Finding AA Meetings in California
California offers a comprehensive network of Alcoholics Anonymous meetings across 720 cities, providing crucial support for individuals seeking recovery from alcohol addiction. With 20,666meetings available throughout the state, people from all backgrounds and communities can find local support groups that meet their specific needs and schedules.
Meeting Types Available in California
AA meetings in California include various formats designed to support different aspects of recovery:
Open Meetings
Welcome family members, friends, and anyone interested in learning about A.A. These meetings help reduce stigma and educate the community about addiction recovery.
Closed Meetings
Exclusively for individuals with a desire to stop drinking, providing a safe space for personal sharing and intimate discussions about recovery challenges.
Speaker Meetings
Feature members sharing their personal recovery stories of "experience, strength, and hope," inspiring newcomers and providing relatable testimonials.
Step Study Groups
Focus on detailed exploration of the 12 Steps, providing structured learning about A.A.'s core principles and their practical application in daily recovery.
Major Cities with AA Support in California
Los Angeles, California's most active AA community, hosts 1,237 meetings. Other major cities include San Diego, San Francisco, Fresno, and more, each offering multiple weekly meetings to support recovery at every stage.
Getting Started with AA in California
First-Time Attendees
Newcomers to AA in California are welcomed at any meeting. No advance registration is required, and you don't need to speak or identify yourself beyond your first name. Many meetings have newcomer packets with helpful information about the program.
Meeting Schedules and Accessibility
Meetings throughout California are scheduled at various times to accommodate different work schedules and life circumstances. Many locations offer wheelchair accessibility, and some provide childcare or are located near public transportation.
Online and Hybrid Options
Many AA groups in California now offer online meetings or hybrid formats, making recovery support accessible regardless of location, transportation challenges, or health considerations.
Recovery is possible, and California's AA community is here to support your journey. Whether you're taking your first step toward sobriety or maintaining long-term recovery, you'll find welcoming AA groups and meetings throughout the state ready to share their experience, strength, and hope.
Getting to AA Meetings in California
Whether you're traveling to California for the first time or a longtime resident seeking support, understanding your transportation options can help you access the AA meetings you need. Below is comprehensive information about reaching meetings across the state.
Planning Your Journey to AA Meetings
When traveling to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in California, call ahead to confirm meeting times, verify the address, and get directions. Many AA groups warmly welcome newcomers, first-timers, and out-of-town visitors. If lack of transportation is preventing you from attending meetings, reach out to local AA groups via the AA hotline—many members volunteer to give free rides to people in early recovery, or can connect you with Zoom meetings and online AA meetings.