are conducted by a long-term member who has been sober for an extended amount of time. They may follow a conversation style while concentrating on the first three of the 12 Steps, or they may be more question-and-answer oriented.

Meetings with presentations or speakers

Members who have been clean for a minimum amount of time may be selected in advance to relate their previous experiences and how going through “The Program” (AA’s 12 Steps and Traditions) has helped them achieve where they are now. Often, these sessions are open to the public.

Discussion or topical gatherings

As is typical, the meeting’s leader will choose a subject for discussion during the meeting. These meetings may be public or private.

Literary or book meetings

At the meeting, readings from one of these organization-approved texts (in AA, Alcoholics Anonymous or 12 Steps & 12 Traditions) are shared and discussed. Typically, these sessions occur in rotation as the Steps or Traditions are worked through. People may use workbooks and textbooks during meetings and as homework.

Engagement or service gatherings

These may be informational sessions about service possibilities within the organization or reporting on the group’s service activity.

Group stocktaking meetings

Members assess if the organization is meeting its mission and operating properly.

AA Grapevine gatherings

AA Grapevine, the organization’s worldwide publication, provides the basis for group discussions.

Group corporate meetings

Often, these sessions are for members active in the group’s business operations. Moreover, they may include the group in the election of officials and other group business requirements.