Locating AA Meetings in Tucson Arizona
Alcoholics Anonymous meetings provide support for those who want to stop or have stopped drinking. If you’re interested in attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, you likely want to learn more about AA meetings in Tucson and how to find Alcoholics Anonymous meetings near you.
So, what is AA, and how can you find AA meetings in Tucson, AZ? Keep reading to find the answers to your questions and learn when other treatment options might make sense as well.
About Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous meetings have been around since 1935. Most often called AA, Alcoholics Anonymous uses a group of spiritual principles called the twelve steps. Though it isn’t for everyone, the AA recovery program has helped many people and is lifesaving for some.
The only requirement necessary to attend AA is the desire to stop drinking. It’s free to go to AA meetings, and there are different types of Alcoholics Anonymous meetings you can attend.
What are the Types of AA Meetings?
When you look for an AA meeting in Tucson AZ or anywhere else, you’ll notice that there are two primary types of AA meetings. These include closed groups and open groups. Closed meetings are for AA members only, and they’re for those who either have a drinking problem or a desire to stop drinking.
On the other hand, an open meeting or group will welcome anyone interested in the AA program. Open meetings don’t require that you’re a member and are open to people who aren’t alcoholics but wish to observe the group.
How To Find AA Meetings in Tucson
There are a number of ways to find an AA group in Tucson, AZ and other areas in the US. Here are three ways to look for AA meetings in Tucson, AZ.
1. Use a comprehensive directory
Directories can help you find the type of AA meeting you’re looking for. On the AA Tucson website, you can view the calendar or Archives: Meetings page to learn about upcoming meetings in or near Tucson, AZ.
A directory should list the region where the group meets (e.g., Midtown Tucson, Northwest Marana Oro Valley, or East, Northeast Tucson), as well as the specific location and time. For example, Eastside meeting place at noon.
You can also go to aa.org/find-aa to find an AA group anywhere in North America.
2. Searching the web for AA
Whether you’re in Arizona or elsewhere, a quick web search can help you find AA meetings near you. Often, you’ll find an AA group easily if you search for terms like “AA meetings in Tucson, AZ” or “AA meeting near me.”
3. Use the meeting guide app
AA now has a meeting guide app. The app can help you find a group and will display the location, time, format, and meeting name. Learn more about the app and download it here: https://www.aa.org/meeting-guide-app
Before You Attend Your First AA Meeting
What should you expect when you attend your first alcoholic’s Anonymous meeting?
In Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, members discuss alcohol has affected their lives. The literature used in AA is often referred to as “the Big Book,” but it’s actually titled “Alcoholics Anonymous.” As discussed, people in AA typically follow a twelve-step program. You’ll find the twelve steps used in AA in chapter five of the Big Book. Many people attend AA voluntarily, though some attend via court order.
Before you attend a meeting, make sure to check on whether or not the meeting you opt for is a closed or open meeting, as well as anything else you’d like to know (e.g., questions about wheelchair access or where the group meets). Sometimes, a group will meet in person, whereas others connect online. If you’re in a remote area or otherwise have trouble making it to an in-person meeting, you can opt for an online meeting option.
Most of all, before you attend AA, take a deep breath and remember that it’s meant to be a safe space. The same is true if you choose to reach out for help in another capacity. Recovery is possible, and there’s strength in having a support system.
AA Meetings: Benefits And Drawbacks
AA membership is open to anybody who wants to achieve sobriety from alcohol. There are benefits and drawbacks to AA, and at the end of the day, what it comes down to is that everybody’s different. Some people need more support than AA can provide initially and find that it’s best to go or return after treatment. Others are ready for AA without treatment.
Benefits of AA
- It’s financially accessible. AA is free of cost, making it accessible for people working toward sobriety who may not have other options.
- You can start any time. If you look for an open meeting option, you can drop into a meeting whenever you want.
- Various meeting options are available. This is true both for time (e.g, 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM, or 8:00 PM) and location.
Drawbacks of AA
AA is not rehab and doesn’t provide the same level of detox, supervision, accountability, or general care seen in a rehab program. Another possible drawback is that the approach AA uses doesn’t align with everyone’s needs.
If you feel that AA is a good fit for you, it can be incredibly beneficial in recovery. However, it’s okay if you need more support first or feel that another option is most ideal for you.
For those in Tucson who need medical detox and inpatient rehab for alcohol, Best Rehabs In Arizona presents a reliable and accredited destination.
Effective Treatment For Alcohol Use Disorders
Treatment for alcohol use disorder looks different for everyone and can be a highly valuable experience. Recovery from alcoholism can include various steps or types of support. Here are some options for you to explore.
Medical Detox for Alcohol
Detox is there to help you withdraw from substances like alcohol safely. It is not the same as rehab, but it is common to attend detox prior to entering an inpatient or outpatient rehab program.
Inpatient alcohol treatment
Inpatient treatment is just what it sounds like. When you attend inpatient treatment, you sleep, eat, and live at a treatment facility for the duration of your treatment. You will also attend therapy sessions and engage in other helpful activities, such as creating a relapse prevention plan and preparing for sober life outside of treatment.
Outpatient treatment
Outpatient treatment might be a person’s first step to recovery, or it might be something you step down to after inpatient or residential treatment. Outpatient programs offer substantial support while allowing you to live at home and engage in daily life activities.
Therapy
Working with a mental health professional for talk therapy is highly recommended for those who can access it, and therapy helps many people overcome addiction. Though therapy is a part of the treatment process in inpatient, outpatient, and partial hospitalization programs, it’s often valuable to work with a therapist after treatment as well.
Support groups (beyond AA)
AA is great, but again, the program doesn’t align with everyone. Outside of Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, there’s a range of other free support groups you may find valuable in helping you stay sober. You can find groups for specific demographics, groups with different philosophies, and so on.
Find Your Path to Sobriety in Tucson Now
It’s relatively easy to find an AA meeting in Tucson. AA meetings are great for those who find them helpful in their path to overcoming addiction, but they aren’t for everyone. If AA isn’t right for you, it’s okay, and there are other ways to take on recovery.
Most importantly, many people benefit from or require a higher level of care before beginning the 12-step process. Consider inpatient or outpatient treatment services to help you through the recovery process.
Best Rehabs In Arizona is an addiction and dual diagnosis treatment center with locations in both Arizona and Colorado that will help you with a solid foundation for lasting recovery.
To learn more about our programs of recovery, call our Admissions staff for a confidential consultaton. We are available 24/7 and will help with insurance verification and questions about our services. Let Best Rehabs In Arizona be the stepping stone you need to sober success, whether with the 12-steps or any other sober support network, reach out today to get started with a new way of life!