Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a support group for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. It is a free program with regular group meetings available across the United States, including New Jersey — more information is available at https://www.wfmh.org/aa/new-jersey. AA meetings provide a safe space for people to share their experiences, receive support, and work towards recovery.
What is AA?
AA is a fellowship of men and women who share their experiences, strength, and hope with each other to solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The program is based on the 12 Steps, which guide members through a process of personal change. AA meetings are held in various locations throughout New Jersey, offering both in-person and online participation options.
White Horse Road
1000 White Horse Road, Suite 702, Voorhees, NJ 08043
This location serves as the South Jersey Intergroup Association office, offering literature sales and information about meetings in the area. The office provides resources for those seeking AA meetings in South Jersey. Meetings in this region include the Highnooners Zoom Step Meeting and Vineland Nooners, which are typically held at noon.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Beach Haven, NJ 08008
At this location, the Awakenings Group holds meetings, which are open and literature-based. These meetings focus on discussing AA literature and sharing personal experiences. The Awakenings Group meets online at 7:00 AM and is known for its open format, welcoming newcomers.
Social Hall
482 Social Hall, Pennsauken, NJ
Here, a Step Meeting is conducted, focusing on the 12 Steps program of AA. This meeting is designed for those who wish to delve deeper into the recovery process through the steps. The meeting is held at noon and is part of the Pennsauken community’s efforts to support recovery.
The 12 Steps of AA
The 12 Steps of AA are designed to guide members toward positive change and recovery. Here is a detailed overview of each step:
- Admit Powerlessness
This step involves acknowledging one’s inability to control alcohol use and recognizing the problem as unmanageable. Members accept that they are powerless over alcohol and that their lives have become unmanageable. This acknowledgment is crucial for beginning the recovery journey. - Believe in a Higher Power
Members come to believe that a power greater than themselves can restore them to sanity. This step encourages individuals to seek a spiritual awakening and to trust in a higher power that can help them recover. - Make a Decision
This step involves making a decision to turn one’s will and life over to a higher power. It requires a commitment to surrender control and trust in the guidance of a higher power. - Take a Personal Inventory
Members conduct a thorough and fearless personal inventory. This involves examining one’s life, actions, and motivations to identify areas for improvement and to understand how past behaviors have affected themselves and others. - Admit Wrongs
This step involves admitting to oneself, to another human being, and to a higher power the exact nature of one’s wrongs. Members share their personal inventory with another person, which helps build trust and accountability. - Be Prepared for Change
Members are entirely ready to have a higher power remove all these defects of character. This step prepares individuals for the changes needed to overcome personal flaws and weaknesses. - Ask for Help
This step involves asking a higher power to remove these shortcomings. Members humbly seek help from a higher power to overcome their defects and to improve their character. - Make Amends List
Members make a list of all persons they have harmed and become willing to make amends to them all. This step prepares individuals to take responsibility for their actions and to make amends to those they have harmed. - Make Amends
This step involves making direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Members take action to repair relationships and make restitution for past wrongs. - Continue Personal Growth
Members continue to take personal inventory and promptly admit when they are wrong. This ongoing process helps individuals maintain their growth and recovery by regularly examining their actions and motivations. - Seek Spiritual Growth
This step involves seeking through prayer and meditation to improve one’s conscious contact with a higher power. Members cultivate a deeper spiritual connection through prayer and meditation to guide their recovery. - Carry the Message
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, members try to carry this message to others. This final step encourages individuals to share their experiences with others to help them recover from alcoholism.
Getting Started with AA in New Jersey, USA
To find local AA meetings in New Jersey, visit wfmh.org. This resource provides a comprehensive listing of meetings across different locations, including both in-person and virtual options.
Attending Your First Local AA Meeting
When attending your first AA meeting, it’s helpful to arrive early and introduce yourself as a new member. You can share your experiences if you feel comfortable doing so. Upon attending meetings, you may receive welcome keychain tags marking milestones in your recovery journey.
Here are some common milestones and their descriptions:
- 30 Days – This milestone celebrates a month of sobriety and serves as a reminder of the progress made in early recovery.
- 60 Days – Marking two months of sobriety, this milestone acknowledges continued dedication to recovery.
- 1 Year – Celebrating a year of sobriety, this milestone signifies a significant achievement in one’s recovery journey.
- 5 Years, 10 Years, etc. – These milestones commemorate multiple years of sobriety, reflecting long-term commitment to recovery.
AA meetings can be either open or closed:
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meetings | Open to anyone interested in AA, including family and friends of AA members. These meetings are a good starting point for those curious about the program. |
| Closed Meetings | Restricted to members and those who have a desire to stop drinking. These meetings provide a confidential space for individuals to share their personal struggles and experiences. |
Whether attending an open or closed meeting, newcomers are encouraged to share their experiences if they feel comfortable doing so. The supportive environment of AA meetings helps individuals feel welcomed and motivated on their path to recovery.