What is AA?
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a support group for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction and is available in cities across the United States. It offers a free program with regular group meetings, providing a supportive environment for recovery. In New Jersey, AA hosts numerous meetings, offering both in-person and online gatherings to accommodate a wide range of needs.
New Providence, New Jersey
Meetings in New Providence, New Jersey, are held at 524 South St, where the New Providence Dawn Patrol takes place. This meeting is typically closed and focuses on step discussions, providing a structured approach to recovery. It is designed for those who are serious about their recovery journey and are looking for a supportive community to share experiences and insights.
For those new to AA, New Providence offers a welcoming environment. Meetings are conducted in English, and attendees can expect a supportive discussion format that encourages personal growth and accountability.
Bogota, New Jersey
In Bogota, New Jersey, the Bogota Sunrise Online Group meets regularly. This closed discussion meeting is held online, making it accessible to a broader audience who may prefer the convenience of virtual participation. The group focuses on providing a supportive environment where participants can share their experiences and receive encouragement from fellow members.
This meeting is designed for those who prefer the comfort and flexibility of online discussions. It maintains a closed format, which means only those who consider themselves alcoholics are invited to participate, ensuring a safe space for deeper sharing.
Voorhees, New Jersey
Voorhees is home to the South Jersey Intergroup Association, located at 1000 White Horse Road, Suite 702. This office serves as a hub for AA meetings and resources in the South Jersey area. Meetings vary in format, including step meetings and open discussions, catering to different recovery needs and preferences.
Voorhees meetings often include a mix of step studies and open discussions, offering a comprehensive approach to recovery. Participants can engage in both personal reflection and group discussion, fostering a sense of community and shared understanding.
The 12 Steps of AA
The 12 Steps of AA are designed to guide individuals through a process of recovery from alcohol addiction. Here is a detailed list of each step, along with a brief explanation:
- We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable. This step involves acknowledging the loss of control over alcohol and recognizing how it affects one’s life. It is a crucial first step toward recovery, as it sets the stage for acknowledging the need for change.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. This step encourages individuals to explore the idea of a higher power and its role in their recovery journey. It is not about religious beliefs but rather about seeking strength and guidance beyond oneself.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. This step involves a commitment to surrender control to a higher power, as understood by the individual. It is a personal decision to trust in forces beyond one’s own abilities.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. This step involves reflecting on personal actions and their consequences, identifying areas for improvement and growth. It is a process of self-examination and honesty.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. Here, individuals share their inventory with a trusted friend, sponsor, or spiritual advisor. This step encourages accountability and transparency.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. This step prepares individuals to let go of personal flaws and seek improvement through spiritual guidance.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. It involves a humble request for spiritual help in overcoming personal flaws.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all. This step involves identifying individuals who have been harmed and preparing to make reparations. It is about taking responsibility for past actions.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Here, individuals take concrete actions to repair relationships damaged by their past behavior, except when it might cause harm.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. This ongoing process involves regularly reflecting on personal actions and acknowledging mistakes as soon as they occur.
- Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out. This step focuses on spiritual growth through prayer and meditation, seeking guidance and the strength to carry out one’s life’s purpose.
- Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics and to practice these principles in all our affairs. This final step involves sharing the recovery experience with others and applying the principles of AA in daily life.
Getting Started with AA in New Jersey, USA
To find AA meetings in New Jersey, one of the best resources is to search for local meetings on wfmh.org. This site provides comprehensive information on both in-person and online/virtual meetings across the state.
Attending Your First Local AA Meeting
When attending your first AA meeting in New Jersey, it’s helpful to understand the different types of meetings available:
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meetings | Open to anyone interested in AA, including those who are not alcoholics. These meetings serve as an introduction to the program. |
| Closed Meetings | Exclusive to those who believe they have a problem with alcohol. These meetings provide a safe space for deeper sharing and personal growth. |
When attending your first meeting, it’s advisable to arrive early and introduce yourself as a newcomer. Sharing your experiences is optional but can be beneficial for building connections within the community.
New members often receive welcome keychain tags to mark milestones in their recovery journey. These milestones are celebrated with specific tags:
- 30 Days: This milestone marks the beginning of the recovery journey and is a significant step toward long-term sobriety.
- 60 Days: This milestone indicates progress and increased stability in recovery.
- 1 Year: Celebrating one year of sobriety is a major achievement and signifies a significant commitment to recovery.
- Multiple Years: Continuing milestones beyond one year reinforce the ongoing commitment to a life of sobriety.
These milestones serve as reminders of progress and help motivate individuals to continue their recovery journey.